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:

• 

  Going Foreign - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By kimberly - August 6 - 1:36 pm

  This truck rides corners like no truck i have ever driven. its like its meant to stay 4 on the ground. my previous truck was a 4.3liter while this one is a 4.0 and it seems to have alot more power. sitting next to a dodge ram my truck is only 2 inches shorter looks the same width and is the same length. i really feel like im a giant in this thing. compared to the tundra its not much smaller either. but alot less. i love the next interior i fell in love with it. and the access cab doors the open up will really be a help to put things in the back. headlights are nice they turn off when you open your door and the engine is off. cant lock door while key is in ignition. tons of pockets.

• 

  Toyota has done it again... - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By jazzydee - August 6 - 12:40 pm

  I absolutely love this car! I started out shopping for an Avalon but after I saw the Camry at an auto show, I was pretty much hooked. This is a baby Lexus with a Toyota price. Very smooth and quiet; great acceleration for a "family" car; plenty of bells and whistles, very roomy, and just plain good looking! The car has a very classy look and feel to it. If it is as reliable as past Camrys have been, it will continue to be the best selling car in America.

• 

  Canadian Toyota Echo 5-DR Hatchback 2004 - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By wwhtbabp - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I saw it few year ago in Japan & was suprised that Toyota decided to bring it to Canada, but not to the US (sorry my American friends, so you know how I feel about the MR2 Spyder). I bought it mainly because it is a unique car (I live along the US/Canadian border). Handling & power are actually quite acceptable. With saving from its fuel economy, it wont be long till I can afford an American unique MR2 Spyder.

• 

  LOVE MY AVALON - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Pugnme - August 6 - 10:00 am

  This car has many of the features of other cars at thousands of dollars less. It also has more room than the most of its competition. In youre looking for a full size luxury vehicle, you should NOT buy a new car without taking a good look at the Avalon. If you are in the Pittsburgh PA area, be sure to see the folks at Rohrich Toyota. They treated us great.

• 

  Cant beat a Toyota - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By autiger - August 6 - 10:00 am

  My main problem is being a large man, the passenger side room for the knees is poor. It is not comfortable to ride as a passenger, therefore i always drive long distances myself. The clock is hard to view from the drivers perspective. Otherwise, a great truck and no regrets on buying it except that I wish i would have waited one more year for the lower prices.

• 

  So much car for your money - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By a_mac - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I optioned out for the SLE V-6 to get my full moneys worth and boy did I get it. You get the triptronic gear box and this makes the car even more exciting. When I was test driving the car, I turned off the radio and the air conditioner just so I could hear if there was any noise coming from the engine, road, wind, etc. and I could barely hear any noise! Visibility is outstanding at night and in the day (having fog lights standard on a car are a must!). All-in-all this car delivers dependable quality along with the luxury of a Lexus all for the price of a Toyota (cheaper than a Honda Accord coupe with same features).

• 

  love it - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By billy p - August 6 - 10:00 am

  after driving a z28 fot 10 years. this was a god send. the truck is so smooth and quiet.i cant believe its a truck and i do drive my wifes lexus ls 400

• 

  I love this truck - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By sharynlee - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I have always wanted a 4runner. This truck is gorgeous and rides like butter. I drove it from New York to Florida and back. It was a pleasure. The black body with the silver inserts on the bumper is really sharp. Great truck.

• 

  Your moneys worth - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By efc - August 6 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Camry. The ride is comfortable & the cabin is quiet. Road noise is very minimal. The 4 cylinder engine is surprisingly peppy. Friends/family thought it was a V6 engine. its worth the money that is spent.

• 

  Sweet ride - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Bob West - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Bought a used 2002 Highlander recently and love it. Vehicle is very user- friendly, controls are convenient, easy to get into and out of and lots of fun to drive.