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 truck! - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By BG - May 7 - 11:11 pm

  People on here have been whining about the shifting but honestly, its a Tacoma...not a race truck. It takes a little getting used to but once you settle into it and learn how it shifts, its not hard to adapt your driving style a little to take advantage of it. I love the design inside and out, everything feels solid and its everything you expect from a Tacoma. I am 61 and once I got the seat/steering wheel adjusted, its a comfy ride and its very easy to drive. I havent had much cargo to haul yet so I dont have a lot to say there except that I love the adjustable cargo locks, those are VERY handy to have.

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  THE car for America today - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By DonM - May 7 - 11:10 pm

  The Prius is the best common-sense car sold in America. It wont outrun other cars whose design is optimized for performance, either in a straight line or on a windy road. What it will do is carry 4 passengers and luggage with competent power, excellent ride, predictable handling, smooth operation, and as everyone knows, fantastic gas mileage. Its interior design is pleasing, and has a convenient layout both ergonomically and in terms of utility. After owning "performance cars" that place their emphasis on acceleration and handling at the expense of ride, this car with its CVT is a total pleasure to relax in and drive. Good tunes, good nav and effective Bluetooth, very satisfying ride.

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  Great car - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By Al003 - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I think this is the best toyota, I have a corola and camary as well

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  my purchase - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By hansengr - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Powerful and smooth, with good mileage at cruise speeds. Very tight handling. Third Toyota Ive bought, and wont buy anything else.

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  PraisesForPrius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By PraisesForPrius - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I have never been so excited about an automobile!!! This is the best thought- out, well designed, technically advanced automobile available today. It is underpriced for everything you get standard, particularly for such a techno complete auto; more gadgets and screen displays to keep any Star Trek fan thinking theyre in their own star- ship, and with an industry low .26 coefficient of friction, it almost IS as slick as a star-ship! Otherwise, just dont tell anyone its an economy car, theyll never know!

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  Great Look, Fun to Drive - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By puttsnone - May 7 - 2:00 am

  The RAV 4 is a really great car. While the road noise is a bit louder than it should be, everything else about the car makes it worth the purchase. It is very dependable, easy to control and fun to drive. Everywhere I go, people are commenting on what a sharp looking car it is. I bought this for my daughter, but would definitely purchase one for myself if I was looking for a SUV.

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  Best SUV for the money - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By hazman - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Toyota packed so much into this little SUV. Being based on a car platform, it has a fantastic ride, and handles more like a car than an SUV. The new 2.4L engine is a blast and still the fuel economy is great, considering that this thing has AWD - Ive averaged 27 mpg. The new audio controls on the steering are great, and I like the 6 cd sound system with 8 speakers. The refreshed styling makes it look even better, and I love the new wheels. 4 wheel discs are now standard, and much more confidence inspiring. This car is perfect. Has AWD, with great fuel economy, offers Vehicle Skid Control and traction control, and great braking too.

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  Love my RAV!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By MeAndMyRav - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I love this car everybody!!! I got a 95 civic when it was new and this is a welcome change. Its pretty friendly at the gas pump...Ive been averaging 28-30 MPG! Its pep and style just mkae it so much fun to drive! The interior is very simple, sporty and user friendly. Its great for hauling stuff too. While you cannot fit everything in a RAV, its great for trips to the supermarket and home improvement stores. This car is perfect for me and my family. We can fit 4 people reasonably comfortably and we dont find the interior driving noise to be bad at all. I highly reccommend this mini ute!

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  happy - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By joshdiego - May 7 - 2:00 am

  it was great. i love my car. i guess the title sums it all up

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  awesome! - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By kelkel - May 7 - 2:00 am

  just got a 1998 lxs as early xmas present from hubby.. i love it! its pretty and comfortable!! very very nice car! and lots of room in the back also!