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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  sports car - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Mojobabee7 - October 26 - 10:00 am

  I think this is a great car especially for students becuase it does not take much gas and you get alot of mph..great for traveling

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  Toyota Avalon XLS Sedan - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By jean martin - October 26 - 10:00 am

  my toyota avalon has been very reliable vehicle. I am an insurance agent and drive my veh in business so I need a car that gets good mileage, dependable and comfortable. I have 150000 miles on my toyota and never had a problem. the only expense I have been out is up keep of the veh. I have enjoyed driving this vehicle more than any other vehicle I have owned.

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  Lexus at Half-Price! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By MikeinIL - October 26 - 10:00 am

  The exterior isnt similar to a lExus ... it is the same body, except for the badging.

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  Awsome SUV - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By dfsalyers - October 26 - 10:00 am

  This truck is a great buy. We bought this car for my wife and she absolutely loves it. This car is also well built because she was rear ended last week and the 4Runner had minimal damage while the other truck was not so lucky. This car also gets some serous complemets.

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  Great buy - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Monique125717 - October 26 - 10:00 am

  So far so good, I feel pretty comfortable driving in my toyota. Ive done a lot of research on these cars and so far Ive heard nothing but good things. This is my first buy and Im very pleased

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  If You Drive It, Youll Buy It! - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4RunFun - October 26 - 12:36 am

  Happy to be part of the 4Runner family. I researched just about every mid-size SUV out there and the 4Runner is the superior vehicle in just about every way. Smooth and powerful V6, great ride, sharp styling, quality materials, great fit and finish and Toyota reliability. Check out what people are getting for 97 4Runners and thatll tell you how well they hold their value. Take advantage of the cash rebate and get yourself into a 4Runner. Just make sure you get it with the Michlines as the Bridgestones and Dunlops do not get good reviews.

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  This truck is sick - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Steve - October 25 - 8:30 pm

  This is an awesome truck. I have the standard suspension and the ride is like a luxury car. The power this truck has is just incredible and it shifts very smooth. Toyota did a great job on the interior design, big nobs for climate control, and several storage compartments. The bed is a few inches deeper than most trucks and the spring loaded hinges on the tail gate are really cool. Ive had this truck for a week and I cant find a thing wrong with its design. The mpg is a little bit lower than stated. My computer is telling me Im getting 12 mpg in town and 15 mpg on the fwy. Dont really mind spending a little more on gas to have all this power. Overall a great ride and fun to drive.

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  Totally pleased with my Avalon - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By L.A. Driver - October 25 - 2:00 pm

  This is a great car! It is solidly built and stylish in design. It provides a smooth, peppy drive and agile steering. It is comfortable for both the driver and the passengers. The interior is plush and the back seat is so roomy. The reclining rear seats are a special touch of comfort. The JBL sound system is excellent and I thoroughly enjoy the "surround sound" feature. I am totally pleased with my new Avalon.

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  Best car that i have ever owned - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By greg g - October 25 - 1:40 am

  In my years I have owned many new cars, Cadillacs, Lincolns, Dodges, Fords, etc. but none of them are equal to the Toyota Corolla S Model. I currently own my third Corolla S. I try to trade or buy a new one each year. The Corolla S is the best kept secret around.

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  Great Overall Convertible - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Glenn G - October 25 - 1:16 am

  Just got the Solara convertible SLE and we are extremely satisified. Traded in a 2003 BMW Z4 that was fun to drive but suffered from some strange quirks. The Solara is a different kind of ride, somewhat sporty but rather refined. The fact that it can carry 4 in comfort and the huge trunk are both real positives. Also, the built in bluetooth phone system is fantastic. Seats are very comfortable and the controls are typical Toyota, well designed and intuitive. Paint job is awesome.