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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  Finally, some fun on the streets - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Mike - May 13 - 9:00 pm

  The MR2 will never appeal to soccer moms, farmers, or anyone who prioritizes "practicality" over fun; however, if you want a reliable, economical, relatively rare, good-looking, and super fun way of getting from point "A" to "B" the MR2 can not be beat.

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  Great Little Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By 3dyaris - May 13 - 11:00 am

  My Yaris gets great gas mileage, is comfortable, and drives well. Ive had no problems in three years- just done routine oil changes. Plenty of storage with the hatchback too, and its easy to park.

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  Great car to drive - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By Keith Lowery - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Great car good price and great style

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  Excellent 2 door - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By solara fan - May 13 - 10:00 am

  28 mpg - outstanding mileage

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  Room To Spare - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By new2this2 - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Big, roomy and quiet. More space than my wifes minivan. Very well built. You have the feeling that you are well protected in the event of a crash.

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  my truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By joshua skinner - May 13 - 10:00 am

  only have had great things with toyota. this new tacoma so far is the best yet.

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  Highlander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By RRFisher - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I have had the Highlander for just over one year (2002 model) and it has been a dream to own. I had one seal (slight squeek when barely rolling) that had to be replaced at 3 months. Other than that it has been oil change and lube. I have not had one complaint. On the highway it is as nice to drive and ride as our Lexus.

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  Great Value! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By pedro123 - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Never thought we will buy a Camry ever. HOwever, after considering Accord EX-Leather, Passat, Acura TSX picked Camry. Overall, Camry XLE with leather is a great value - tons of features that you find in high end cars are available at a competitive price. For e.g., for almost the same price as an Accord, you get side curtain air bags, rear cooling, anti- glare mirrow with compass.

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  The best car ever - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Reynaldo P. Lazaro - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Toyota Camry SE V6 is the best of the best.

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  Fantastic Car to Drive - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Bob - May 13 - 1:43 am

  This is a great car to drive. Very comfortable to ride in both front and back. The navigation system is great to use on a trip and the XM radio makes the drive fun listening to music with no commercials. Silver with the black top and dark grey leather is an eye catcher. Definitely can say this car is worth the money.