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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  Comfortably Reliable - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By ray44512 - June 23 - 6:10 pm

  I inherited this car a few months back, literally owned by a little old man. Four cylinder is sluggish from the start, but comes alive once it is rolling. Transmission seems well suited to make the most of 2.4 liters. Body style and interior are plain but functional. Actually, the body style grew on me.

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  Family car - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Paul Birley - June 23 - 2:57 pm

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  Love it - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Joan - June 23 - 10:50 am

  I just bought this SUV 4 weeks ago. I love it. It rides like a car and interior is roomy well equipped. I looked at all the mid size SUVs and this is the one I kept coming back to.

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  Best Family Car Ever Made - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By htkirbys - June 23 - 9:20 am

  I was surprised at the liveliness and handling of a four-cylinder car this size. This must be the best buy possible for ordinary folks.

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  2016 toyota corolla s special edition - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By Adam - June 23 - 5:36 am

  I have owned the S Special Edition for about a month now and have put just over 5000 miles on it. My only complaint so far is that it is a bit under powered, especially going up the hills in Pittsburgh, but Ill sacrifice that everyday of the week for the gas mileage. No complaints other than that so far. I think next time Ill go for the Avalon Hybrid to get my power and great gas milage. My car is the S Special Edition with Absolute Red paint, red stitched interior trim and mats, the Smart Key System, Entuneâ„¢ Audio Plus, moonroof, pure black chrome 17 inch rims with low profile tires.

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  Nice performance and room - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By reed - June 23 - 2:16 am

  I had to replace my Audi with a truck for work purposes. I was expecting to be disappointed but this truck has exceeded my expectations. It has decent horsepower and torque. Handles well in snow (with four sand bags and studs), stereo sounds good, Sport package has nice options. Not the most comfortable ride but the truck can carry a decent load.

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  very disappointed - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By cjh - June 22 - 10:26 pm

  Serious drivetrain problems the dealer says that its all in our minds. I have been through four sets of tires since May of 03. We have had the truck serviced on time, we have have to replace the brakes. We had problem starting two weeks after we purchased it. This is was a brand new truck with 20 miles on it the day of purchase. I will not purchase another Toyota. We were in the market to purchase our daughter a car, but it will not be a toyota now.

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  It doesnt get any better... - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Bob Kim - June 22 - 5:23 pm

  The car has gotten me through the one of the worst winters Ive ever experienced. With over a foot of snow on the roads, I just throw my car into 4x4 and I can get anywhere without worrying about spinouts.

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  Loving it!! - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By momof2 - June 22 - 2:30 pm

  I love my Sequoia! It is great for the kids. It is everything I thought it would be and more. It is a comfortable ride and easy to handle. It has such a sophisticated look!

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  Come a long way - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Stephen Seiberft - June 22 - 7:43 am

  I think this is a good truck and a great start for improvements