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:

• 

  tundra - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By kevin - April 4 - 5:43 am

  absolutely excellent vehicle, this is my second tundra, they are unbreakable and extremely reliable. I highly recommend all toyota products, I just wish that they would come out with a diesel in the U.S.

• 

  Gotta love it! - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Adrian - April 3 - 9:30 pm

  There are two things I will not sacrifice to save a few dollars on gas. #1 is Safety #2 is Fun. That to me sums up my recent experience with my new FJ. It just feels solid, well made, and Its just a blast to cruise around in.

• 

  1 hot ride - love this sporty family car - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By First Toyota 4 Me - April 3 - 4:10 pm

  This is the first Toyota I have ever owned. Let me just say that this far exceeds anything i ever expected. My Toyota has highway power with extra to boot. Comforts that make my 45 minute drive to work easy. After driving my Camry I can tell you that I am Toyota lover now and my teenagers will each receive one when the time is right.

• 

  The BEST and most RELIABLE car - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Lisa C. - April 3 - 4:01 am

  I bought my 2009 Camry brand new and have never had an issue with it. I have over 175,000 miles driven so far. There were 2 very minor recalls on it. I had them both checked and fixed by the dealer at no charge. It was a floor mat and power door switch. Besides my car still looking practically brand new on the inside and outside, it still runs like new and is the most affordable car I have ever had to maintain. It drives nice and smooth. I will say that the seats are comfortable enough. I wish they had more lumbar support. Overall, this is the best vehicle I have ever owned. I have owned 3 other cars and a few trucks. Different makes and models. I will only be buying Toyota from now on.

• 

  Great Car! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By nightrider5 - April 3 - 3:36 am

  I bought this car used as my first car 2 years ago with about 80,000 miles on it. Since then it has only had a few minor services needed that are standard for cars over 90,000 miles and it has held up very well against my three large dogs and myself. This car is a great value and an enjoyable car to drive around town in, since it gets great mileage. I wouldnt recommend it for long trips, but as an everyday car for me it worked perfectly!

• 

  2006 Corolla - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Murray Cruickshank - April 2 - 3:26 pm

  Its been a great car so far and I would definitely buy another one.

• 

  gds - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By GDS - April 2 - 7:38 am

• 

  04 Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By vailitrev - April 2 - 2:00 am

  The car is solid and fun to drive, the dash layout is great, suprisingly good power for entering the interstate or passing.

• 

  A pleasant surprise - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By matrix - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Liked the looks and handling. Purchased after renting one twice. Chose fwd 5 spd & added TRD performance items - strut tower brace, exhaust, cold air intake as well as a rear stabilizer bar. Car is peppy and handles very well. Its comfortable, well appointed, good looking & very economical (32-37 hwy, 29-30 Cty). Its a winner.

• 

  THE BEST OUT THERE - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Sienna! - April 2 - 2:00 am

  I had the vehilce almost 2 months. I have always been a SUV Driver. With two kids,we decided to give the Sienna a chance. My Wife was not ready for the "Soccer Mom title" but once she drove, she absolutely loves it. The room and the ride are outstanding. Toyota really has out done themselves. They have really done there homework.