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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  Not Just For The Younger Set - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By KarenB - August 13 - 10:33 am

  I am an older lady who loves my RAV4. So often you drive down the road and all you can see of the driver in front is an inch of blue hair sticking above the steering wheel. In the RAV4 I can sit up high and have better control of the highway and my surroundings. Its easy to get in and out of and I can do it in style. A big thumbs up for my RAV!!

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  No Sacrifices for Efficiency - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By ECH - August 13 - 5:30 am

  This hybrid performs. The HyHi has amazing acceleration and a wonderful ride. It drives and handles well and is "Green" at the same time. Nothing is sacrificed for fuel efficiency and clean air. Everyone wants to know where you plug it in... you dont plug it in anywhere, its intelligence recharges the batteries while you are driving. This is our second hybrid vehicle from Toyota and they are both fantastic.

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  I LOVE MY TRUCK!!!!! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By AnneS - August 12 - 7:53 am

  I absolutely love my Tacoma. I opted for the 4 cylinder 4x4, manual transmission. Its fun to drive, and does pretty well on gas, except in the winter when my mpg takes a nosedive to about 17-19 (from about 22-24). We just put new tires on it because the tires that came with it werent too good in the snow of upstate NY. This truck is perfect sized for me, at 5 feet 3 inches. My husband who is 6-2 also fits in it nicely, and can even ride in the back seats for shorter trips. We can fit everything we need, including the dog, for a weekend at camp in the cab of the truck.

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  Perfect for retirees - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By pablo - August 12 - 5:23 am

  We bought this when gas reached $3/gal in Colorado - mainly for use around town. The Prius has turned out to be great for road trips too - adequate power and no problem keeping up with Interstate traffic at 75 - 80mph. With a little care we consistently get 50 - 55 mpg in town, 48 to 52 mpg on long trips. Only complaints are cheapness of interior (with Package 6 leather) and unattractiveness of shiny black plastic interior trim.

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  1992 Camry LE - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By Brenda Glass - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car in all ways. Extremely dependable, which is important to me since I drive all over Florida for my job. It is reliable and has NEVER let me down. I have bought 3 sets of tires and 1 battery. I had a motor mount replaced and had a brake job. Other than having the oil changed every 3000 miles, thats it. Cant beat Toyota for a good, dependable automobile. I will buy another Camry.

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  First Car - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Camry_owns - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased this vehicle from a private seller near my home town. I just turned 17 and got my lisence a few weeks before purchasing the car. Ive had it for a month or so now and cant beleive how much ive come to depend on it. Its got alot of power im guessing from the V6 and its still going strong at 130,000. I had it inspected and it passed emissions no problem.

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  Love this truck!!! - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By ellster003 - August 12 - 2:00 am

  My Truck is great, Very reliabily. It tows my boat, my 6x12 Trailer with atvs and Ive never had a problem..If your looking for a truck with good gas mileage, great looks and will get you about anywhere, then the tacoma is for you......

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  i love my celica gt!!! - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By misty lynn - August 12 - 2:00 am

  this was the first used car i bought on my own. it is very affordable and reliable. the gas mileage is great and its fun to drive!

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  great car - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By Fefe - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Great handling and braking. Interior controls are easy to use. Its looks are snazzy.

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  celicas a great toy - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By anniebro - August 12 - 2:00 am

  the celica is just great I love it