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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  This Aint No Grandma Car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Had12Many - December 25 - 10:00 am

  Well, the misus and I had to get a new car as our 2001 Honda Accord got totaled. I was opposed to the Camry at first, cause I didnt want a grandma car (do I feel a midlife coming on?). But we went to the Toyo dealer and I was AMAZED at the silky, smooth ride of this car. We were sold after smelling the new car smell! It handles beautifully and gets up and goes for a 4 banger. The sunroof and smoked headlights give it a mean sporty look. The cabin is so large...good for those rides home after fighting at the in- laws. Pockets galore and HUGE trunk. Full size spare is great too. Excellent car...excellent value.

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  Best Truck Ive ever Owned - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By hew25889 - December 24 - 10:16 pm

  With 32,500 miles Ive never been happier with a truck. Ive owned Ford, Chevy (2), and Dodge trucks. The only thing that comes close to the Tundra was a Duramax. Driving the Tundra feels like the Duramax, just I cant tow as much. I installed the KN Cool Air Intake, gives it even more hp and sounds cool.

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  New Yaris is Great - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By yaris1 - December 24 - 9:43 pm

  I traded in my 2000 echo and im just so happy with my choice the car is great looks good [got mine in nautical blue] every where i go people ask about it i havent got to high 30s in fuel economy but been averaging 33 with ac on in closing i think the car is just what i wanted

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  Nice, but not the Sequoia - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Nice - December 24 - 12:46 pm

  Traded a 2002 Sequoia for the Highlander for financial reasons (gas mileage, etc.). I like it, but wish I had gotten the Sport or Limited (none in stock at the time). The base model features are VERY limited in comparison to what I am used to. No exterior temperature guage or interior computer for gas mileage, no power seats, no standard roof racks, no mud flaps, etc. I am dissapointed in the lack of standard features, especially the lack of power driver seat. On the other hand it has more than enough power and drives great.

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  Best Car! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By gchan - December 24 - 7:16 am

  Best car for the money. Excellent quality, ride, and mileage. Traded our 96 Lexus ES 300 for the new TCH. We received a $2000 provincial tax credit. Current TCH (until Oct 06) are made in Japan. Why buy a Camry V4 when you get more options and better gas mileage. My estimate pay back (TCH vs V4) in gas savings is about 4 years, but with more than $5000 worth options (Canada).

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  We like!!! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Lynn Church - December 24 - 3:26 am

  Wifes car--had a Honda Civic Sport that was too small for me and she wouldnt drive my Jag. This car drives like the Jag and she is comfortable with it. We took it south, brand new -- put on 5000kms, was impressed with performance--power and handling-- mileage was good. Unique good looks in and out. We think it is the right unit for our needs--we dont have wind noise!

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  Great Find - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Grant Wilhite - December 23 - 7:01 pm

  I love my RAV4 it looks like a little new Lexus SUV

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  Love it so far - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Bob - December 23 - 6:50 am

  Just picked the FJ up and had a good amount of winter weather blow in. The FJ handled the snow and ice with no problems. Time will tell on the over all reliability. I have almost 500 miles on it and have nothing bad to say so far.

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  Awesome looks and reliability! - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By CeliSamurai - December 23 - 4:56 am

  I bought this car with 108,000 and now has 140,000. And let me tell you, nothing needed to be replaced! I just chose to replace the brakes and spark plugs right when I bought it. I love this car! Looks awesome, gets awesome gas mileage (35 MPG highway) They could give it a little more horses but its quick regardless weighing just over a ton. Also great winter car, just throw a sand bag in the trunk and your good to go.

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  2nd time around - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Steve - December 23 - 3:33 am

  I went back to a Toyota Avalon after owning a Chrysler 300 for just over a year. The Avolon gets much better gas milage, a smoother ride, just as much if not more leg room in the front and back. The style is still great as well!