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:

• 

  The best car Ive ever bought - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By diesel power - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 03 after test driving the 04 model. I bought the 03 as 6ft tall adults can fit in the back, something not possible in the new model. I now have 16k miles on my car, and Ive had 0 warranty issues with this car. Lifetime fuel economy so far is 46.8 mpg. This number keeps climbing. Toyota has brought us the future of automobiles. The rest of the industry needs to take notice, or risk being left to oblivion. I routinely drive over 35k miles annually. Ive driven this car on a 3200 mile round trip from Dallas TX, to Haliburton, Ontario, and back. Its performance was nothing less than stellar.

• 

  Funtastic - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By DMoney - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I test drove 9 other SUV models and the 4Runner was the best by far. Bought it used w/no regrets. So much fun to drive. Buying advice: Spring for 6cyl and sunroof -- youll wish you had, otherwise. Youll hear people comment about the poor gas mileage, but its only got a 15 gal tank. Still gets 16- 21 mpg

• 

  Soild truck - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By boxer10 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Great truck. Quiet on the highway, handles nicely. It may be 2wd but this thing flies through the dessert and off road. The locking read differential is great if you get stuck. Great daily driver. Very comfortable.

• 

  luv my UV - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By sugartoo - April 10 - 2:00 am

  We bought this suv in oct. and have had no trouble at, all the dealership has been more than great. Gas mileage could be better but all in all the vehicle has performed more than expected.

• 

  Spend Less Get More! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By polished prince - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Bottom line, 04 Solara is the best sporty coupe for the money. It beats out Maxima, Accord, Mazda 6, and Chrysler 300M and 300C to come. The design has a flowing continuity from front to rear no other car can match. The interior is as impeccable as the lunar mist finish is flawless. The drive is tight in curves and as quiet and smooth as many much larger luxury cars. Although not a race car, by any means, this vehicle with the Lexus 6 and a gated shifter can still widen some eyes. The people spending more on Lexus and Infinity are not doing so and getting better cars than this -- but dont tell them this!

• 

  Quality - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By jimmm - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle drives like a luxery sedan. It does not have the responsiveness or "Oomph" of a sports vehicle, but if you are aware of this and not opposed to that fact, then this is a real quality ride.

• 

  Awesome - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By KP1234 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This car is just great. It turns heads all the time. Gas milage is over 30, while not sacrificing power.

• 

  Best lil car out there - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Rickylevy - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I have always owned a Toyota.. I put about 300,000 on my last one and it still ran great when I traded it in on my new one.. Ive never had any serious issues with any Toyota..

• 

  Great Car!!!!! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Pd799 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for 3 weeks now. It is such a comfortable car to drive. I am 6tall and it is very roomy inside the car for me. The ride is quiet on the road and it has a smooth ride. This is my first Toyota and so far I am very happy.The wood grain interior looks so much like the Camry. My sister has a Camry and they say the car looks so much like the Camry in Looks.The dealer was GREAT!!! they got me the color I wanted.

• 

  Good overall transportation - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Charles - April 10 - 12:27 am