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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  #NICENEWRIDE - 2018 Toyota 4Runner
  By Ted Stewart - August 1 - 8:31 am

  Get you one,you wont be sorry! My wife loves it! Its all shell drive.

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  Literally feel every bump on the Road - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By my2009toyotamatrix - July 31 - 11:06 pm

  In 2009 Toyota came out with a new sharp style Matrix with powerfully 2.4 engine instead of 1.8 . So I bought it after what I thought was a long test drive. After having it for a while It started bugging me with the road noise driving literally any where. Road noise and bumpy ride is finally starting to drive me nuts. It has those showy 17 inch rims with hardly any tire meat on them to absorb simple roads conditions. It looks like 2 inches thick makes a really terrible bumpy ride. Now I am stuck with a $20,000 car that looks cool but rides like a milk truck. They made the disk brakes so big you cant change it for a smooth ride, I better trade it in before word gets out. This car is done.

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  3 years later and still in love - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Sam - July 31 - 2:53 am

  Ive had a great experience in the time ive spent with my Tundra. Its a tad smaller than the "Big 3" trucks, but im willing to sacrifice a little space for insanely superior build quality. The interior has picked up a few rattles, but ones that are easily located and silenced. The engine butter- smooth and is holding up well, although I dont have many miles on it. It also has surprising pep with "only" 245 Horsepower. The ride is near luxo-car smooth also. My friends always comment on how smooth the truck is. If you need to haul heavy loads however, look elsewhere. But for weekend trips to home depot, or for pulling a small boat, (under 7,000 .lbs) this truck does its job and then some.

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  So far, so good - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Surfdog - July 30 - 7:43 pm

  I have had my Camry SE (4 cyl.) for almost two years, and have put a lot of miles on it. Absolutely no problems with it. I had always known the Toyota Camry to be a very dependable car. I had always thought it to be an ordinary, "family"-looking sedan though. When I saw the 2005 though my opinion changed. It seemed to have a sleeker presence to it. Since adding my new surfboard rack and front-end bra to the car, I have friends commenting on how sporty it looks. Have to admit, the new 2007 Camry is an awesome, very stylish car. I will likely make that my next car. Until then though, very happy with the 2005. Im sold on Toyota. The car, the dealer, the company, the service.

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  Good handling auto - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Bobbi - July 30 - 7:36 pm

  I had 4 Mercury Sables (I lease autos for 3 years) and when I heard that Ford/Mercury wasnt making them anymore I leased the Camry and immediately liked its handling, performance and comfortability. The car is very quiet and you cant even hear the motor go on when you start it. Hopefully my satisfaction will continue. If not, youll hear from me. Good luck to all that are also getting one.

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  Best in class - hands down - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By TundraMarkinNC - July 30 - 6:46 pm

  I shopped the Ford F150, Dodge Ram 1500 and the Silverado before buying the Tundra. The horsepower and torque are incredible. The 6-speed transmission shifts very smoothly. I got the JBL stereo upgrade, but thought it was overpriced (see comments below). If you get a 4X4, make sure you get step bars (very tall). Best fuel economy compared to other trucks in this class.

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  Best car Ive ever owned ! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Fred in Seattle - July 30 - 4:26 pm

  I just love my Prius! I really dont have a single complaint. I deliberated whether I would wait another year before trying a 2009 but I couldnt. Mileage is great, great room, great for long trips.

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  Wow - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Terry Gardner - July 30 - 12:00 pm

  Bought new in oct. And wow what a car. The advanced technology package is unbelievable. Did not know a car could do so many things well. First tank of gas had an average of 56.5 mpg. It was worth the wait to get this car. Toyota is light years ahead of all the other cars on the road.

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  Save on Gas - Help America - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Jimmy - July 30 - 10:00 am

  We just bought the car two weeks ago and so far love it. The savings at the pump was the number one reason we bought the car. The ride was very smooth. Like you were driving in a Disney monorail car. Im a big guy and felt there was enough room for me.

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  Most Reliable and comfortable car - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Archana Tiwari - July 30 - 2:06 am

  Most Reliable and comfortable car