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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  The Dream Convertible - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Terri Noyes - April 11 - 8:10 am

  I have waited since I was 16 to find the perfect convertible-the Toyota Solara is fantastic-it is the quality of a luxury car with an unbelievably great price.

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  this is the one you have been waiting for - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By philip schwartz - April 11 - 4:00 am

  great deal now

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  this is the one you have been waiting for - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By philip schwartz - April 11 - 4:00 am

  great deal now

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  Truck of the Century - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jordan - April 11 - 2:50 am

  I purchased this truck last summer and have loved my decision to do so ever since. I have the TRD sport package which gives the truck a mean, and manly look. The truck is loaded with power and will basically do anything you ask of it. Features are great and there are several different styles to suit your personal needs. These trucks are built to last and you just cannot wear these babies out. I previously owned a 2001 Tacoma and the increase in size, durability and power is amazing. Its almost like Toyota created a completely different model and assigned the name Tacoma to it. Again, if youre contemplating buying this truck, debate no longer. This is sure to be the truck for you!

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  Awsum Toyota Sulara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By tom reynolds - April 11 - 2:00 am

  The day my wife and I set out to look for a new car, we were looking for a new crysler. we have a 90" dynasty and had fair luck with it. but we were looking for style and something to have for 200,ooo. mls or more! we saw the sulara and took it for a drive. this is the car for us. the car has a nice feel and lots of power and cool style.

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  Recommend the Highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By craig123 - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Very comfortable, drives like a car. All instruments/controls easy to read and find. Third row seat is easy to open and close. Alot of cargo room without third row seat up. Plenty of power (have not towed with it yet) and smooth shifting 5 speed automatic. Build quality on this one is great.

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  This is a powerful minivan to drive - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By wedgebolt - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 6 minivans.The first 3 were dodge caravans and I was extremely unhappy with the lack of power and poor reliability of dodge. After th engine on my last caravan leaked for a second time after owning it only a year I decide to shell out extra money for the Sienna. I havent regretted it on second.This 2004 is the best minivan toyota has made. Power,room and reliability is a combination thats hard to pass up.Dont overpay for a Honda or a Nissan. The transmission lever is centrally mounted and it gives the vehicle a space shuttle look to it.

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  Sienna should be called Lexus - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By Arav Shivakumar - April 10 - 5:26 pm

  Cannot believe minivan rides could be this comfortable. When we started to look for minivans we checked out Honda Odyssey and Nissan Quest. Very soon we decided its going to be either Sienna or Odyssey. Quest was out of choice. Siennas comfort and ride satisfaction was way higher than Odyssey and we instantly liked it. Sienna seems to use Electronic Brake Distribution, which makes the brakes feel lighter but efficient. Very minimal steering action is required for turns. All you need is a pinky finger to drive this excellent minivan. Arctic Frost Pearl color looks great even at the nighttime!

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  First Hybrid Experience - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By CD - April 9 - 1:20 pm

  The Highlander Hybrid is a pleasure to drive and is comfortable even for a tall person to drive. The trim and appointments of the interior (the Limited edition) are pleasing and show obvious build quality. We did not get the navigation system but the info display shows instantaneous and cumulative mpg and the display in the instrument cluster shows which way the power is going (into/out of the battery or engine).

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  Bought at 10 years old - 1997 Toyota T100
  By Bigdog - April 8 - 9:40 pm

  Came to me with 144,000 miles on it. Drives great on the highway, straight and true and smooth. Takes the bumps like a pickup, but then thats what its called. Previously owned a 79 4WD Toyota, and this is like a Cadillac to me. Reasonable sized rear bed with the extra back seat for shopping and inside packages. 4WD sits as tall as all its bigger brothers and sounds great! My wife drove it into the end of the garage and with a new bumper and headlight, it looks the same as before. Tough truck!