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 it~ - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By CmryLvr2004 - October 1 - 3:33 pm

  I have had my Camry for over a year now and I love it. It drives great and is an extremly comfortable car. I had a 2004 Honda Civic and traded it in to buy this car. The Camry is far superior to the Civic. It drives better, is more comfortable and reliable. I had many problems with my brand new Civic and none with my Camry over the same time period. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone in the market for a stylish, reliable and fun to drive.

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  So far so good... - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By sb - October 1 - 7:56 am

  I had this car for about 1 week, No problems runs smooth. Fuel Economy is closer to 48 mpg way below the 60 reported by the EPA. That was disappointing. However the freeway consistently topped at 51. Fun car to drive...

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  I Love This Car - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By bearsmom - October 1 - 2:20 am

  This is my 6th Toyota. I love the comfort and handling, plus good gas mileage I get with my Solara. I have had nothing but positive experiences with it. I have 50k miles now and have replaced the tires. I have had no problems at all.

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  TRD Off-Road 6M - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By TRD OffRoad 6M - September 30 - 9:10 pm

  I waited nearly two months to have the truck built with the 6speed manual...well worth the wait! Good power, good room inside, good storage behind and under rear seats. Rides very smooth. 6 speed is fun to drive.

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  Great van! - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By Steve - September 30 - 11:30 am

  We got ours about 6 weeks ago, and are very pleased. We replaced a 2001 Mazda MPV, which I thought was a "perfect" size. I was a little worried the Sienna was going to be too big, but its really nice having the extra space, and it still fits in our garage (just barely). Its very smooth, quiet, and powerful, and even the CE version that they make for cheapskates like me had all the features we wanted. The sliding doors operate easily, and the "tumble forward" middle row seats give easy access to the 3rd row.

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  awesome offroad bulldog in 4low - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By c26proffitt - September 30 - 10:30 am

  had jeeps all my life.. About 15 from old to new ones. They all sweat and freeze you to death.. They are gas guzzlers. They do however go great offroad. But horrible in the snow. To light almost got killed in a wrangler in snow.. Now have fj cruiser 2007 with trd exhaust automatic. It has a unreal stereo. All factory Its capable of going anywhere my jeeps would gol.My cousin has a rock crawler with 25ooo grand in it and my fj will go almost anywhere his will.. How many vehicles come factory with flex suspension... I absolutely love it .. wouldnt trade it for anything out there.. Its refined and rugged and sounds unreal.. the trd exhaust it awesome.

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  No problem at all - 1997 Toyota Celica
  By RT826 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Over all such a great car. I love it. Its worth every penny. Ive had it since 1997 and had no problem whatsoever. Generous trunk space for a convertible. I got a great deal!!!

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  Toyota Land Cruiser Review - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By caseylast - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Awesome SUV! Drives like a car on a truck base. Would buy another one in a heartbeat!

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  Toyota Prius is a Winner - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By DFS - September 30 - 2:00 am

  My 2004 Toyota Prius does everything well. Adequate power and great fuel economy. Plenty of useful storage space when the back seats are lowered. The controls are well designed. Toyota has given this car a lot of thought, and it shows. This car proves that energy and the environment can be conserved without sacrifice.

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  LOVE THIS CAR!!! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By poohbear1947 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  love this car!im not a auto tech person or someone that has to go 0-60 in 3 seconds and take corners going 60 mh.this car is FUN to drive.has lots of "gadgets" which are fun to use and watch.really comfortable inside with lots of room,front and back,im 61"and 270.this is the first car that i really look for reasons to drive.my commute to work is only 5 miles(one way)and im getting 41.2 mpg,no freeway driving.