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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  highlander review - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By bill bortz - July 3 - 10:00 am

  great vehicle all arouind!!!

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  Dealer DVD - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Montee - July 3 - 10:00 am

  My only problem has been a bad DVD player which was known by the selling dealer before delivery but not repaired. Our local dealer Sun Toyota replaced the DVD but it required Two 40 miles trips for service.

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  Love it - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By tami - July 3 - 1:03 am

  I absolutely love my new highlander. It drives extremely smooth and very quiet. You can not hear the road noise. I highly recommend the Highlander.

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  Best car I have driven - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Beulah - July 2 - 4:53 pm

  I love this car. My husband and I went out West last year. We drove our Matrix there and back. We drove over 4,000 miles. We got 32 miles to a gallon of gas. It was very comfortable and we enjoyed our trip in this car.

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  Love my 4Runner!! - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By granny2 - July 2 - 3:00 pm

  Love everything about this car. I have RA and this car is easy to get in and out of. Plenty of room for electric scooter. Drives and handles exceptionally well. Would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a new SUV.

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  The best family car so far - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Tomek - July 2 - 10:16 am

  After my last car broke down, I was looking for reliable car I wont have to worry about. Toyota was the answer. Minimal maintnance (all you have to do is change oil and rotate tires - other items are very rare). It also has surprisingly large trunk - travel play pen, double stroller and still room for bags

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  Passenger seat is only complaint - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bob Smith - July 2 - 5:53 am

  Front seats are a bit low and front passenger seat is a bit tight with a car seat in the back. Other than that i love my 2nd TACO!!!

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  YOU CANT GO WRONG WITH TOYOTA - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Sandi - July 1 - 6:16 pm

  Ive had this vehicle for a little over two years and I love it. It handles like a dream, is extremely comfortable to ride in, and its filled with the kind of quality Toyota is famous for. I would recommend this car without hesitation.

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  Excellent Car - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By rsturm1005 - July 1 - 4:40 pm

  This car has performed very well. Weve had almost no problems with it. The interior and controls are outstanding for this price range. Without a doubt I would buy it again.

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  Sienna2002 - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By dicroda - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Great family vehicle; reliable; comfortable; has all the features needed - and ITS A TOYOTA!!