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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  2007 Highlander Hybrid - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By George - July 1 - 4:50 pm

  I love the vehicle but would like some options. I would like door locks that lock when vehicle in drive and unlock in park. I would like to have the 115 volt plug option more available. I would love an MP3 adapter in the front of the radio plus Bluetooth! What were they thinking? I have a 2005 Prius and the "smart key" option is great - why not in the Highlander?

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  270,000 miles and still going! - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Jared - July 1 - 2:36 am

  I bought my camry in July 2016 and used the heck out of it throughout the summer, putting 12,000 miles on it in the summer. I am the second owner and the first owner took really good care of it- oil changes, radiator flushes, etc... For some reason the check engine light keeps coming on and off, but overall this car has saved me a lot of money. I was stuck driving a truck that got 10 miles per gallon, but my camry gets way better. Update: Im now up to 290000 miles and the only repairs done were the replacement of the factory timing belt and the serpentine belt

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  the yota - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By nic burt - July 1 - 2:33 am

  14 years 285k miles. Best truck ever. Only thing I have ever replaced was idol air control valve. But never stranded me. Just idoled a little rough lol took this truck everywhere in some rough situations. My kids are 5 years old aandwill drive this truck when they turn 16

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  Marias Voodoo FJammer - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Marias FJammer - June 30 - 8:30 pm

  Picked it up on my birthday! What an excellent way to start off a birthday too!! Incredible to drive, the manual trans is an excellent choice to go if you want to experience how powerful this vehicle can actually be. Glad to see that Toyota has improved the sound system, and loving the subwoofer! Had to get the large rims and tires, the roof rack, combined with the white top is a real eye catchers. Where ever I have this truck parked, it always draws a crowd just walking around looking over My FJ.

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  Best vehicle I have ever owned!!!! - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By majormom - June 30 - 2:06 pm

  I am absolutely thrilled with my new 4runner. First SUV I have owned and first toyota. I have MS and find the vehicle easy to get into and out of, also very comfortable for me to sit in for long periods of time! Ride is great!!! Would buy one again in a minute!

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  The Best Car for the 21st Century - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By SIH - June 30 - 2:00 am

  I ordered this 4 cylinder Manual transmission car. After two and a half months of wait, I just got it. It is every thing one can expect. Smooth, quiet, refined, and fun to drive. Fuel economy statstics is fun to watch and very satisfying. I am gettin 28.5 mpg for city and highway diving in cold weather.

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  Best people mover in town - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By kinglion - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Tested all Minivans and the Large SUVs out in the market. All had their pros and cons. What sold us on the toyota was the comfort factor and the 2nd row windows roll DOWN. Also has a smooth and quite ride. The engine has adequate power and quite. Like the way the 3rd row seats fold away flat. 2nd row seats are cumbersome to move. Toyota increase supply to meet demand!!!

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  The Best Ever! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By JVP06 - June 30 - 2:00 am

  This minivan is perfect. Way better then the Ody. Great looks inside and out plus all the features people are looking for.

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  2002 Toyota Camry XLE - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Rambotx - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car for handling, fuel economy, and value quality. Normal maintence checks will keep car running for many miles.

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  I love my Camry - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By yuboy - June 30 - 2:00 am

  2004 Camry is our 4th Toyota car. We never had any problems with all other Toyota cars except normal wear. This Camry is very comfortable and fun to drive with manual transmission (manual transmission Camry in 2004 are all made in Japan). It drives very smoothly, powerful and has lot of space inside. It will be a very reliable car for many years to come. We trust Toyotas super quality and we love this car.