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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  Great Car! - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By DSlayer121 - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I have never felt a four cylinder with so much power and it gets 35 to the gallon! Plus, my car has one of the most clasic body styles on the road! It is ABSOLUTELY GREAT!

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  984rnner - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By bigcat9 - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Very nice vehicle. Had to replace both O2 sensors at 100,000 miles. Clock had to be repaced at 111000 miles and power antenna assembly at 105000 miles. No other problems. Paint and finish excellent. Rear springs replaced and supplemented under recall. Some emission control parts had warranty extended by Toyota.

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  140,ooo and still drives like new - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By Rhettro - May 24 - 10:00 am

  the title says it all, replaced an alternater belt, small water leak, and thats it, most importantly, the trany and engine are running the same as they did when we purchased this car. A/C is still going stronger than ever, surprising, since i live in Atlanta. Ive been moving a lot lately, and it has no problems towing a big, uhaul trailer, HIGHLY recommend this vehicle, with a V6, im getting around 17mpg

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  Yayeyayeeee, Matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Katrina Soulyse - May 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is so fun to drive. The engine makes noise, which is good for me, I am young though. I havent had any problems yet.

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  prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By jtt22 - May 24 - 10:00 am

  outstanding and comfortable and spacious. much more appealing than the insight or the civic hybrid. i dont think honda knows the meaning of hybrid

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  2003 RAV4 - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Mommymoto - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! It has the convenience of an SUV without the parking and maneuvering difficulties with larger SUVs.

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  Truly the best Car Ive ever owned - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Jim TR - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Just turning 100,000 miles and not had a single problem with it. No one thing!!

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  Wonderful truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Shewolf - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my Toyota Tacoma for the Tundra, there is much more room inside and is larger and easier to handle. My Tundra is much smoother riding than my husbands Dodge Ram and I wouldnt hesitate to drive across country in my Tundra.

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  Toyota has built the right truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By JaxTundra04 - May 24 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Tundra and my second Toyota. I used to drive Nissans for years, but their build quality and service department has gone down hill. The Tundra is a great truck that does not require frequent trips for repairs, and it holds its value, unlike so many other trucks. I see people writing reviews here that are either just trying to bring down the Tundra because its not a "domestic" truck, or they are just flat out lying. If you buy a Tundra, you will not be disappointed.

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  purrfect - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Kavs80 - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I have onened this car for a little less than 2 months an it has just been purfect. I love the way it just sits on the road like it owns it. Its like a shark to other vehicles. I is intimidating to other cars in its