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:

• 

  Toyota Got This One Right - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By BobB - July 30 - 5:46 am

  All parts and assembly in Japan. Great ride and solid feel. Sensitive to cross winds on the highway but otherwise very stable.

• 

  Great car - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Charles Hackner - July 30 - 1:57 am

  Very happy so far.

• 

  Sequoia 2003 - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By lis361 - July 29 - 10:00 am

  More than happy with this purchase. We feel like we can run over those other SUVs..love this car..best value for room and feel

• 

  No Problems - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By lrffe - July 29 - 10:00 am

  I have had my truck for nearly 5 years, I forget to get my oil changed and I dont get my tires rotated. I run my tank nearly on empty all the time, and I have never had anything go wrong. It does great in snow. The only maintenance I have done is get new tires, and added wind shield washer fluid. I dont even check the oil..the Air conditioner is always cold. It runs just like the day I got it. I will keep it forever.

• 

  Excellent value. - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By jetdoc1 - July 29 - 10:00 am

  Overall the car is a good value. Great fuel economy. Handles well, accelerates fine, even with A/T. Lots of room for rear passengers, even deceptively so, at least my kids say so. They are teenagers. Like the fold down seats for cargo. Stereo acceptable, but cds seem to skip, maybe my cds? Can start car without headlights coming on by first engaging emergency brake, then start car. Good for night starting at certain places.

• 

  EXCELLENT - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Corkster - July 29 - 10:00 am

  The Toyota Camry V6 is not only great looking but it has awesome performance and great handeling!!!!! I love IT !!

• 

  Just a great vehicle! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By tomcat83 - July 29 - 10:00 am

  This is my fifth new Toyota and it is the best of the bunch. That is saying a lot when you are talking about Toyota vehicles! Everytime I climb in it I get excited! It is that fun to drive!

• 

  Performance - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Joetrack - July 29 - 10:00 am

  I had a 2001 Tundra before the 4Runner the ride on the Tundra was better than the 4Runner smooth. The Runner, rides like a truck. The seats squeak driver and passagers, The sunroof when open rattles. Rear end rattles on rough roads.

• 

  Stepped Up to a 4 Runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By blm012 - July 29 - 10:00 am

  With the X-REAS suspension, there is virtually no bounce or roll and although the handling is solid, bumps do not jar the passengers. The 10 speaker JBL system provides crisp notes and deep base tones from our 6 disk CD changer. The glove box door sustained a couple a shallow scratches and they were easily repaired when the dealers trim shop applied heat and lightly buffed with a silicone coated cloth. The dual climate control, handling, and seating comfort make this a road trip vehicle.

• 

  Cant beat it! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By TRM - July 29 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car! Absolutely no complaints whatsoever. However, the "TMV" is about $2,000 higher than what I paid for it.