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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  I come from a family of GM lovers, Trust me now they are spreading the word to others about Toyota, ITS A TOTALLY DIFFERENT DRIVING VEHICLE!! - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By goyankees44 - December 5 - 5:17 am

  Trust me, I come from a family of General Motors lovers. They now believe me, after this car, and recommend Toyota to everyone. My Dad now loves the Sienna. GM still makes crap. Chevy sonic.. anyone? Toyota has had side airbags standard and better resale. Cobalts, sonic, colorado, s10, buick, the new impala and their new models r horrible. my gram has 15k on her cobalt and kbb says 9k. i have 40k on my 09 and kbb says 14500 HELLO!! Seriously people.. its my pride and joy. Full tank of gas city driving only will last you 2 full weeks, trust me, this car can move!! it is SO SMOOTH this is what GM buyers dont understand, TOYOTA DRIVES TOTALLY DIFFERENT!!! and thank god for that :)

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  Awesome auto! - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By dansr42 - December 5 - 4:40 am

  Very happy. Ride is equal to many caddys we have owned. Plenty of room and many nice features.

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  Bullet Proof to the End - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By snyder_man - December 5 - 2:43 am

  This is my second small Yota pickup and it proves again that you cant go wrong in the reliability department with a Toyota. Needs a new clutch at 145K miles but other than brakes that is the only non routine maintainence I can remember in 12 years of ownership. One tune up and 2 brake jobs and 1 clutch in 12 years, cant beat that. It has never left me stranded.

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  The nicest Toyota yet. - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By bajarainny - December 5 - 2:16 am

  Having traded in our 04 Camry, this Highlander is our 5th Toyota. The styling for 2011 is much improved over the 08-10 version and can actually be called a "looker". After 2 weeks of owning it, Ive had two strangers stop me and ask about it. Having a great time with the navigation system and bluetooth phone set up and the entertainment system seems to work well (kids and grandchild). At first, I was a little daunted by all the electronics and technology, but Im one of those guys who does read the manuals (no fewer than 6 came with the car) and learning how to use everything is fun. The best part is, its a Toyota and everything works as it was designed to.

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  Toyota T-100 - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By Yogi - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Great truck! Im sorry Toyota stopped making them.

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  Toyota T-100 - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By yogi - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Great truck! Im sorry Toyota stopped making them.

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  Toyota Delivers - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By load - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Great overall car! Toyota quaility is very evident. Extremely fun to drive and it delivers nice power.

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  Matrix - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By edmundsedmunds - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Love it in all aspects for the price (14000 even) only wished I had the Navigation system

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  Ravver4 - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Juanchinchacho - December 5 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is very good in the city and receives very good gas mileage. It also is a very fun car to drive.

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  To Die for! - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Socalxrider - December 5 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is top notch, comming from a 1999 suburban, this SUV rocks. The off road capabilites are outstanding the roominess of the third row seating is amazing.