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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  roomy avalon limited. - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By Gary Burnett - October 28 - 2:03 am

  Nice Car ,The Seats Are To Hard And Very Hard To Clean ,Engine Is Very Quiet And Powerful ,The Car Also Sits To Low With 5 People It Will Scrape Coming Out Some Driveways,But It Does Look Nice,Exspecially The Limited But Cost As Much As A Lexus es350 But More Room Inside ,Thats One Of The Reasons I Bought The Avalon Instead Of Lexus Es350.

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  Good Small Car - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By Michael21 - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Corolla for about two years now. It has over 186,000 miles on it and it has been reliable. Saved me tons of money on gas because with about 10 dollars could put me on about 3/4 a tank. Overall a good reliable car but there are a few problems I have. First I am 63" and it is extremely difficult to get behind the wheel. Second the car can be a little sluggish when getting on the highway. Other than that the car has been great. I just hope my next one is as reliable as this one.

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  I feel lucky - 1995 Toyota Corolla
  By bedok - October 27 - 10:00 am

  cant be better. only oil change and tire replacement is needed.

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  Cajun Toy 4x4 Limted - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By Cajunsportsman - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Bought truck with 127245 miles on it. so for good riding all over cental Louisiana an Southern Louisiana. Truck seem to be a good riding one so far everthing still works fine on it. Could use more power under hood V6 3.0 not enought

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  2004 toyota matrix xr - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By purplepati - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Quite a comfortable ride. Sporty styling. really turns heads

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  Gas over $2.00/gal? No problem! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By nancela - October 27 - 10:00 am

  While I had to wait for my new Prius for 2 months, I have only owned my Prius for about a month. I am really loving it so far. I took it for a road trip of 400 miles each way and averaged 47.5 miles to the gallon on the highway. No complaints there!!! And the hatchback style is very convenient. I waited for several years for someone to come out with a convenient 4-door hatch.

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  want more - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By spike8 - October 27 - 10:00 am

  We are shopping for a vehicle. The prius is high on our list. We are waiting for 2005 to purchase but would like to see additional features on this car. would like to see a bit of a size increase, not much but a little. We hear Honda is making a hybrid accord which may be the biggest compitition.

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  One Of the Best Ive owned - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By elom12 - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I own the 2004 Toyota Prius which is about 5 steps up from my last car, a 2002 Toyota Prius. I cant say enough of how much Ive enjoyed my first Prius and now the new one is even better. I have driven Lexus cars prior to my first Prius and appreciate a fine car, but the Prius has been great and I have absolutely no complaints but only accalades for the car.

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  04 Sequoia - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By My name is DUFF - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Researched new vehicles in this catagory. The Sequoia has the best resale and does not lose its value such as the Expedition and the Escalade. It has a five star rating for resale, Not that Im getting rid of mine anytime soon. I love the room it provides, and drives as nice as a luxury car.

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  Hightlander - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By Alena - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Just note, love the vehicle!