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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  Nothing better for the price. - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By fixbeep - September 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Toyota and I am very glad I bought this car. It is quiet, nice radio, good intruments layout and great driving comfort.

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  Great Ride for the Money - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By ULysses - September 10 - 2:00 am

  After two Accords I decided to buy a Camry after a disasterous 9 months with a 2002 CR-V. Checked out 2003 Accord (didnt care for the exterior design and was leary of Hondas after my last purchase)and settled on the Camry for its quiet ride, excellent attention to detail, and solid build quality. This is not an exciting car, but functional,good looking, and comfort.

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  Excellant fun, sporty car - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By rporterincincy - September 10 - 12:59 am

  We bought a bright red coupe automatic about 3 years ago when it had 57k miles on it. Now it has 84k. Ive replaced the brakes, tires, spark plugs, battery, and a starter, all wear items (except the starter). The car is exceptionally smooth and quiet (like a sewing machine), the leather feels like the leather in a Avalon or Lexus, gas mileage is good (mid 20s), and has never let us down. This has been a great car for the kids to drive. It also makes me feel like a teenager when I drive it (long doors, sporty feel). It is not terribly powerful (135 hp), but it does not overwhelm a young driver with power either. It also has a surprising amount of back seat room.

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  Tacoma - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ray McCombs - September 9 - 10:46 pm

  Fun to drive. Gas mileage better than my old Tacoma. They have done a great job.

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  2009 Camry SE - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By jstull - September 9 - 3:30 pm

  Good looking and powerful. Excellent gas mileage - 28 mpg average. Handles great. My wife liked mine so much she now has her own. Great seats, roomy and comfortable. Just did the first oil change and it was a snap. A great car for the money.

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  Best Vehicle Ive Ever Owned - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By generalpatton - September 9 - 5:43 am

  I just passed my 3 year anniversary with my 2006 4Runner Sport and the build quality on this vehicle continues to amaze me. (knock on wood) To date Ive not had a single repair item, the only service work Ive had done are oil changes and regularly scheduled maintenance. Totally awesome even by Toyota standards! For a mid-size SUV the 4Runner is as good as it gets with a strong V6 motor, adequate mileage, great styling and comfort and the awesome reliability that I previously mentioned. For the first time in a long time Im 3 years into a vehicle and Im not thinking about unloading it for the next bright shiny thing that catches my attention. Its a beautiful thing :) !!

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  Such a wonderful surprise - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Lura Fellows Butt - September 9 - 5:00 am

  Very helpful dealership. I went to them just because our son was looking at trading in his Toyota pickup for the new model. My husband ask me to look at a car he had seen in the lot. I got inside, and was surprised at the leg room. So we asked to take it out on a test drive. It was everything consumers reported and more. Great pickup, and maneuverability. It passes out vehicles who think it is small, and therefore not fast. Cars hugging my back end are left in the dust. Took it to bar harbor Maine, and used only 4 tenths of a tank of gas. When we are ready to trade in, we will get another. It is the best vehicle weve owned in 48 and 1/2 years of marriage.

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  An Awesome SUV! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Daniel K - September 9 - 3:33 am

  Well, I really liked our 2005 Highlander, but, this 2008 Highlander is simply awesome - really. The exceptionally smooth and quiet ride, powerful engine, and very good gas mileage for the size of the vehicle is without question class best! A recent 1500 mile road trip was the easiest and most relaxing trip I have ever experienced in over 40 years of driving. The sport package handles well, not too stiff, adding to the driving pleasure. This vehicle is the best looking SUV on the planet, lots of "stares" from other drivers. The cabin is very comfortable, controls properly positioned, adding to the driving experience. Toyota cleverly combined features of a sedan, SUV, and minivan!

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  My Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Carol Waldman - September 9 - 12:40 am

  The only complant I have is that the cars interior lighting at night was better. I find it hard to find some of the controls. Also, I wish it had the automatic door locks at say eight mph. and day running head lights. Other than that, I am very happy with the car and glad I bought it.

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  Luv the car and the MPG - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Votsy - September 8 - 9:40 pm

  I run my corolla 90+ miles daily to and from work. During basketball season it gets me to all my games very reliably. Great car, Great MPG.