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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  I love my Solara! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Lady in Pink - December 27 - 11:20 pm

  The car has a smooth ride. Lots of room inside, and the top goes up and down easily and smoothly. I had originally thought of buying an MR2 Spyder, but am glad I choose the Solara instead. Large trunk space as well for those weekend get aways. Handles well, and good gas mileage for the size of the car.

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  Super Mid-SUV - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Super SUV - December 27 - 9:50 pm

  WOW, the Highlander is an awesome vehicle: handles very well and very quiet. The drivers position and the dash layout are both done extremely well-everything is easily within reach, and the materials used feel "expensive-not cheap". In addition, the fit and finish is superb! The engine has a nice "growl" when pressed above 3000 rpm, and power is exceptional. Toyota has done a great job!

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  Hooked on Tacomas!!! - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Neil Stewart - December 26 - 11:21 pm

  Traded in our 2011 Tacoma in Sept/16 at Diehl in Butler, Pa.....we were thrilled with trade in value. These trucks are built to last for sure! Our first service needed on our 2011 was at 136,000 miles for parking lights! Unbelievable! We had added running boards, rain visors and bed cover...such a good looking truck! We sell antiques and travel to shows for buying and selling so we use a 16 ft enclosed trailer. The truck always performed well for us. Now we just bought a 2017 Tacoma...added all the above but havent decided on our bed cover yet. Love it already but still think our other (dark grey) was prettier than the new white one!

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  FJ ROCKS! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By David - December 26 - 2:50 am

  I fell in love with this vehicle the first time I saw it. This represents the 3rd new Toyota product I have purchased for the family since 1994 and it does not disappoint. Not totally practical, but doggone fun to drive. You will turn heads as you go down the road!

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  Awesome - 2010 Toyota Avalon
  By Allen - December 25 - 11:00 pm

  I have owned a few new cars. This 2010 Avalon has to be the best.

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  sweet car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By bif - December 25 - 8:26 pm

  I used to drive an eclipse gs, then got an 05 S because I was looking for something more roomy and reliable. Couldnt have asked for anything better. I think this car is fun to drive too. Had a slight issue with the charcoal canister (gas something), a fluke thing I guess. This car rides so smooth, especially on the highway. So much room and I think its really comfy. Insane how great it is on gas. Def recommend this car.

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  2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By John - December 25 - 5:10 pm

  This little roadster defines the word "Value". It is very well built, very comfortable and a lot of fun to drive. On top of that our experience has been that fuel economy beats estimates at 38-40 mpg avaerage!

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  survey - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By rgar - December 25 - 3:53 pm

  so far driving this car has been a great experience. would definitely buy again, but would like to see a moonroof added as an option

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  Havent even driven 100 miles yet. - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By MJM - December 25 - 11:43 am

  We havent even driven it 100 miles yet, but so far, we love everything about it. The 6 is really hot, and a big 6 that uses regular is certainly important nowadays. We also love the contemporary styling We pretty much loaded the vehicle with options, and all of them work very well and none seem extraneous or extravagant.

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  Trust this car - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By luvmyecho - December 25 - 10:00 am

  I bought my little green Echo in August of the first year it was out, so I was a little worried as it hadnt been out for very long. However, knowing Toyota, my fears were few, and I felt (and still feel) this is a better value than almost any other compact out there. Roomy, great gas mileage, responsive, good pick up- I can hold my own in this car. Its true it can get blown about by a stong wind or a large semi passing, but I have few complaints besides that!