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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  Ive always been a car guy - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By oldcarguy - April 3 - 5:00 pm

  Ive been a car guy all my life. Never had much interest in a truck. Im convinced that some car guys at Toyota got together and decided to make a truck for car guys. Ive never had as many compliments about any car Ive owned, including a 91 Vette. I like the ride and feel of the truck and the handling is off the charts for a factory truck with a warranty. I average about 22-24 mpg and really enjoy my time behind the wheel. Granted, its not an off road machine, but I dont need it to, either. In a nutshell, I enjoy leaving behind full size V8 trucks that cost thousands more, and even leaving behind V6 Mustangs and Camaros on the mountain roads around my home. Thanks Toyota!

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  Excellent!!!! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By vanessa - April 3 - 10:10 am

  I made the best decision when I bought it, is excellent in every sense. I am very happy with the comfort, driving and looks of my new Tacoma 2005

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  2009 Camry LE V6 - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By James - April 3 - 1:23 am

  I have Toyota and BMW cars. For the price, this Camry is a better buy. It does everything well as BMW except handling. This is the 1st Toyota that Ive felt fast. Over all, its an excellent vehicle at a good price.

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  Now We Have Two RAVs - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By George - April 2 - 11:13 pm

  My wife already has a 03 RAV already that we both enjoy. When the opportunity presented itself to purchase a second we jumped at the chance. These RAVs are the greatest. With a herniated disc, getting in and out of the car is easy. Has loads of get up and go and I love how you sit up high enough to see everything.

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  Just Bought - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By grinchmobile - April 2 - 9:31 pm

  Just bought this vehicle for under 4k. Have had it for a couple of weeks and am amazed. Over 142k on it and all it needed was a new windshield and battery. The drive is excellent and the quality of the interior is amazing for a vehicle this old. No squeaks or rattles. I am looking forward to having several great years of driving this vehicle.

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  Look before you leap. - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By Thunderchief - April 2 - 7:53 pm

  I test drove a 4 CYL and a V-6, no comparison. I would not go for a four. I wanted a base to save money but I wanted leather and added it at the dealer. They did not have a V-6 base when I test drove, just SE and LTD. I ordered the V-6 base to be sent in from the port. The car looks great and feels great to drive. I was disappointed in the lack of certain things that are not there nor can they be added at the dealer. No outside temp reading, no fog lights, no trip fuel econ reading, no homelink garage control. A car with a 30K sticker, youd think they would have some of those features! Bottom line, I did not do enough homework to see some of the items I wanted are not on the Base V6.

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  A Stunning Car - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Prius Fan - April 2 - 10:20 am

  It took me a while to get up the courage to buy a hybrid, since I had initially not been a believer. I now wish I had done it sooner. The Prius has exceeded all of my expectations and is a joy to drive. My buying experience was also pleasant. The fit and finish on the car are outstanding. The ride is very comfortable and exceedingly quiet. If cars had always had Prius-like technology, I truly believe that we would find todays standard cars to be quite primitive. Also, if more cars had this technology, the USA wouldnt be dependent on foreign oil sources. This car is practical and just makes good common sense. I think it could fill the needs of 85% of the buying public.

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  Finally did it! - 2018 Toyota Tundra
  By jmdaniel - April 2 - 5:11 am

  After sitting on the fence for a couple of years, I traded in my 11 Tacoma on a new 2018 Tundra. Im not going to say I wish I had done it sooner, as I liked my Tacoma, but the increase in size and comfort is great! Gas mileage, not so great, but I work from home, so it doesnt kill me. It looks great in the garage, sitting next to my 1977 FJ40 Landcruiser. Toyota all the way!

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  2007 Toyota Tundra SR5 - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By TUNDRASALES - April 1 - 10:40 pm

  This is the smoothest truck on the market. It has great acceleration not to mention the towing capacity. Toyota has realy out done themselves this time. They made a good product better.

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  Matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Mikal - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Excellent response and handling on the highway. Incredible turning radius, plenty of power for climbing and good gas economy.