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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  Love this car! - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By ilener - July 23 - 5:26 pm

  I owned an Audi A6 prior to this and all I can say is I love this car! Sure, the Audi looked a little sportier, but it was constantly having mechanical problems or one little plastic piece or another break off inside. This car is much more rugged and reliable. It can take abuse by bumpy roads and kids without a hiccup. I love the keyless remote - so handy when my keys are at the bottom of my purse. The huge backup camera screen, extra wide mirror, and super adjustable seat mean that I can be comfortable and have great visibility. My sister has a comparably sized Acura and is gets a measly 10mpg, far below its advertised mpg -- and the dealer has not been able to fix it. Love my car!

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  I love my 2012 Yaris LE 2 door - 2012 Toyota Yaris
  By binki1 - July 23 - 11:15 am

  I didnt like my 2010 Honda Fit 4 door because I felt crunched in the drivers side and looked at the 2012 Yaris and knew it was for me. I had a previous 2008 Toyota Yaris ( basic) traded it in for a 2010 Honda and now realized that I should have kept my old Honda fit, but realized that I have a great 2012 Toyota Yaris, which I will keep for many years.

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  Love my Corolla - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By Cyndi - July 23 - 10:56 am

  We bought this corolla new in 2000. The 2001 had just come out. It is rated for 39 highway and 30 city and thats exactly what it gets. Mine is automatic, white . It is the best car we have ever owned I also have a tacoma Truck which I love. We are a TOYOTA family! Will never buy any car other than Toyota.

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  Gotta Loveem - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By bill m. - July 23 - 6:30 am

  This is a great truck (and my 3rd Toyota truck), dependable and ready for just about anything. 4WD works great! Extremely low maintenance.

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  Prius driving fun - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Ronald Solberg - July 23 - 5:16 am

  I have found the Prius provides one of the most enjoyable driving experiences I have ever had with any car. Over the years I have driven 2-3 dozen different automobiles. What has made the experience so enjoyable is that the car has changed my driving style, all for the better. The on-going fuel consumption monitoring/reporting system has encouraged me to set new consumption goals each trip I make with the car, thus forcing me to do the things that make my drives safer and more economic.

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  Traded my Impala for a Camry - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Steven - July 22 - 8:13 pm

  In light of projected fuel prices skyrocketing, I thought Id look at something more economical, with a good reputation for reliability. I like everything the Camry does. It has surprising acceleration for a four cylinder. It is smoother and quieter than the Impala. The steering is lighter but much more precise. The Camry took me from Atlanta to Tampa on 14 gallons of fuel, approximately 475 miles.

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  Sequia is Top SUV - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By ChasMichael - July 22 - 7:36 pm

  I never regretted getting rid of my unreliable Mistubishi Montero. I have had no problems out of my Toyota Sequia. I highly recommend this SUV for its reliablity, drive, handling, and style. Ask for Z she will work a great deal for you at Toyota of Bowie. Tell her Charles Johnson a happy customer sent you. The guy that gave her the redskin tickets for working such a great deal for him by finding the exact SUV (color & options) that he wanted.

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  Great for travel and always reliable - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By AJC - July 22 - 4:26 pm

  This is a nice ride even on rough roads. The 4WD allows me to get in and out of just about anywhere. Great for travel and always reliable. I owned a land rover before this and I only miss the heated front windshield. This has more plastic than my 06 which makes the interior look cheep for a SUV of this price. The seats in my 06 are more comfortable for a small person...especially on the passengers side.

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  fun and quick - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By garyin australia - July 22 - 2:33 pm

  This is a right hand drive. I have owned a lot of other makes and Toyota is still the best bang for the buck. Ive read all the reviews on the RAV4 and they all hit the mark. Theres more than enough room, power and performance built into this vehicle.

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  Fabulous Car! - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Bethers - July 22 - 3:03 am

  I work at a new car dealership, and I purchased this vehicle with 85K miles on it and it rides better than most of the new cars! Ive yet to have any problems with the vehicle. The acceleration is fantastic, and the ride is very smooth. The Solara is very sporty yet practical, and an all around great vehicle