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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  first and best so far - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By ibitamuno - January 9 - 2:40 am

  This is my first car, the drive is so much fun, the gas usage is so economical, it barely makes me scream for joy, the suspensions for the sports edition are just perfect, the sound system is great, the air conditioner is great, the drive and brakes work just perfect.... I would recommend this car to anyone, anyday. Great car, great value for your money.

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  GREAT S.U.V. - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By robert henry - January 8 - 11:50 pm

  We bought this suv brand new in 2002, I just replaced timing belt, did not need too, belts, hoses, fluids, sparkplugs at 90,000, replaced brake pads at 70,000 overall this is the best s. U. V. We bought. My wife will not give this one up.

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  Go Hybrids - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Fernando - January 8 - 8:53 pm

  While not giving the advertised mileage, nothing comes even far from what this vehicle will deliver. The car is simply too fun to drive. I own and drive anything from an F-250 diesel double cabin truck to an XJ8 Jaguar and find this Prius the best overall car yet. I even call it the "Medicare transport" because it provides the best interior space and comfort, all in one car, to allow me to carry my 83 y/o parents around. Driving my Prius in the city, where the mileage significantly increases, provides the greatest ease of use any car has ever given me. While not a tire screaching beast, it will accelerate and handle fast enough to safely evade impending dangers of closed quarters traffic.

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  Im now a Corolla believer - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By edgutierrez1429 - January 8 - 8:13 pm

  I have had this car just over 6 wks and I am impressed with all but a few things. The mileage is great, but you have to adjust your driving habits to get the most from this car. I am averaging just over 35 mpg in combined city/highway driving. I love the look and the fact that the "S" model comes with all the looks without the premium price. The nit-picks: 1) there is no indicator for which gear youre in on the dash (you have to look down at the shifter), 2) the rotating knobs seem a little cheap when you turn them, and 3) the outside mirrors dont fold away like many others). Other than that, this is a great car.

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  Rav4 1 year later - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By DavidRav4 - January 8 - 3:50 am

  Ive been driving my Rav4 for about a year. So far its proven very reliable. Switching from a 2006 Mercedes-Benz C280 to the Rav4 was a huge difference in performance, but even at 4-cyl it gets the job done, more than well enough i might add, when I need some passing power. Im in college and involved in multiple organizations which requires me to transport large equipment for food sales, parties, etc. the spacious room when back seats are folded down is remarkable. Handling is great, I use the cruise control daily. Toyota is the way to go, despite the companies recent setbacks.

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  Everything and more - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By John Paunan - January 7 - 11:17 pm

  I bought this car used and it surprises me (in a good way) everyday! I thought I was aware of all the features, but I was mistaken...an absolutely great car with more bells and whistles than expected!

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  Everything and more - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By John Paunan - January 7 - 11:17 pm

  I bought this car used and it surprises me (in a good way) everyday! I thought I was aware of all the features, but I was mistaken...an absolutely great car with more bells and whistles than expected!

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  The Perfect Car - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By HighMiler - January 7 - 1:50 am

  Best car Ive ever owned. Period. Over 100,000 miles and NO PROBLEMS! Maintenance costs are low, fuel economy great. No mechanical problems. Only problem so far is a rattle in one of the (overall excellently designed) air vents. As for the complaints some have about power, Ive been able repeately to smoke people with base Mustangs (v6-automatic)! Enough room for 4 people with weekend camping/outdoor gear. My next car will be a Toyota. I wont even look at GM, Dodge or GM after experiences with their vehicles. Perfect replacement for a VW Diesel AND a Dodge Dakota.

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  Tacoma ROCKS - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By gtiger - January 6 - 7:30 am

  Got my tacoma a day before christmas, a prerunner 4cyl, access cab, silver with SR5 and alloy wheels. Absolutely love it, lots of room, drives smooth, has all the bells and whistles I always wanted in a pick-up. Overall quality of the interior is far superior than the other competitors.

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  SWEET!!! - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By dex - January 6 - 2:00 am

  This car is great. It screams in its powerband and handles like a dream. Nice design and i just love the interior (especially the seats).