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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  Love It, Love It, Love It - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Amy K. - March 21 - 11:43 am

  In the two years that Ive owned my Prius, it has exceeded all my expectations. Having previously owned three fairly high-end SUVs, I expected to feel cramped in the Prius. On the contrary, Ive found it extremely comfortable to drive, there is room when necessary for four passengers and my two dogs, and with the back seats laid down, theres plenty of room for over-sized items like small furniture. My husband was sure Id miss the luxuries of my other cars, but that proved wrong, too. The GPS and other in-dash or steering wheel features are great, and it does not have the "empty shell" feeling of other compact cars. I also expected not much power, but pick-up on hills and onramps is fine.

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  If you need it, it has it! - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Dave Krell - March 21 - 5:27 am

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  NEW PURCHASE - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By MORT - March 21 - 1:40 am

  I PURCHASED THE CAR ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO. SO FAR IT RUNS VERY WELL AND WE ARE HAPPY WITH IT. WE HOPE IT CONTINUES THIS WAY.

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  Best automotive decision we ever made! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Ingrid - March 20 - 6:23 pm

  Purchasing our new 2008 Prius Touring model with option package #6 has proven to be the wisest automotive decision we have ever made. Many of our friends who can afford virtually any car of their choosing, have opted for the Prius — some of them on their second one all ready. This says a great deal not only about the Prius, but also the type of individuals who purchase them. I believe many of us who purchase a Prius have done so not only because it is such a superbly designed and satisfying vehicle, but also because it is the right thing to do (in so many ways).

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  Better than Expedition? - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By rbarea - March 20 - 10:00 am

  Smooth, quiet and powerfull ride. Sways a little too much on turns and brakes need a lot of force to stop. The Expeditions interior lay-out with available Captains chairs and a power flat folding third row seat cant be beat and should be implemented by Toyota. The canopy air bag system in the Ford is also a gret safety feature that all should copy.

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  My Lexus! - 2001 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By LandYacht - March 20 - 10:00 am

  Just love it: the way it looks, drives, handles, sounds, smells. You name it, top quality from the word go! Mine has all the bells and whistles of a Lexus LX 470 and more, but cost me a lot less!

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  Absolutely flawless after 73k miles - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By Michael Babcock - March 20 - 10:00 am

  Our Avalon XL has never failed us once. (KNOCK ON WOOD!) It still drives as great after 73k miles as it did from day 1 (new). We leased it initially but had no problem buying the lease as it has performed flawlessly and has been a pleasure to drive daily. Lots of power with this V6 too!

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  Solara V6 SLE - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By SarahM - March 20 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. It is so comfortable to drive. I researched a lot of cars and this was the best value for the luxury (leather, 6 CD, sunroof, automatic temperature control). Lotsa leg room and trunk space too. Priority Toyota Va Bch sold it to me, and they are awesome. Highly Recommend this car.

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  My Review - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By John Poghosian - March 20 - 10:00 am

  I used to own a 1993 Acura Legend and was totally satisfied with it until a friend from my college days bought a 1995 Avalon XLS. Was in-audible, and the transmission was the smoothest sounding I had heard, even from my finely maintained Acura. I guess it was from then on I decided to purchase my own Avalon, but I had onyl bought a new Acura but two years ago. I recently sold my Acura and had been saving money so I decided to pursue my dream, I bought a 2003 Toyota Avalon XLS equipped with all the original Toyota goodies offered. I did end up paying a hefty price but it was well worth it. I chose all the options available.

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  THE VERY BEST THING IVE EVER BOUGHT - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Sanya - March 20 - 10:00 am

  Ive bought many things in my life, but NONE except my house have been as satifying as this truck!!! A friend of mine bought the lexus truck and is so mad at me for saving 10K and have the same feel and luxury of her lexus!!! I cant say enough about this SUV.... it is truly the best.