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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  Yet another Corolla - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By H.Nieves - December 7 - 12:06 pm

  This is our third Corolla. Wife had a 2003, daughter has a 2005. When my wifes HHR was totaled she wanted to return to a Corolla as long as it had side air bags. Driving my Jeep was a bit scary for her. We got the LE model with power windows, wooden like interior trim and cruise control. It sets the standard for all compact economy vehicles. Excellent mileage, smooth ride, roomy interior and a huge trunk. Perfect for city driving and for long trips for two adults and a maximum of two preteens. Well put together and indicative of Toyotas pursuit of quality even in an economy vehicle. A great bargain.

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  It must have been engineered by a woman! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By teensthree - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Great car...no brainer gas milage. We use it for everything from long road trips, to moving, to getting groceries. Even room enough to bring a 6 foot table home from auction. And the best part ever....no digging in the purse to find the keys!!!! Had to have been desinged by a woman!!!

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  The Beast - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By wermys - December 7 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I began our search for our new SUV by driving everything in sight. We Looked at Cadillacs, Lexus, Acura, and Toyota. After driving the Sequoia my wife was sold and so was I. The ride is smooth as as air and it handels very well for its size. make no mistake this SUV is huge. This is truly a great vehicle, the 4WD handles nice, and so does the rwd. The interior comfort is great I am a large man and often find vehicles lacking in head room or leg room. this has plenty of both. if you are lookg for a great SUV then this is for you. I think it gets ok gasmilage for its size. It guzzels gas like all SUVs of this size.

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  Wonderful japenese materal! - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Willam Steven - December 7 - 10:00 am

  This lovely Toyota handles wonderfully, has tons of power, and takes the bumbs well, and is the most comfortable car I was ever in. I love this car. This car has tons and tons of rear leg room. Buy Toyota! This dcar gets an avrage of 24 miles to the gallon.

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  Cool covertible - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By 4 jeff - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Great mid size covertible smooth and confortable ride. Large and confy back seat. Great gas mileage. Quality built in with quiet enhanced by double ply top

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  Mystic Gold 2004 Tacoma - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Toddles - December 7 - 10:00 am

  What a great truck. Just recently traded in my 2002 Two-Door Tacoma for a 2004 Double Cab V6. Definately a great truck.. looks, styling, effcient engine... it has it all! I find myself wanting a second one even though I already have one!

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  its a cup cake - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By vrginie - December 7 - 10:00 am

  very smooth,quite engine,steering is the best and braking is ver responsive.

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  My First Toyota! - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Marissa Buchanan - December 7 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Toyota and being a former Honda owner, I love it.My dealer was the greatest and made the buying process very easy, with compliments to Edmunds.I made my deal with Invoice Pricing, no problem.

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  My new car - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Belle - December 7 - 5:46 am

  I have been driving a Ford Escort for the past 12 years and need to buy a new car. I like the deals that Toyota was offering and always knew they were great cars and believed with all the hype they would be even better. So I went to look at a car and ended up buying it right then and there!

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  Very nice car - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Marco - December 7 - 3:23 am

  As soon as I saw it, I knew that was the car I wanted. This car has almost everything (except navigation system). The ride is really smooth, you can really relax and ejoying driving even with traffic! All the features are just great and you really enjoy being inside the car! Of course outside looking at the car as well!