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:

• 

  2003 Toyota Camry SE w/ VVT-i V6 - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By dark_alternative - April 29 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have bought. The new VVT-i V6 and 5 speed automatic really add to the power and fuel economy. It also has tons of interior room and trunk space.

• 

  Outstanding - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Hoyt1969 - April 29 - 10:00 am

  We have had the 2004 Toyota since April of 2003 and love it. We would highly recommend this vehicle.

• 

  The Best Minivan on the market. - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By rk4p - April 29 - 10:00 am

  This is the best all around vehicle I have ever owned. Ford owes me an apology for the Windstar I suffered with for 4 years. The Toyota smokes them all (yes even the Odyssey). With 42 cubic feet behind the rear seat it pushes Suburban capabilities while getting almost 30 mpg on the highway.

• 

  2004 sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By r walters - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Great ride,space,finish and features.Makes driving 600 to700 miles a day effortless and a pleasure .

• 

  Love the versatility - 1998 Toyota T100
  By mb - April 28 - 9:13 pm

  This t100 has a nice look. Excellent paint. No rust. Shines and looks like new. Tight just like a new one. The first owner had all the dealer records.

• 

  Number one - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By jeff hadley - April 28 - 6:23 pm

  This car is the best in its class, hands down! Best in price with air, CD, power mirrors standard and toyota corollas are more dependable according to consumer reports.

• 

  Want a 300? Get an Avalon instead. - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By ledchp16 - April 28 - 4:33 pm

  The Avalon is new and better than ever, with almost Lexus-like Styling, Lexus-like luxury, and Lexus- like Power, no wonder it is great

• 

  Best 4 Runner yet - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Tom - April 28 - 11:10 am

  This is my third 4 Runner 2001-2006-2010 It is by far the best. It is loaded with great features. the ride is excellent along with the handling. the interior/exterior is professionally done with superior workmanship,with attention to detail. Congratulations Toyota for producing such a great product. A job well done.

• 

  love this - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By rockyview - April 28 - 8:35 am

  Ive owned my Camry SE V6 with premium package for three months. Cant be happier. The car is quiet and accelerates fast, cant believe it coonsumes less fuel than my traded-in 2005 I4 hyundai sonata. Like the BSM and backup crossover warning feature, really useful.

• 

  Camry V6 - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Joe - April 28 - 7:16 am

  very good mileage on the road apx 30+ good road handling