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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  A Lexus in Toyota Clothing? - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By robsis - April 22 - 7:41 pm

  What an amazing car. My wife and I took our 11 Avalon in for service and drove out with the 13 Hybrid. We drove Prii and the Camry Hybrid and there was no comparison to the Avalon Hybrid. Smooth, quiet (quietest car Ive driven at 70/75!), handles much more securely than the 11, lots of room, great job on the interior making it both inviting and sporty. We were concerned about the CVT trans and the power and boy were we proven wrong. Not as strong as the V6 but pretty darn close. Transition from gas engine to electric is seamless and no rubberband feel like on many CVTs. . Visibility is excellent. Overall a superb upgrade to the previous model and an excellent upscale sedan!

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  05 tacoma TRD sport 4x4 - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By kyle - April 22 - 6:20 pm

  Ive always wanted a tacoma and Im sure I picked the best tacoma yet! With its outstanding reputation, I cant wait to drive it for years to come. Its a great truck!

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  AAA+++++ - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Kelly - April 22 - 3:43 pm

  The only thing I could wish for that I dont have with my Prius is leather seats and wood grain dash/ Everything is on this car that a person could want including a great sound system, air/heat and power! I am in California and enter and exit fwys with no problem.

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  Economical Fun Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Clarence S - April 22 - 7:26 am

  The car is a lot of fun to drive, gives a big car feel on the road and handles great around town. Everything has met my expectations for the vehicle. Gas mileage has been great..

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  Woot!!! - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By zorrang - April 21 - 11:30 pm

  4runner rocks, great handling, great everything. Looking forward to some 4x4 fun soon.

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  2005 Camry LE V6 - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Trent E. - April 21 - 3:26 pm

  This car is surprisingly good, even for a 7 time Toyota/Lexus owner. This is our 2nd Camry, the first being a new 2003 XLE V6. That car was loaded and well enjoyed. However, the 05 LE V6 has proven to be a better car than even the higher priced, heavily equiped XLE V6 of two years prior. The basic LEs V6 is much stronger, quieter and gets great fuel economy over the 03. The ride quality is even more preferable in the LE with stability over rough roads at speed and mild understeer when pushed hard through turns. The sound quality of the basic 6 speaker, single CD stereo is even better that that of the 8 speaker JBL in-dash 6 CD system. Overall, reliable high-quality transportation.. again.

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  Tacoma - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dennis Dewald - April 21 - 10:30 am

  I have had for 2 months so far so good. I like the gas mileage. It seems to perform well.

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  Team Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Britty06 - April 20 - 1:23 pm

  The Yaris Sport sedan is an excellent car! This is my first car, and Im so happy with it. It drives great, and has great MPG also. And plus its very cute. The seats are very comfortable, people are always surprised on how much room there is in this car. Im so happy with my purchase. Thanks Toyota for making a great car!

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  Great, versatile vehicle. Good hauler - 2013 Toyota Sienna
  By Mla Mla - April 20 - 1:32 am

  IM an empty nester and a 65 yr old female. I bought this to carry my 2 Kayaks Inside, to avoid the time-consuming and difficult Job of lifting the Kayaks to the roof. Works great. My friends love it, too. Also carries bicycles easily as well as a group of people. Runs well. I live in Wis. And one day I was In a snowy construction Zone and needed to make a short, quick right turn around a barrel. This Van did it gracefully. Far better than expected. My husband and I have driven nothing but Toyotas since the 198Os . We had a small 1994 pick up that ran 190,000 miles in 20 years and only stopped because the frame rusted. Only repair was ex haust system because of rust . a great value . We also have had a Corolla with absolutely no problems In 12 years and 170,000 miles. Cant complain.

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  Just Fantastic! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By alpha_1976 - April 20 - 12:39 am

  I have driven it only for about 2K so far and its just fantastic! It has about 74K and I guess it just runs like when its new. Gas mileage is fantastic and ride is very quite. Ill update this after a while but I am loving it so far.