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:

• 

  Awesome SUV - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By shrimper - June 23 - 10:00 am

  Weve had this SUV for 4+ years and have no repairs at all except new brakes at 95,000 miles. We have 110,000 on it now and it works like it did the day we brought it home.

• 

  Nothing Beats Toyota, NOTHING! - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jason N - June 23 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Toyota, and again I am IMPRESSED. This truck has more than enough pwr to do all I need. I have used it pulling boats, and other cars/trucks as well. The V6 never missed a beat. The 4wd is more than capable of handling anything I have thrown at it, snow, mud, rocks, anything. My mpg has suffered since the induction of ethanol, but whose hasnt? To the reviewer with the overhead compass problem, its just a resistor that needs re-soldered, you can fix it yourself for free in less than 5 minutes, I have done it to mine. I love this truck and am so glad I choose it over another full size. It does it all, plus the pwr outlet in the bed has proved beneficial. Overall best in class!

• 

  Dream came true in Texas - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By john boy - June 23 - 10:00 am

  Little over 5000 miles, you can not beat the quietness and the ride. This is our 4th Toyota car, you can see the quality control inside/out, I dont get tired driving this vehicle

• 

  You can have your cake and eat it too !! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By James K. Hoy - June 23 - 12:40 am

  I have been driving trucks for exactly 20 years now. Through this time it has been my experiance that you have to give up performance to achieve a vehicle that is suitable for work. With the new Tacoma, those days are over. I have a Crew Cab, Pre Runner, with the TRD Sport package, a V6 and the SR5 set up. This truck not only tows my work trailer, (a 5 x 8 cargo loaded with cabinet installation tools),effortlessly, its sharp to impress a date with, it handles like a dream and man will she fly when you turn her lose. I traded in an 02 Ford F150 with the 5.4L. Its payload was rated higher but other than that, this truck out performs hands down, and its al ot more fun to drive!!!!!

• 

  Great SUV - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By Brian - June 22 - 3:46 pm

  Love this SUV. Lots of room inside. Carries 6 adults with no problems. Will carry 7 for short distances. Very quiet on the highway, and in town.

• 

  Toyotas Best Kept Secret - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By SIGMUND DOUGLAS - June 22 - 1:00 pm

  The Toyota Tacoma is ToyotaÂ’s best kept secret. Here is a truck that is fun to drive, is quick off the line, sure attracts attention and has a great sound system.

• 

  over all value - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By shirley261 - June 22 - 7:20 am

  These cars deliver maximum MPG in a city setting. My car requires a fill up only once every 3 weeks. I test my milage and have found that the mpg as listed in the cars figures and my figures agree. I have no complaints with the interior except that my golf clubs are about 2 inches to long to fit in the trunk comfortably. I am 53" and my husband is 63" and we both are very satisfied with the car, both comfort wise and performance wise.

• 

  Best car in its class - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By camrylover - June 22 - 3:13 am

  Quiet, luxurious feel, top notch quality inside, classy exterior. My car has 6000 miles on it. Running great and giving me lots of pleasure and jealous looks from Honda owners

• 

  Love It - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Mary - June 22 - 2:10 am

  I went from a 2000 V8 Ford Explorer to the Highlander. The pick-up is great, comfort is exceptional. Very smooth ride, quiet, handles surprisingly well for an SUV. Lots of room.

• 

  AWESOME TRUCK - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By AWESOME - June 21 - 11:33 pm

  Out of all of the trucks out there you can not go wrong with toyota. My family has 3 all total. Toyota isnt given its credit for its solid designs and reliability.