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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  Ravinitup 4 All - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By ravinitup - August 8 - 5:53 pm

  Ive never had a new auto. I love this one. It is awesome! The V6 is very quick and the LED lights in the back are very sharp. I love the ride and the quality of the inside. I have the ash interior, silver exterior. It looks very nice with the brushed aluminum trim inside by the radio and on the door panels. I am going to be getting the bug guard, chrome exhaust tip, and running boards to complete the look. I also may order a Limited Grille to dress it up. The Limited has a different grille than the Base and Sport. Its just an awesome SUV and I love to drive it any chance that I get.

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  Amazing Car - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Jakeb E - August 8 - 4:23 pm

  My grandma had this car since 1999 she gave it to me when she got a new one. She NEVER had any problems with it. It has always been really reliable.

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  Towed 9000lb boat 4000 miles - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By culross - August 8 - 10:03 am

  Purchased my Sequoia used w/ 7K miles. Now, at 20K miles, the car still functions like new. Towed 9000 lb boat/trailer from south California to Alaska without any problems whatsoever. This SUV was able to accelerate up even the steepest mountain passes with the boat in tow. Very impressive. Now it allows me to take 6 other people along for fishing trips.

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  Excellent! - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By fred158 - August 8 - 9:20 am

  I bough it when it has 224K on it. The price was so low that I could afford, but, this car has never disappointed me. I have replaced starter, battery, some shafts, now engines get turned on in a second in winter. 4 wheel ABS works perfectly and I had never been troubled by it. Shocks make sound over humps and bumps but its ok, Im using it in a small town with speed limit<45., so, no problem! Even replacing the whole shock and strut for one wheel would not be more than 400$. Its a great car that I got for a great price!

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  2011 Toyota Prius Two - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By kadena - August 7 - 10:22 pm

  I purchased my Prius new. I have 31,000 miles on the car. I have changed the oil and oil filter three times. No repairs at all. It gets 50 mpg, sometimes a little more. The seats are comfortable. It is 100% made in Japan. I think this car is of the highest quality. It certainly is made for Chicago city driving and the outrageous gas prices here. I would buy another one just like it. No regrets whatsoever in the purchase of this car.

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  2 months of city driving - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By quentoncassidy - August 7 - 6:44 pm

  Just had it about two months. Very good handling vehicle around town and the mpg are fantastic! Im averaging over 50 mpg in stop and go driving. Took a relatively long trip of 350 miles and averaged 56 mpg. Seats are very comfortable and the NAV system and technology features are great. Sound system works very well; I have the Deluxe Solar Package and the upgraded stereo is excellent. There is a solar array on top of the vehicle that runs a ventilation system to cool the car on sunny days and this is another wonderful feature. Ive had sun roofs on all my cars since 1978 so I had to have this on the Prius.

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  They Need To Continue Making This Car!! - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By Jennifer Pirelli - August 7 - 1:33 pm

  This car has been my dream car since high school and I finally got one for myself and I wouldnt trade it for the world. I absolutely love the sleekness of its body, its so sharp around turns, it really hugs the curves, it feels like driving a little racecar except its really not that fast, but it sure looks like it is!! Its a beautiful car and I would recommend it to everyone, its so dependable, I have never had a problem with it. Ive had it for about a year and a half and I bought it used, but certified, and it has never been in the shop for anything but inspection and oil changes. I love it!!

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  2006 Corolla S - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Kathie - August 6 - 2:43 am

  Ive owned the car for a year and have really enjoyed driving it. On a long highway trip, I did reach 40 mpg. Around town I usually average 30-32 with a lot of starts and stops. I love the look of it - the paint color really shines. Performance is great. Havent had to do any maintenance other than oil changes, no repairs either. Trunk size is very large. Seating very comfortable. Love the sun roof!

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  This truck is godly - 1995 Toyota Pickup
  By yoder man - August 6 - 2:00 am

  My 95 yoder is bulletproof, Ive only put a timing chain and wheel bearing in it. It has 100,000 miles and still going strong. I bought it and it was running awesome, then I tweaked it (cold air intake, flowmaster exhaust, the timing is advance about 20 degrees) that is the best 4 cyl. That I have ever had, it has 31 in. tire and it pulls them like nothing, and it is the best off road vehicle, it goes anywhere that I want to take it, mud, snow, ice, no problem. It will move on, rite now it produces about 170 hp. Always run 94 octane gas in them or the valves clatter. But it is the best truck ever.

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  lovin my RAV - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By cjod92284 - August 6 - 1:33 am

  The Sirloin of SuVs...Love it....Wish I thought of buying this Rav a long time ago ....Love it....NO more mini van !! fun to drive. Turns heads...makes you want to keep on driving.....a must have..love the Sport model the best!