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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  RAV4 Fan - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By ToyotaNewbie - June 11 - 1:26 am

  Just got it 2 weeks ago. Very, very happy with it. With the V6, its very fast. Getting 24 mpg in the city, havent calculated highway yet. This vehicle is a happy medium of sportiness and practicality. Cupholders in front are kinda awkward.

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  Now this is a Toyota - 2000 Toyota Corolla
  By jjimbo - June 9 - 4:24 pm

  I got this car used from my cousin. It had been in two different accidents and was still going strong. This model of Toyota could not be killed. Everything worked, motor sang like a sewing machine and looked very neat and clean. The only thing I didnt like was the size of the inside.

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  new owner - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By NLS - June 9 - 11:43 am

  Love how it handles, and how it looks! It is so much fun to drive you forget its a sensible car! And with seats folded down, it holds a lot!!

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  Happy driver - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By no - June 8 - 12:53 pm

  This car is so great. Who knew that helping the environment could look and feel so good in a car!!! What a wonderful way to help mother earth. Im not a tree hugger, but owning this car sure makes me feel like one- currently avging about 45 mpg. Have been up around 50 at one point. Fun to play the mpg game while driving. Safety ratings through the roof- IÂ’ve got my 2 kids in the back in their car seats. U need 2 buy this car!!

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  Saved my life - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By Pyrov12 - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Was in a major Accident that rolled it 3 times, I came out almost unscratched. Drove great, stiff ride but expected from a truck based SUV over all a good reliable car.

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  visibility - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By imthedriver - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Great car but horrible blind spots. Its very difficult to see out the rear window, especially over the spoiler. Side windows offer even less visibility. You have to get used to driving using solely your mirrors really.

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  For the practical driver - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By jawon - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Initially overlooked this since it seemed too "gen Y", but with a baby coming into the family, I couldnt resist the practicality. Plenty of space for a young family, fuel efficient, great crash test ratings, usable cargo room (even for sleeping on camping trips!), rides high for easier loading/unloading of babies!!!! Looked a bit funky to me at first, but Im definitely getting used to it! Did a lot of research and this is the most practical car for young families with a recreationally active lifestyle and dont want to play the "bigger is better" game!

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  Put the - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By jacaputo - June 8 - 10:00 am

  The thing I love about my 4Runner is that is drives more like a sports car than an SUV. It has tight, responsive suspension and steering.

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  great suv - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By twh - June 8 - 10:00 am

  just the right size. plenty of power. lexus luxury without the price tag or the snobby image. great highway cruiser.

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  2004 Tundra Double Cab - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By skibum - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle feels solid on the road. Cabin is spacious. Controls are typical of foreign vehicle but could be desined better. Headlight control integrated in turn signal. I have had the headlights go off accidentally at night when I put on the turn signal. Wireless throttle control is not as smooth as it could be. Neither is the transmission. Turning radius is pathetic. Stock tires are not good in snow and. Engine power is more than adequate. Truck performs well offroad. I like the power rear window. 4WD system works well and is easy to use. Load capability is good. Overall, I like the truck.