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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  Toy4Me - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By mycoolcar - March 16 - 10:00 am

  This car is very easy on the eyes. I chose red as my color. Wherever I go people comment on how nice my car is. Looks like a lexus, feels like a lexus, acts like a lexus, but without the price of a lexus.

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  2003 Tacoma - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By fixandrepair - March 16 - 10:00 am

  I had 86 Toy P/u and loved it but needed more work so bought a new Tacoma with just the basics. I own (have ownd) many Toyotas and they are low maint/reliable. BUT noticed this is the first one not built in Japan, but in TENN, and I can tell the diff in quality.! Windows loose/rattle, creeking sound in dash, bed liner coming "unglued", paint bubbling up both sides on door at bottom. Only complaining because I love my old TOY and still have a 4rnr Im happy with. I like my Tacoma (gave it a hi rating) but it could have been built better.

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By F014tomcat - March 16 - 10:00 am

  7,000 miles on it with only one minor problem. A hose to the coolant came loose, and I lost the cooant, but they fixed it. TRD package is great. Off roading is a breeze with the locking differential. Average mpg is 16-17.5, not great. Clock is in horrible position. Interior does look a bit cheap. I too have a rattle, that I cannot find. A little pricey, but so far worth the money. I love driving it.

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  4 runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By soonerswagger - March 16 - 10:00 am

  best SUV weve ver owned

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  Finally.... - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Neumie2000 - March 16 - 10:00 am

  After driving American made SUVs for quite a number of years, I now know why the American manufacturers need to offer incentives to sell their vehicles. I had a 2003 Ford Explorer, with only 5000 miles on it. Sticker price was 31K, trade in value after less than a year of ownership, $17,500. The 4Runner has far more power, better gas mileage, better ride, far superior build and ride quality. I really could not be happier with the purchase.

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  FTD - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By leonf3rd - March 16 - 10:00 am

  FunToDrive. I was very surprise on it smooth handling. Family loves it. After adding a few accessories on the outside it turned out to be a very good-looking vehicle. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a small-medium SUV. Good gas mileage. I wish the fog lights were standard. Can get expensive adding few features.

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  CAMRY or ACCORD? - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By easyed87 - March 16 - 10:00 am

  We were deciding between the Camry and Accord and the deciding factor was the smoothness of the ride. The Camry is large enough for a family of 4 with plenty of trunk space for road trips. It has averaged 35 mpg on highway trips and approximately 25 mpg in city driving conditions. I would highly recommend this car to anyone in the market for a mid-sized sedan.

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  Great Car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By cjh - March 16 - 10:00 am

  Bought the 2005 Corolla as a 2nd car. It is fun to drive, no rattles, quiet, everything in the car fits perfectly. I am 6ft4in. and I have plenty of leg, shoulder and head room. I have to move the seat forward. Great car.

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  Lightning Issue PLEASE READ! - 2015 Toyota Corolla
  By Jason - March 15 - 8:58 pm

  If you plan on buying this car please take a test drive at night without high beams on and go downhill. Half of the windshield is completely dark and sometimes the whole windshield. Very concerning and Toyota hasnt done anything yet and wont test drive the car at night to be shown what is happening. Good looking out for your customers Toyota.

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  Love it. All around - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Saint - March 15 - 6:33 pm

  Wonderful car. Toyota quality and performance with the benefits of a hybrid. Very smooth drive - seamless transition from battery.