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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  Strongly recommend everyone to buy it! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Kyndall - December 13 - 6:23 am

  Ive had my Prius for 4 months now and I love it! I cant think of a better investment right now. I bought package #2 which costs around $22,000. I usually average 47 mpg. I rarely have to fill up at the gas station! Ive experienced about the same mpg in the city and highway. I love the hatchback/folding rear seats feature! I also love the way the Prius sits higher than the average car. My parents have no trouble getting in and out of the car. I love the smart key feature, although Ive gotten so used to not carrying my keys that I forget to lock my car sometimes!

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  The best imaginative experience - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Bubbacrews - December 13 - 4:33 am

  Well, I never really dove the car i just sat in it to see if I wanted to buy it, I want to but right now I just dont have the money to but I will try to get it ASAP.All i have to say is that the car is a great and if you imagine driving the car you feel like that you are free from everything. Thanks for the fun experience.

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  Lots of Fun - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By JMcKay PA - December 12 - 10:40 pm

  Love the vehicle for looks and the pick up. Wish it had a place to store my sunglasses instead of a garage door opener above the drivers seat. The engine jumps when you hit the gas. Good view of the road when driving.

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  Update for star rating and other items - 2013 Toyota Avalon
  By solara01 - December 12 - 2:43 pm

  I posted an earlier review on my car but for some reason the star rating got dropped. I am working with tech support to fix this problem. I have the 2013 with the tech package and aside from a few minor things, I absolutely love this car. If you are looking for a smooth boat, the high end Avalon may not be for you. If you are looking for a luxury car under $40,000. This is your ticket.

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  2003 Toyoya 4Runner Ltd AWD V8 - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Dave - December 12 - 1:43 am

  This is one of the best SUVs made today. As my 4th Toyota, this one really rocks. The V8 Power, excellent acceleration and handling and very good quality make this baby stand out in its class. When you weigh it all out.. Toyota overall quality is way above all the rest of the rest. Every vehicle has some level of warrantee work and this one needs very little.

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  4Runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By no - December 11 - 6:06 pm

  Excellent vehicle. Good looking, fun to drive, reliable, excellent in snow, sand, & mud. Well built. Gets better gas mileage than some smaller vehicles.

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  03 Corolla LE (Toyota) - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By JDEB - December 11 - 5:50 pm

  I almost purchased a Honda Civic, but decided to test drive the Corolla first - loved it instantly. Quieter and has a sporty look with a sedan feel inside. Try it!!!!

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  Wonderful dependable little car - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By churro28 - December 11 - 2:40 pm

  Our Toyota Corolla has been the most reliable car we have ever owned. It has survived 2 accidents and still has always cost us very little in upkeep. It has reached 200,000 miles and is still going strong.

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  Great car, GREAT gas mileage... - 2013 Toyota Corolla
  By sliverit - December 11 - 1:42 am

  Ive been driving a GMC Sierra as of late, and getting 13-15 mpg, so I really needed something for my drive. I bought the 2013 Corolla S to commute across Phoenix. It drives really nicely. Tight, responsive steering, excellent braking, good acceleration (especially considering its a 1.8!) and a good looking car. Im 62" and the interior is a little tight for me, but its not too bad. I just drove to Idaho and back for a funeral, and I averaged 34 mpg. Long hours in the car arent super comfortable, but overall, for the money, its a great, zippy little car that gets excellent gas mileage and is pretty fun to drive. AND its a Toyota, so its gonna last! I would highly recommend one!

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  Love it - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By TC - December 11 - 12:36 am

  Toyota had it all with new style, kids love it (16, 14, and 9 years old), very Lexus feeling. Not perfect but does really well across the board, will hold its value.