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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  FJ Cruiser in Sactown - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By GC - December 30 - 1:53 pm

  Love the FJ, but has some blind spots while driving on and off road.

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  First Toyota, First Hybrid - 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By RER - December 30 - 12:53 pm

  Just past the break-in period of approx. 1000 miles, all driven in Washington,DC-Northern VA rush hour traffic. Equipped with NAV, leather seats, moon roof, convenience package. After 1 month and 1,000 miles I must say that I love this car. I was concerned about power, but the car has plenty of power and is just fine in rush hour traffic changing lanes, merging, etc., in some of what must be the worst traffic in the nation. When bogged down in slow moving traffic, the engine cuts off and electric power takes over. I look at display and just smile. The interior design is quite good as is the fit and finish. Have not had any problems to return to dealer for. Prev had an 03 Acura CL-S 6cyl

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  Crew Max - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By J. Koz - December 30 - 12:43 pm

  Great truck, owned two GMC trucks prior. This one takes it all. The interior is huge. There is room for everyone. For a 381 HP truck, the gas mileage is good. Compared to the GMC, which is 305 HP you lose about 1 mpg. Well worth it. It can tow a a lot more and has better features all the way around. This truck will take over the market.

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  2005 Prius- we love it - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By fstruck - December 30 - 12:00 pm

  I was somewhat concerned that my wife would not like going from a van, Dodge Grand Caravan, to this small vehicle but she loves it. It is very responsive and quick enough to enter freeway traffic with no problem. We use it at 70 mph and still get over 52 MPG on trips with a good load. Its typically 45-57 mpg in city.

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  One of the Best - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By yddadgib - December 30 - 10:00 am

  I have purchased a new car every 2-3 years for the last 20 years. I have owned Honda/Accord EX, Nissan Altima GLE, GMC, Ford, Mercury, and Pontiac. The Toyota Avalon has been, by far, the best buy for the buck. The room and comfort alone would make it an outstanding car. The gas mileage, 22 city- 29 highway, is exceptional for a full size car. And the exceptional mileage does not jeopardize power, when needed.

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  Goes anywhere - 1994 Toyota 4Runner
  By JR - December 30 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving this vehicle for 2 year, no major expenses on maintenance. Excellent off road capability, need more comfort on road.

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  2002 Toyota Celica GT-S - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By drago - December 30 - 10:00 am

  I fell in love with the car before I even sat in one to test drive it. I did online research about every aspect of this car. I still went in to the dealership with an open mind. This car... WOW!

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  fun truck - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By pat - December 30 - 10:00 am

  peppy 2.4L engine, especially after downey air intake.

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  fun truck - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Pat - December 30 - 10:00 am

  peppy 2.4L engine, especially after downey air intake.

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  not impressed - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By zippo - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Rode in one that of friend owns. Can you say rattles? Actually considered buying one and Im satisfied I didnt. The ride and mileage wasnt very impressive either.