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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  The Best Compact Truck Ever - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Gio - January 4 - 2:16 am

  The new Toyota Tacoma 2005 is the best compact truck ever. The handling is impressive for the siza of the truck. the 4.0L V6 is amazing for a small engine. The truck is one of a kind. The gas mileage is great. I reccommend this truck to a true truck lover.

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  Superb! - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By jshcy - January 3 - 8:15 pm

  I just purchased a Camry LE at a fantastic price. Prior to purchasing the Camry, I test drove the 2013 Altima 2.5SV. The Camry won out on quality and refinement. It is extremely quiet and smooth. Fit and finish is also excellent. You cannot go wrong with this car. Everything in the car works intuitively.

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  overall a great truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By jays99taco - January 3 - 3:26 pm

  I sold my 1999 taco and got the 05. Love this truck. The 4.0 is powerfull and the difference from the 3.4 is night and day. The access cab is the #1 reson I wanted this truck. styling is a bit contemporary but it fits the truck well. I have the sport seats and they are comfortable. The TRD off road pkg is awesome. The truck definitely is larger on the exterior and the interior is very spacious. My father is 64" tall and he is very comfortable in this truck. The composit bed is a great Idea. I will have to see how it holds up. Take one for a drive and see for your self.

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  From Supercrew to Prius - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Shawn - January 3 - 12:13 pm

  I dont usally write reviews but I felt I needed to write this one. Ive owned this car a week so Ive still got new car fever. Ive been driving a Ford Supercrew for 7 years so going to a Prius was a new view on the world to say the least. If you are a big vehicle driver you need to check this car out... no regrets. My 2 kids have enough room in the back even with me (61" 220 lbs) in the drivers seat. We all have room to spare. My wife and I find ourselves fighting over who gets the car. Our first tank of gas got 46.7 MPG and we are doing even better on our 2nd.

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  Great Car! - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By formergmowner - January 3 - 1:23 am

  I managed to lease the elusive and rare 6 speed manual Camry SE. Since I control the acceleration of the car I love the way it moves and doesnt lag or over-rev like the automatics do. I used to have 3 Mustangs and this car definitely compares in the "fun to drive" category. Plus, with the more powerful motor its actually faster than my Nissan Maxima 3.0 V6 that has 222 hp and this is only a 4 cylinder with 179 hp! AWESOME car overall.

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  Great truck for two - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Eric Daly - January 2 - 8:48 pm

  Love the truck, just needed more room. The 4 door is in the works.

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  Third 4-Runner & it only gets better!!! - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By partisan - January 2 - 8:50 am

  This is out third 4-Runner, and we are about to hit the 36K miles warranty mark. The power is really good, and we are averaging 19 MPG. I wish I could honestly say I had some problem, but thats not the case. This is the first Limited, the other two were SR5s. Being built in Japan with 100% Japanese parts seems to be the best builds. As for SUVs, this really is as good as it gets!

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  Senior Citizens love our Venza - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Jean & Stan - January 2 - 3:03 am

  Having previously owned a Honda Pilot and a Toyota Highlander, we opted for a vehicle that is more user friendly. We found it in the Toyota Venza. We are looking for to our trip back to the Midwest, anticipating great performance and comfortable ride from the Venza. The dual heat/ac controls and large cargo area behind the rear seats is a big plus for us. We just feel very comfortable riding in this vehicle.

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  Best Car EVER!!! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By apl - January 1 - 11:36 pm

  I have owned several cars and SUVs... gas mileage aside, this is the best car ever! Its fun to drive, stylish, the interior and controls are incredible, and the 50+ MPG means you basically own the car for free. I spend about $16 a week for gas (in NYC). With my Jeep, I was spending over $75. This car pays for itself. Everybody should drive one.

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  Fun for Mommy and kids - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Marta - January 1 - 8:43 pm

  At first I thought it might be a bit small for my 2 toddlers, but it is so roomy in the back seat a tall person fits comfortably, lots of leg and head room, my kids love it and I agree. The fuel efficiency is excellent, I sometime feel like I am driving a car. It handles great.