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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  love my 4runner! - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By havoc1649 - October 22 - 9:33 pm

  Complaints: noisy blower fan, a little slow to build up when throttled up, complicated NAV (like all others) Pros: Everything else is great! Strong motor, smooth in all facets. Love the rear pull out deck for the kids gear, very comfortable leather seats, awesome in poor winter weather, really just a great all around vehicle.

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  Have fun saving energy with min emission - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Prius - October 22 - 7:03 pm

  I am an electrical power engineer, so I like the technology incorporated in the Prius. I was not in the market, but rode in my brothers Prius in May, read several reviews,and got interested. Then I received my IEEE magazine with an article explaining why the Prius is the only family size vehicle that can provide an immediate reduction in gasoline usage and emissions. It explains why hydrogen fuel cells use more petroleum at this time, and estimates 10 years before fuel cells will be helpful. With pricing starting below $20k, and all the great features and options, I decided to not wait,and placed an order in June. Took delivery in 3 weeks at that time.

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  Great car, Great price. - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By Dylon - October 22 - 8:36 am

  Picked up the 98 Avalon only a few months ago, came with 150,000 km on it, I put on about 10,000 km. Still works perfectly. Absolutely no problems. Only complaint is that my old car was a 92 Camry, it was a cute little car, but it was fun to drive. This one seems a little stiff. Pretty good on gas I guess, I am getting about 23 Mpg city. And the car doesnt have that outdated look to it. The rear looks really modern, love the sunroof, and the headlight cleaners is the cherry on top. Never selling.

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  Super Satisfied - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By CamryFamily - October 22 - 4:06 am

  I bought my 08 Camry in Jan. and couldnt be more satisfied. I was a previous 4-Runner owner and loved it so much I became hooked on Toyotas. My main purpose in buying the car was transportation to and from work, about a 50 mile drive per day. I also wanted much cheaper maintenance. Gas was a huge issue too. I now average about 29 mpg with premium gas and 24 with regular on the interstate. I love the interior even though I sacrificed my leather for a cheaper price. Everything is placed just right for a comfortable ride. My installed bluetooth makes the drive even more easy. The whole family fits great inside. Exceeded my needs

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  What a vehicle! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Jpooleii - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I could not be happier with my Sequoia purchase. To date I have not had a single problem with it and do not expect to. I think compared to the other SUVs on the market, the gas mileage is great.

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  Good Investment - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By nomtim - October 22 - 2:00 am

  If you think you need a vehicle and keep it for the next ten or more years with minimum repair cost, buy a Camy.

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  2003 camry review - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By wacharai - October 22 - 2:00 am

  bullet proof transportation for all drivers in the family

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  camry SE 2002 - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By chloe - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Sofar, its a good car compared to the Hondas Accord. Bigger and more comfortable. SE is much better than LE & XLE. Only dissappointed about the JBL speaker. The sound is not solid enough.

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  I love my Prius! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Jasons Prius - October 21 - 11:36 pm

  I traded in my 2005 Acura TSX for the Prius and I could not be happier. It was the best decision I made. I love getting 50 MPG and the car is keeping me from getting any speeding tickets. The Prius is very well built and easy to drive in the city. I love the fact that I am helping reduce our dependance on foreign oil and reducing my carbon footprint.

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  Toyota GT - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By westcoastgirl - October 21 - 10:50 pm

  I had an old 82 VW Rabbit which lasted me a very very long time. I traded it in for a 2001 Toyota Celica GT. WOW despite all the reviews. I love this car it is great if your single looking for something sporty. Handles corners on a dime. Turns eyes it looks better than a chevy calvier or pontiac Sunfire. Enough room for my stuff and a friend. I would not recommend if you have a family. The interior is fine for me very sharp. I am very happy and no problems with it at all. After reading that some people do not like the GT-S. The GT no problems great car and I bought it from an a American Dealership.