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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  2004 Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By CDN - December 21 - 10:00 am

  The advancements over the 2001 Prius I owned are numerous. The owners manual is over 350 pages and it covers many features the older Prius did not have. I am loving it.

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  Best Midsize SUV - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By abercrombie_guy_38 - December 21 - 10:00 am

  Without a doubt, the current generation 4Runner is the best midsize SUV you can buy. With a great design inside and out, good performance and gas mileage for an SUV, and exceptional reliability, nothing beats it. The 4Runner is highly civilized on the open road yet its able to climb rocks with ease.

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  Great Car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Yvette A - December 21 - 10:00 am

  First time owning a Toyota and I love it. All my cars in the future will be a Toyota

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  Great car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By mike - December 21 - 9:03 am

  Prius has been a blast to drive around town and on long trips. If you keep the speedo under 70 mph, you will be rewarded by 50 mpg. Around town, 55 mpg is easily achieved. With tax breaks and the high price of gas, I smile when filling up once every two weeks (get about 600 miles per tank). People riding in the car love the ride and comment how comfortable the rear seat is. Find a dealer who does not add a surcharge over invoice. Things that I would like to see are: darker interior, better bass in "premium sound system", better tires (I swapped mine out for Nokian i3s - much better for stability and safety), more instrument feedback, a more powerful battery pack and a plug in option.

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  Great at all levels - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By cadfeld - December 21 - 7:00 am

  This is the optimum drive for any who need a great car that delivers in gas savings and looks. Top quality, top performance, great price.

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  Solid SUV - 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Spudman - December 21 - 6:25 am

  This is my first LC and I am very happy with my purchase. I bought this because I have always appreciated the LCs off-road capabilities; my father owned 4 over the last 20 years. As a land owner it is pleasure to drive this amazing vehicle on the highway or off. It is by far the most well-designed suv I have driven and would recommend it to anyone with the need to go off-road and do it in comfort. It is also a plus that it appears modest compared to similar luxury suvs; this definitely helps if you want to keep a low profile.

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  Went to buy a van - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By toyo luver - December 21 - 4:00 am

  I went to buy a van and almost did, till I drove the Sequoia. I felt just like I did when I was 16 and bought my 1st Toyota, a 1977 Celica. Still the best IÂ’ve ever owned, brand new off showroom floor. Wife and I were going to buy a van my kids insisted we drive a Sequoia before we made our mind up. The van was it until I hit the gas pedal and felt the smooth acceleration and was very impressed when I looked at the speedometer and saw I was way past speed limit. Why buy a Lexus.

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  Bad to the Bone - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Barry - December 20 - 10:33 pm

  I researched trucks for nearly eight months and then decided to wait on the new Tundra. I have owned a Toyota 4x4 (1992) for fifteen years with no problems and expect the same with the 2007 Tundra. It drives like a dream. The TRD suspension gives the truck a great feel on and off road. All the power you will ever need. Dont listen to all the little complaints about the interior. The stereo and AC controls are in the right place. There is not one thing that I would change about this monster. The Ash interior looks great with the black. Go with the TRD package in order to get the fog lights, all-terrain wheels, skid plates, and wheels. The stereo is as good as anything Ive heard.

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  Land cruiser - 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By western6 - December 20 - 5:03 pm

  I have a Mercedes S class, my wifes Land Cruiser is better built and rides nicer! It does have its problems, climate control does not work well. You cant control the rear climate from the front seat and it could use more power.

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  wonderful and fun ride - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Susan - December 20 - 11:20 am

  This car is so outstanding! The interior is plush and functional. The front and back seats are very comfortable. I love the heated seats. After a long day working it feels great on the back. This car gets a lot of attention. People come and ask to see it inside and out. All my friends and family beg to drive it. The engine has great pickup. The mirrors and visibility are great. And the convertible feature is very easy to operate .