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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  Perfect College Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jess - August 8 - 2:30 pm

  This car is the perfect car for college students. It is reliable, low maintenance, affordable and has great gas mileage. Im currently a student in college who lives four hours away from home, and I find this car to be very reliable.

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  2008 Sequoia Limited with all Options - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Luv2Dive - August 8 - 8:56 am

  Traded in my wifes Ford Explorer Sport for the Sequoia Limited 4wd, and it was the best thing we ever did. Before purchasing the 2008 Sequoia, we test drove the Escalade, Tahoe, 2006 Sequoia and Expedition XL for a weekend each, and the 2008 Sequoia was the clear winner. The Sequoia ride quality and handling ability is excellent... even in 4 wheel drive. Our regular ski trips to Lake Tahoe have been a lot more comfortable and fun, since we got the Sequoia.

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  After a couple of months - 2013 Toyota Avalon
  By 2013limited - August 8 - 5:10 am

  I was shopping for luxury replacements for my 2007 Avalon XL when the new 2013 first showed up at my dealer. It changed my whole perspective. It was not like any Avalon that I had seen! The interior was completely changed and the tan variation was sporty and masculine. The drive and control felt like some of the performance cars that I had before. It was a no brainer, I could have the looks, luxury, and performance that I wanted with the reliability of a Toyota and for $30,000 less cost (I paid cash). I didnt realize how "nice" it could be to drive a car...I really enjoy my time on the road.

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  Solid Truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Brandon - August 8 - 1:36 am

  I have 3000 miles so far on my Tacoma.Absolutely an all around truck! Supurb power, fuel economy, comfort and great looks! Traded in 2004 F150, which I liked, but the Tacoma V6 is great, dont feel I lost any power in comparison. Im getting 22 miles a gallon which was suprising cause many vehicles dont really match the estimates! A great truck that you cant go wrong with!!

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  Great SUV - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Proud owner - August 7 - 11:13 pm

  Ive had the car for almost two years, havent had anything go wrong (knock on wood!). My first Toyota, I tried the RAV and a Buick Rendevous. The RAV seemed a tad too small, the Buick my husband didnt like. The size is perfect for us--just two but two dogs, one large, one medium, can both fit in the back seat, have plenty of cargo space left in back. Havent used the third seat but wanted in case of emergency. Would agree good only for children. Rides smooth, easy to drive as a car, but the better and higher visibility of an SUV. Overall very satisfied and figure this to be a 10 yr vehicle.

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  Great Car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By billm - August 7 - 12:16 pm

  This is an excellent car! I went from a Lexus GS300 to the 2002 SE. Absolutely perfoms as well (if not better) then the GS300. The SE is the best handling car I have ever owned! Also, I have owned a car from every major car company in the last 5 years and Toyota (and Lexus) customer service is far superior to all the rest!

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  Great car - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By John - August 7 - 6:33 am

  Ive had the car since last Thursday and have about 300 miles on it. It is everything I expected and seriously, I do not understand the agenda of those who write negative reviews on the vehicle. The Prius is one of three cars I own one of which is a 5 series BMW. I have not touched any of the other cars since I got the Prius. All in all, it is a super car.

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  Great investment - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By thomas hoehn - August 7 - 6:13 am

  Over 100,000 and runs great, over 80,000 on the Michelin tires. Starts up every time. Great ride and lots of room in trunk and interior easy to maintain without nickle and dimeing you to death.

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  Best Truck Built - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mark Luffred - August 6 - 8:00 pm

  This is by far the best truck on the market. The coil-spring double wishbone front suspension on this truck gives you the feel of driving a luxury car. The power to weight ratio gives you better than expected acceleration performance even on the 4 cylinder. The bed rail system combined with the bed anchors give you the flexibility to handle any hauling task.

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  Tacoma 2005 - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By john - August 6 - 3:23 pm

  Im a medical technician and have to drive it anywhere and quickly, also I dont like to spend a lot in fuel.