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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  Camry LE - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Jsansone - May 14 - 12:50 am

  I enjoy this car, it runs great and have minor repairs to it. I got this car with 100,338 miles on it with one other owner and the baby is still kicking! its a great car, a huge advancement from my 2002 dodge neon. It is a very, very, very smooth ride and the engine is very quiet, sometimes when I am at a red light I have to check my RPM just to make sure my engine is still running.

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  Still early, an initial grade - 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By e - May 14 - 12:06 am

  Purchased w/ Nav, JBL system and rear seat DVD. For the price you would think you bought a Lexus, but overall very smooth, comfortable ride. Hybrid system is great, only 2 weeks old and getting 24mpg w/ mixed driving. Power tailgate is a nice feature along with the stow away middle seat. 3rd row isnt the best but certainly livable for adults for short durations. Fun to drive? Eh, its a SUV/Crossover. How fun can it be? If I wanted spirited/fun driving, I would be in my 06 TL. Overall a very nice upgrade from our 01 Pathfinder LE.

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  Toyota RAV4 Vastly Improved - 2017 Toyota RAV4
  By Brian Montano - May 13 - 3:26 pm

  If you are in the market for a small SUV it will be worth your time to seriously consider the Toyota RAV4. The RAV4 has made astonishing improvements to the RAV4 since the early 2000s when my brother-in-law owned one. Stylish, modern, high tech and smooth ride. The 2.4 liter 4 cylinder engine mated to a 6 speed transmission provides good performance. Its good on fuel and with Toyota offering 0% APR for 60 months what a deal. It was too good to pass up. This is my fourth Toyota and Toyota has consistently proved to be reliable vehicles.

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  Better than expected - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Toyo Camry Hybrid - May 13 - 12:33 pm

  I have never been a toyota fan, but this car is very impressive. The hybrid drivetrain is amazing, and this car is pretty much loaded with everything except wood trim. The mileage is superb (~37mpg overall). The new body style is cool.

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  MCD4822 Reveiw - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Alison Burlingame - May 13 - 11:40 am

  Much roomier than the Camry. Especially noticable in back seat area. Gives you more for the money when comparing it to the Lexus 330 which we also own and paid the same price for. Smart key system is great, and many other electronic features.

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  Great Concept Car - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By Eric_tkd19 - May 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my second car. It blows my old honda civic away with is sleek style and power. The interior is very sporty though the back seat is, well not meant for people. But that is what you get for buying a small concept car.

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  Toyota Avalon - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By jlandatty - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Top of the line Toyota product; great comfort and quality. Rides like you are sitting on a cloud. Recommended.

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  Best compact SUV Ive driven - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By dwoud - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I have put many miles on the car, and some rugged off roading (quite a bit) Ive never been stranded on the side of the road. Horsepower is lacking but the rewards are seen at the gas pump. The five speed manual gear box helps over come the power issue. At 255,000km. I am Getting the best fuel milage yet!! Lets hope for a hybrid! The limited slip differential is a little "week" but as long as the car is still moving it will pull though almost anything.

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  Solara review - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By gshep33 - May 13 - 10:00 am

  The Solara is fun to drive and gets great gas mileage. The only down side to the car is the back side windows. They are very small, making them hard to see out of.

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  Great vehicle! - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By REFC - May 13 - 10:00 am

  We had looked at several SUVs, and the 4Runner had everything we wanted along with a great re-sale value. We got the running boards, the roof rack, the moon roof, the DVD entertainment system. Everything I wanted or that was important to me was available. A great car and so much fun to drive! It looks good to, I would recommend it to anyone and everyone! I love my Toyota 4Runner!