Overview & Reviews

Toyota is a Japanese brand whose refined, well-designed vehicles have earned it a great deal of popularity. Toyotas also have a superb record for reliability and durability, which goes a long way toward justifying their typically high purchase prices. For buyers who plan on owning their new vehicles for a long time, the Toyota marque is a very compelling choice.

The automaker's name is a variation of the surname of its founder, Kiichiro Toyoda. After years of research, Toyoda unveiled his first prototype, the A1, in 1935, marking the birth of the Toyota Motor Corporation. The '40s witnessed the launch of additional passenger cars and even a pickup. By the end of the decade, the automaker had produced more than 100,000 vehicles.

Toyota grew bigger in the '50s and expanded its roster with a slew of new small cars. The company also unveiled the utilitarian BJ truck; this vehicle was the precursor to the Land Cruiser. By the end of the decade, Toyota had commenced exports to the U.S. with the establishment of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. The first Toyota to be sold on American shores was the Crown; it held the distinction of being the first Japanese car to be sold Stateside.

The '60s witnessed even more growth for the emerging juggernaut. Toyota introduced the Corolla, an immensely popular model that is still in production today. Vehicles like the home-market Publica, the 2000GT, Hiace and Miniace were also launched. The decade closed with Toyota reporting annual domestic sales of 1 million units; cumulative exports also reached 1 million.

Japanese-market cars like the Carina, Light Ace and Publica Starlet were launched during the 1970s. In the States, the Corolla grew in popularity and the Corona and Mk II models debuted as well. The successful Celica sports coupe was also rolled out and would remain in production for more than 30 years. Toyota's shadow had spread far beyond Japan by this point. The decade's oil crisis had made the manufacturer's compact, fuel-efficient models more popular than ever in the United States. By the time the '70s drew to a close, the automaker had exported more than 10 million vehicles.

Toyota expanded its presence in the U.S. market during the '80s, with the introduction of popular models like the 4Runner SUV and the MR2 sports car. The true high point of these years, though, was the birth of the Toyota Camry sedan. Originally known as the Celica Camry in Japan, the car went on to be a hit of phenomenal proportions, earning kudos as America's best-selling car of the year time and time again.

During the '90s, Toyota rolled out the Avalon full-size sedan and expanded its selection of SUVs with the compact RAV4. By the end of the decade, more than 100 million Toyota vehicles had been produced in Japan. The company also proved itself on the cutting edge of new technology with the rollout of the Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid. The car debuted in Japan in 1997; by 2001, the fuel-sipping sedan had made its way to American highways. Despite the presence of a growing number of competitors in its segment, the Prius continues to boast class-leading sales.

Toyota's current lineup is relatively extensive, including minivans, cars, trucks and SUVs. The brand remains extremely popular among savvy consumers who place a high value on quality and dependability.

User Reviews:

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  Great truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By JG - October 13 - 11:53 am

  Had an Â’03 Double Cab and totaled it in an accident. The truck saved our lives and bought the Â’05 because I believe that ToyotaÂ’s are built to last. The larger interior is awesome and the truck is so comfortable to drive; rides like a luxury car. No complaints about this truck and enjoy driving it everyday.

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  I love my ECHO!!!! - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By catoesgirl420 - October 13 - 10:00 am

  this is a fun little car to drive. My parents helped me purchise mine as a "going to college" car.

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  REVIEW - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By steve - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Overrated. Molding and interior is separating from vehicle. 4 cyl is not adequate for a vehicle of this size.

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  2008 Toyota Avalon XLS - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Tim Phillips - October 13 - 7:12 am

  Still a Great dependable car

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  Great value for pre-owned car. - 2012 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jennifer Zackary - October 12 - 9:08 pm

  Like new.

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  Type S - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Sleddog - October 12 - 2:33 pm

  Good little car. Mileage around 33mpg on a combination city/highway driving

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  Smooth Ride - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By VAMan - October 12 - 10:50 am

  Ive had the car for more than a year and have enjoyed everything about it.

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  I Love This Car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By M Boury - October 12 - 6:43 am

  This is my first Toyota, let alone a hybrid. I read everything I could to see if I would even consider it and decided to take the plunge. Am I ever glad I did! The man who went over the cars features explained that speeding up and coasting would be the best way to save fuel. Well see about that, but in the meantime I am having the time of my life in my new "Toy."

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  Great reliable vehicle with a good price - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By mshw777 - October 12 - 6:00 am

  This is the 2nd Toyota Ive purchased in 7 years because of my wonderful experience with our 98 4Runner (which we stil own). Reliability and value drove us to buy another Toyota - glad we did! The 05 Highlander w/4cyl is very smooth and responsive. Gas mileage is a bit off (20/25) as compared to the sticker (22/27) but its still new. Comfort is outstanding; 3rd row is very nice to have. Overall, a smooth and reliable vehicle... no regrets. Pricing was very good for what I got...

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  One Year Later - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By slyonEI - October 11 - 9:36 pm

  Ive had my truck one year now. Some marks have dropped a bit I am sure. The 4 cyl w/ the 4x4 and extended cab is adequate most of the time. The only time I notice it bogging out is on the highway going up a big hill. If youre going 70 mph prepare to drop to fourth to maintain 60 mph. Mixed feelings on the traction control; it, along with the abs seem to do more harm than good. Dont be afraid to turn it off (in the right circumstances that can be a lot of fun). Fuel economy is pretty good (~23 mpg. Lot of city driving). Excellent in the 50-60 mph range (keep the revs under 2k). My Buddy just bought a ranger, Im shaking my head at the "deal" he got vs what hell spend in gas. Shes a tank.