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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  A Real Truck!!! - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By ex-18- wheeler - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Have the TRD package, stock, except added a grille guard. Took it up Horsethief Canyon Trail at Lake Mead Rec. area last Sat..Kept it in H-4 the whole time.(Jeez, when do you use L- 4???) Only lifted Rubicon jeeps could handle this trail, except for my taco. Larger 4x4s have to stick to civilized off-roads.

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  Great! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By andyonan - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Hot looks and performance to boot!

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  Corolla S - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Marx n Jax - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Really fun car to drive.... not too easy to modify because its too new very very few aftermarket parts for it to date. Considering another in 2004

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  i am so happy with my toyota - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By mory - July 6 - 2:00 am

  i purchased a Camay on the suggestion of a car dealer friend. it was the best thing that ever happened to me. totally free of expensive operation. better ride and comfort, ease of driving, roomy interior, i can never go back to that big all consuming durango. when i drove my suv it would seem like i was always stopping for gas and it hit my wallet hard. I estimate I am saving $100.00 a month just on gas and just the inconvenience of constantly having to stop for gas is a pain. The ride is much better and the easy effortless driving of the Camay is a pleasure, leaving me refreshed after a long ride.for the difference of size i did not give up that much room.

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  Love my car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By EDenowitz - July 6 - 12:06 am

  I have driven many "luxury" vehicles, including lexus and mercedes, nothing compares to this car. This is, by leaps and bounds, the best purchase I ever made. This is a GREAT car!

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  Great Bargain $$$ - 2016 Toyota Prius c
  By Frankie Arambula - July 5 - 10:17 am

  I had a standard size Prius. I loved it for 5 years. I wanted something smaller. The price of my 2016 Prius c (compact) was good and I got a great trade in price for my 2011 Prius. I had very little left to pay. They let me put it on a credit card. It gave me a cash rebate. My insurance is less. With the free road service for two years, I cancelled my AAA. Toyota gives free maintenance for two years. I get better mileage, over 50 mpg in town. Even the cost to ride the ferry is less, because it is shorter. Edmunds gave me a $100 gift card. The savings just keep on coming. Check out photos 27, 28, 29, 35, 36, 37, 43 and 49. That is my Prius c Persona Special Edition, Black Sand Pearl with Electric Lime Metallic accents and 8 spokes black alloy wheels.

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  Jerrys Review - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By gharley - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Took two long trips so far with five persons- four adults. Everyone commented on the great handling and ride. Plenty of power in the hills. Great car!

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  2002 Toyota Echo - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Deb368 - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Although this vehicles styling may be a little hard to get used to at first, I personally fell in love with it. It makes for an attractive car that doesnt look like the average cheeply made subcompact. In addition, it proves to be a reliable car that has good pick-up and is fun to drive. The only feature I wish it had was power locks, and perhaps power mirrors (which, by the way, some swear that the Echo has never come with, but were in the one that I test-drove).

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  Wonderful Van - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By yingsheng - July 5 - 10:00 am

  After three years driving this van. I have nothing to complain especially for my small size family. I never had even one tiny problem with it. The only thing I could suggest is the cost of fuel since toyota recommends to use 91 or above gas and it costs more at current gas price. But anyway, I very like to buy toyota van again 5 or 8 years late (It just seems to last forever).

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  6000RPM of pure fun - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By mandy - July 5 - 10:00 am

  This car was a exiting machine every body will love when ride one.