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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  KJays car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By KJays Car - March 2 - 1:10 pm

  Excellent ride, gas mileage (45-50 mpg on highway) and super car to drive. Sporty look, everyone wants my car.

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  Pros and Cons of a Toyota Prius V - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Just Me - March 2 - 11:13 am

  Pros of the Toyota Prius V: I purchased the 2012 Prius V (5) The space is terrific for families or active persons. The hatch back has fantastic room, I put the back seats down and pack boogie boards, surfboards, a bike or even a piece of furniture I purchased from the store. Love the back seat leg room. My family is tall and have long legs, the room is comfortable for them and the shoulder room is also. Love the technology, I have had no problems with the car in the 4.5 yrs I owned it. This car is great on gas !! I previously owned a van because i needed the space but the gas was like another car payment, With my van i spent about $425.00 per month on gas verses with the Prius V I only spend $70.00 !!! That is a huge savings and I can still fit the things I need in the Prius V. DOWNSIDE OR CONS: THE PRIUS V IS VERY NOISY ON THE HIGHWAY. WE HAVE TO SPEAK LOUDLY TO HEAR EACH OTHER. IT IS NOT A QUIET RIDE. VERY UNFORTUNATE.

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  Long Term Love Affair - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By joeshed - March 2 - 10:13 am

  This car surpasses all competitors when one considers quality, features, comfort, design, room, performance, reliability, and value. Yes it costs more initially, but Toyotas hold their resale value, so focus on total ownership cost. Those who scoff at the Camry as an "appliance" generally are trying to defend their choice of less reliable, less cost-effective car purchases, because this car is luxurious, user-friendly, and a delight to drive, without the schmaltz. The car is quiet, tight, and smooth, handles predictably well, and has a smooth power curve. In 65K miles its total repairs were 2 new sets of brakes, a new battery, 4 new BF Goodrich Traction TA tires, and a steering gear lube.

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  good - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By cperez - March 2 - 10:00 am

  excellent car with many features. A very fun car to drive. It is also a very comfortable car and has a nice interior and exterior.

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  On or Off Road -This is the One - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By James52 - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Tried them all, beats new range rover for comfort and standard items, more class than new navigator, hasnt lost off road lure

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  super car - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By volunteer - March 2 - 10:00 am

  This is a well-made car that is so very fund to drive. The high seating position makes for terrific view. You can see traffic so well in this car. It is simply fun to drive--so smooth yet peppy. Ive only two minor complaints: my 2002 seems a bit noisy at highway speeds, and the wind tosses it a bit. I spend 99 percent of my driving in commutes, and nothing beats the ECHO for this.

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  The best car in the entire world!!!!!!!! - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By aznla - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Can not compare to any others car. The best car in terms of power train and tranny. Not like any cars that made in Detroit. Im going to keep this car forever. It has the power which I expected to have and it gets up fast and run fast as well. Over all this is going to be my babbbiiiii forever. Toyotas are the best. Keep it up.

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  Excellent value, comfort, performance - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By Marc B. - March 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car with 10,000 miles...now it has 85,000. Only repair was the A/C compressor replaced by the dealer - I paid labor only (after the warranty expired). Otherwise car is flawless, solid, comfortable and fun to drive. I have it serviced at the dealer (oil change $26.95) My only question is how long this will last. I might get 200,000 miles out of my Avalon, and Id be happy to drive it that long. Why pay 1,000s more for another car? For what? Having BMW written on the hood just isnt worth it.

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  love em - 2000 Toyota RAV4
  By mommamel - March 2 - 10:00 am

  fun,sporty,but still big enough for the family

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  Best Truck for the Money - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By Pete Philippis - March 2 - 10:00 am

  I have 110,000 miles on this truck original owner. Ive done nothing except oil change, tires, and changed the front brakes (original clutch). Rock Solid and I do not drive or treat this truck kindly. It has many dents and dings but it gets me from point A to B without ever letting me down. Highly recommend. F150 cant touch this truck.