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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  Best truck out there - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Rob - May 27 - 6:53 am

  I have been a GM guy for decades. I came out of a 2005 Chevy Avalanche and was going to get a 2008 Avalanche until I test drove the Tundra Crewmax. What a vehicle! I test drove the best GM had to offer, the 2008 GMC Sierra Denali, and this beat it hands down in power, quietness, smooth ride, interior storage, and all the electronic gadgets. Love this truck.

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  2017 Tundra Double Door 4WD - 2017 Toyota Tundra
  By James Alexander - May 27 - 6:14 am

  Excellent Value! Great quality!

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  My 2001 California Prius - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By THendren - May 27 - 6:03 am

  At 110K miles, I am impressed with my classic Prius even before buying it. It is more fun to drive since I replaced the tires (52k miles, 2 sets) with a stiffer brand (67k miles one set). Brakes (still at 60%) should last 200,000 miles. Early on needed computer replaced, no problems now. Have taken two 4,000 plus mile trips with mpg at 44 each. I can sit in the back seat with head clearance. Fully expect the car and battery to last 300k. We like this model better than the 2004 version but am waiting for the 94mpg version due next year.

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  Red 2007 RAV4 - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By darlag2 - May 27 - 3:03 am

  I bought my RAV4 in December and the whether got bad the minute I left the lot (literally the first snowflakes fee as I pulled onto the road). The car drove like a dream on both wet and snow covered roads. The heated seats and self-dimming mirror are great! As the motor gets broken in my milage is moving up. I love this car!

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  Super Economical vehicle - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By morphius12812003 - May 27 - 2:16 am

  My wife and I have recently driven home with our new 2010 Prius IV package. We paid for the extra paint and door sills. The illuminated door sills are excellent additions and we both love the aesthetics. As for overall performance, the vehicle remains efficient and sleek with its re-design. Added power and versatility gives more pep in the open road (although it will not win many street races). We have also looked at adding after-market products to accent the new purchase, paying much lower than dealer pricing. Dont let the dealer charge MSRP or more, I got mine for $1000 below sticker, plus a 7 year-75k bumper-2-bumper warranty for only $945 extra.

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  1Rav4me - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Olga Miramontes - May 26 - 10:35 pm

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  Love my camry - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By JB - May 26 - 8:26 pm

  I have been a honda owner for 20 years but purchased this Camry new in 2004 due to price, features and Toyotas reputation with manufacturing quality automobiles. I have not been disappointed. This is an excellent car. It handles well in all types of weather. It is comfortable and reliable. I didnt expect to have to do anything to this car other than other than routine maintenance and oil changes and it has not let me down. The only thing I would change if I could buy the option to apply clear coat paint protection when new. My car is deep blue and as always, people love to bang their doors into a new looking car, creating door dings that the door guard doesnt always catch.

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  Fantastic Little Car - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Marcuss - May 26 - 2:00 am

  I have never been so happy with a car. Ive owned Accords, Maximas, Pontiacs, and more, but this is my favorite car yet. It corners like a hatchback, it performs in the snow like an SUV, its fun to drive with the top open in the summer, and the rear space has allowed me to move TVs, coffee tables, and more that would never fit in my Honda or Maxima.

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  2004 Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By gsmith - May 26 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car partly because we are environment-conscious and due to its features. So far we have not been disappointed. We have driven it about 200 miles. Great car, fun to drive. Good design, ample leg space and cargo space. Better mileage than its competitors in its class. However, mileage is ranging around 42-45 mpg in city driving conditions, much less than the EPA estimates, may be because of winter and the break-in period. The car is quite smooth and except during acceleration between 10 and 30 mph. External road noise from other cars is quite audible especially on highways. Need to improve sound insulation.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By sam1960 - May 26 - 2:00 am

  This SUV has won my heart over any vehicle I have ever owned. The smooth, quiet ride and handling are very impressive. Its comfortable, roomy, easy to drive. Does not have that "truck" feel most SUVs have. Provides a large amount of cargo space and the seats fold down with ease. The AWD works unbelievably well in slippery/snowy conditions. Solid vehicle. The standard VSC (vehicle stability control) and traction control combined with the ABS and EBD (electronic brake force distribution) are wonderful features!