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 little car - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Jo Anne Berg - April 20 - 9:40 am

  My Toyota Prius has far exceeded my expectations as a reliable, clean, economical car to drive. We had ours specially equipped with all the extras, and find it to be extremely comfortable even on very long trips. We are a family of four and find the car also has plenty of room for us. It makes us happy to think we are doing our part to help our planet. No regrets.

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  Fun, Fun, Fun - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By chris - April 20 - 1:10 am

  Wasnt looking to buy a car until I drove this one. Had 34K and runs like it is new. This is a great little car. Bought a luggage rack for traveling. I looked at the 03, 04 and 05 on the net and I like the 02 the best. Great car to get past that mid-life crisis. BTW, the wife likes it too. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Solid All Around - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By APG - April 19 - 11:26 pm

  This is without question the best vehicle I have ever owned. Aside from some small "guilt" at the fuel consumption, the "Cruiser" is rock solid. At 100K miles, it still drives as if it was new. It tows without a sweat, takes the kids and toys to the beach easily and plows through the snow without chains while everyone else around is stopped getting wet. I hope it lasts for another 200K, but I cant see why it wont.

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  Simply Amazing - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By mx1o0o - April 19 - 6:38 pm

  Now with almost 30000 miles on the clock, my FJ is perfect. Bought it from new, and it cost next to nothing to maintain. The only issue here in a hot country, is that the tires seem to let go easily. Already changed them 3 times, and now this is the 4th time, although i did not run it for long. going for the huge BFGoodriches this time, for better on/off road experience. I advise anyone who is looking for a real off-roader + comfy cruiser to buy it.

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  Love it! - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By ed60 - April 19 - 10:44 am

  Have had my Prius for one week.Took awhile to get used to, coming from an "09 Pontiac. Fun to drive, almost no road noise, very comfortable seats. More room than I expected and the standard sound system is quite good.

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  Baby Supra! - 1996 Toyota Celica
  By ItalianStallion9090 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Great car, couldnt have spent my money better, i was looking at an integra or a eclipse, but celicas are cheaper on insurance and look way way way better! I reccomend this car to the everyday driver, for the performance nut / racer i reccomend getting an HKS twin turbo due to supreme lack in bhp and torque.

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  We Love It! - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By duniabest - April 19 - 2:00 am

  This is a great little car. It fits anywhere, so parking is never that big a deal and my 63" brother sat comfortably with two friends in the back seat. What more could you need?

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  Oh, my man!!! - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Analitik - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Im in love.... from the first minute I drove it. With its 6V do dont feel gravitation, just acceleration. Very smooth drive. Nicely loaded.

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  Now I take the long way home - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By MMM - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I love my Matrix. It looks sharp, its well built, and it gets great mileage. Whats most impressed me is how well its designed. From the outside its a surprisingly small car, even shorter than the 03 Corolla. But when you sit inside the height and headroom make it seem much larger. The drivers seat provides a commanding view of the road, and the back seats have lots of legroom. The rear cargo area is easy to access and very functional. Its quick enough, but certainly not a sports car. If you want to haul lots of stuff, but donÂ’t want a road hog, gas guzzling SUV, the Matrix is an ideal alternative.

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  Love It - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By BryanS - April 19 - 2:00 am

  been wanting to get a truck for years and my new job allows me to get one. I drive quite a bit and I love this truck. I bought a custom truck with aftermarket rims, paintjob, grille guards wityh KS lites and custom leather. The only time I dont like the truck is when it rains and it gets dirty, I do everything I can to keep it clean and looking ood.