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 I found my car. - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By RnR - May 10 - 2:43 pm

  I bought my 99 Solara with 97,000 miles on it in February 07, and I made my best vehicle purchase ever. This car is such a solid, well built, stylish, dream of a car that I cant believe its almost 9 years old. Sometimes I just go places to drive it. Yes, I replaced the front struts, and then the strut plates. I put a Pioneer C.D. player (the stock one was broken) in the car. I also put a cold air intake on it to improve mpg. Big difference on trips, not so noticable in town. I also have a Tacoma, and Toyota totally rocks! I totally love my 99 Solara! Toyotas are the best value!

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  Economical Car -Great Ride - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By Donna Shelto - May 10 - 11:16 am

  Efficient and cost effective . Great for primary or secondary car.

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  Just perfect... - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By DoMaNeRoIs - May 10 - 3:26 am

  My husband & I love our Venza. Roomy, great looking and drives beautifully. I dont understand all the negative comments about the wheel size, they look great on this car and fill the wheel wells nicely. The ride is comfortable even here in the northeast where the roads are the worst. I would also like to add that its nice to be one of few to own one of these, you dont see yourself coming and going on the roads(I suppose once Toyota begins leasing them thatll all change). Were loving every single moment we cruise in this baby!!

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  We love our Avalon! - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By LMartin - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Ever since we bought our Avalon, we have loved to drive in it. It is worth every penny of what we paid for it, though we regret now not buying the XLS. It rides like a dream, and the fuel mileage is an excellent 25 miles to the gallon.

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  Love the Gas Guzzler! - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By cruisin family - May 10 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is fun to drive, hauls everything from kids to adults to you name it. Smooth ride. Gas mileage could be lots better. Avg 16mpg city/hwy.

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  All around great car. - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Tammy Glaze - May 10 - 2:00 am

  We like this one so much were thinking about buying a second Corolla. Great gas miliage, good handling, it has it all!

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  Great Ride for the Money - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By barryg - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Silky smooth engine and transmission. Comfortable and quiet ride. Ergonimically perfect. Looked at the Accord but liked the exterior style better.

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  the best car Ive ever owned - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Mary Bowman - May 9 - 11:30 pm

  My Prius is the best car Ive ever owned. I love its peppy feel, comfortable ride, roomy interior. Most of all, I love the 45-50 mpg Im getting. And I even enjoy the looks I get from other drivers, and questions from people about the car... I love bragging about it.

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  Fun, Economy, Reliability - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Preston Walrath - May 9 - 8:03 am

  Constantly on the road, great mileage, great reliabilty. Its the best car I have owned.

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  Excellent - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By Dharmendra Pant - May 9 - 7:52 am