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:

• 

  looking to buy Echo - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By mandyjayne23 - July 23 - 10:00 am

  i was looking to buy an Echo got in this car test drove it all i got to say is it was well worth $1700 more than echo i love it and im not a car person i have had 3 jeeps love them too but the gas milage is out of this world 38 mpg and i live in the mountains

• 

  Camry Ratings - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Gabriel Perez - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I feel very satisfied the my new Toyota Camry. It is more than I expected.

• 

  A very Surprising revelation - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Sanddog - July 23 - 10:00 am

  After driving Hondas for almost 20 years, I had my mind focused on a Honda Odyssey. I was a little reluctant to consider a different brand. So, first, we went out and test drove the Honda Odyssey. One of my local Honda dealers was kind enough to allow us to keep one for a day. As expected, it was a very nice van and the dealer was willing to give a big discount. The next day, we went straight to the Toyota dealer. Unfortunately, they werent willing to let us keep one overnight and pricing was very firm. However, we took it on a long test drive and were amazed at the improvements! To make a long story short, we bought the Sienna XLE and love it.

• 

  Oh what a feeling! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By lecrict - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I have had my new 2002 Camry for two years now.I enjoy the stereo system, power seat, and smooth operation of the V6. This car is well built. It has personality style. The tranny and engine are smooth and well contolled. Drives great and is completely reliable. Also feel very safe due to the larger size of the car and being surrounded by airbags.

• 

  Dream Truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Tundra - July 23 - 6:20 am

  This truck is unbelievable. Great power, pick up speed. Incredible amount of room without going overboard. I absolutely love this truck and I will tell anyone who will listen.

• 

  I love my Tacoma! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By boone88rr - July 21 - 11:36 pm

  Ive only had my truck for about a month now. Its fantastic. I thought it wouldnt be as exciting as driving my BMW but it is! Im still "breaking-in" the engine and the gas mileage improves everyday. I test drove the 4 cylinder and it had great power but as soon as I drove the V6, I couldnt go back. Its a rocket on the road and I cant wait to take it 4x4-ing on the beach and the 4 wheel drive will come in handy if we have another winter like the last one here in the Northeast. Its my first brand new car/truck so Ive definitely been babying it. My girlfriend is a little jealous. It wasnt named "2005 Truck of the Year" for nothing!

• 

  2016 Highlander - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By JS - July 21 - 5:33 pm

  We purchased the Highlander XLE and realized after driving it for a couple of weeks that it did not have some of the safety features that we really wanted. We traded up to the Highlander Limited AWD after 3 weeks of driving the XLE. And, we love it! The Limited has blind-spot monitoring, a back-up camera with alarms and several different traction modes. This is a great family vehicle although, the third seat is tight. I would not recommend the third seat for older kids for any long trips. The ride is quiet, the interior is comfortable and the exterior is a classy!

• 

  One sophisticated Minivan - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Kid Car Enthusist - July 21 - 6:36 am

  I never thought I would be caught dead in a minivan. I was wrong, this minivan hits home. We tested other SUVs and wagons (no other minivans) and none of them came close to the space utlization or refinment that the Sienna had. Ultimatly the decision came down to the Volvo XC70 or this. My mother had to choose one without testdriving it (my father did that with me)because we neede to jump on the deal. She chose the Sienna becase of the space and toyota reliability. If you are in the maket for a comfortable, reliable vehicle the Sienna is a phenomenal choice.

• 

  MR2 Spyder - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By kylee - July 21 - 5:16 am

  When I bought this car I did not realize how fun it was going to be to drive. The only thing that upsets me is that it is a little underpowered but that can easily be fixed thanks to TRD and Apex.

• 

  What a great truck! - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By natx - July 20 - 10:35 pm

  Bought in 2004. 68,000 mi. Now 160,000 mi. Contemplated trading for 07 Tundra, but couldnt. Love it too much, plus its paid for. Drives like a Camry. Comfortable. Quite too. Only had to replace radiator and valve cover gaskets. No other issues. Only gripe is the front brake rotors warping every year. I can switch out the front rotors in 30 minutes Ive done it so often. Interior has held up very well. Known to have transmission issues with OD gear. I never tow heavy loads like my 30 RV in OD, but I tow a 12 cargo trailer full of tools and sometimes cabinets all the time in OD. No issues so far. Needs paint job, but thats my fault. Never once washed or waxed it.