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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  Great Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bob Steele - August 4 - 11:13 am

  A great mid-size truck. With 4-cylinder, plenty of power. A LOT of power from stop to 60 MPH. Handles great. Comfort is very good. The new bed design is awesome. I hope they will not change this. Fuel economy is very acceptable. Have not had any problems with this truck. If I could change anything it would be to have had the option to add fog lights and running lights - really should be standard equipment, for safety reasons!

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  You CAN get that many miles per gallon.. - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Justin - August 4 - 10:03 am

  Toyota continues their tradition of quality and commitment to reducing waste with the 2005 Prius. Please take a few moments to view Toyotas web site to see how they help reduce and reuse at their productin facilities also. Some claim that it doesnt get the EPA rated milage, but as long as you pay a little bit of attention to your driving habbits, the ratings are easily achieved.

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  Just ok - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Johan - August 4 - 9:15 am

  I didnt exactly buy a Toyota for performance, but for a cheap car with great reliability. My cars been fairly reliable, at least compared to German cars, but i was disappointed that ive already had to replace the alternator and water pump at 60,000+ and 76,000 miles respectively. Another thing that bugs me is that the front seat is not comfortable and makes my back ache. If i have enough resources in the future, i would avoid buying a toyota corolla.

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  Will never buy a Toyota again - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By 1st and Last Toyota - August 4 - 3:20 am

  Bought a 2010 Toyota Camry LE with the 2.5L 4 cyl from my local dealership first impressions was overall good build quality, excellent road handling and it looks good although, Others seem to think it is very quiet with very little road noise. We hear much more wind turbulence than our older 2002 Honda. And driver side rattle not all the time, pretty ought and its annoying not helpful. Also rear or front Clunk Sound. I have taken it to the repair shop where I bought my car and they have heard the problem but cannot tell me what it is Really wish we had noticed it on the test drive. Disappointed.

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  Good bye jeep! - 2017 Toyota 4Runner
  By Caroline Phifer - August 4 - 12:44 am

  I love jeeps, and I traded in my 16 Willys special edition for my trd runner. I wish I would have never bought a jeep! By far a better vehicle over all. Better traction, off road handling, better radio even. Gets amazing fuel mileage, seats are great for those road trips that are days long. We live in Texas so its 30 miles to nearest Walmart. Rides comfortably, steers great, can really get up and go when you need it to for sure. Will not be buying another SUV unless its a Toyota.

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  It doesnt get any better than this. - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By wbretz - August 4 - 12:00 am

  The car is absolutely a blast to drive - I havent had as much fun since my last corvette. While the car wont do the EPA mileage numbers, 50 MPG is still outstanding. Typical Toyota Build quality, and outstanding engineering. If it just didnt look so funny, it would be the perfect automobile!

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  Bought again second one - 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Busman - August 3 - 10:16 pm

  This is my second Camry Hybrid first one was a 2007 and had no complaints with 39,000 miles and no faults at all.

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  My RAV 4 - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Pat McGuiter - August 3 - 10:50 am

  This truck is great. I had to rate this SUV a "10" in every category. I traded my 4 runner in for this car and I am so happy with it. Especially now that fuel costs are through the roof, its great on the highway. Best car I ever owned.

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  Toyota sequoia - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By friday_s - August 3 - 10:43 am

  The Sequoia is a much quieter ride. There is not a lot of wind noise, rattles and engine noise. The body roll on the Sequoia is less than either the 99 Suburban or the 97 4Runner we previously owned. This is the closest SUV Ive driven that feels like a car. You dont feel that tilt near as much when taking a fast turn. Overall I like this vehicle quite a bit over any other large-extra large SUV.

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  you wont find better than this!!! - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Ravchic4 - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I have owned the 97 toyota camry for a few years now, and i must say, it is the best car ive ever driven! its so much fun to drive, with an INCREDIBLE sound system (i bet you couldnt even install a better one!), comfort, and reliability. the ride is also so smooth and relaxing!