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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  Best car to drive - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By mohemmed - April 7 - 2:06 am

  Dream car enjoy to drive perfect handling

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  Nice car. - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By buyer - April 6 - 10:43 pm

  This car is nice. We bought the XLS model 2001, and very happy w/ it. People keep on comparing this car to the Lexus model, however, I think for the price it maybe a better buy.

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  Best full size SUV out there - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Shash - April 6 - 8:56 pm

  Pros: This is a great family vehicle. We sacrificed the bells and whistles bundled with the other vehicles we saw, like DVD, heated seats, power folding rear seat, stearing wheel radio controls, etc. The quality of this vehicle far surpasses any other SUV in its class. The driver and passenger comfort is very good. Surprisingly, the vehicle handles more likee a car than a big truck. Cons: Pricier than most other SUVs its size. Wish it had a GPS system.

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  A good car overall - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By vogtsa - April 6 - 3:06 pm

  I like my Camry. I think the best thing about it was the first time I stepped in it to test drive it, it felt like there was nothing to get used to. You could just get in it and go. Interior quality is about what I would expect on an entry-level midsize car but is better than my Mazda 6s was. Its rattle free. At least there are a couple of bits of metal trim vs. none on the Honda Accord. Its excellent on gas. The engine has a decent amount of power for a 4-cyl, especially on the highway. The driving experience isnt an exciting one but it doesnt feel like driving a boat. The suspension soaks up road imperfections nicely. Overall, a car I can live with for a number of years to come.

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  Wonderful Van! - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Allan - April 5 - 10:43 pm

  Mine is a 2004 bought just before 2005s came out. Has everything, navigation, DVD, you name it. Have owned it over a year, about 25000 miles, not a single problem except minor hesitation due to computerized accelerator instead of cable. I also have a brand new Lexus RX 330, and I actually like the Toyota better. Great for running around town or for long trips. Friends are always impressed with the ride, comfort, features. Im spoiled, though. No other car Ive seen has everything this car has -- and it has space and versatility!! I hope this one never goes away. I get decent (not great) mileage, have had it in heavy snow. The AWD performs almost as well as my Land Rover. Great car!

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  Fun Subcompact big value - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By guye - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Toyota fit, finish & reliability. Fun to drive and great on gas. Great in the city & on the highway. With the 5 speed manual gear this little car does real nice in the performance department too. For people with two young kids and need for just a bit of luggage or as a second car, this car is great! (5man/HB)

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  Satisfied Customer - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By Toyota Woman - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Reliability, a good engine, fun to drive - I love my 1999 RAV4. Other than somewhat uncomfortable front bucket seats which slope downward and a headrest that pushes fwd, mechanically it behaves and has surprising surge power on the highway, when you press the power button.

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  Great Ride - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By hallbltmr - April 5 - 10:00 am

  This was the fourth vehicle I have purchased and by far the best. It has the best gas mileage out of all SUVs and thats real important for me especially now with the high gas prices. I would recommend anybody that is looking to buy/lease a SUV to really consider the RAV4. I know when I replace mine it will definitely be with a new model of it.

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  cool - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By mexican marine - April 5 - 10:00 am

  This car is the best car I have ever owned. Except for the fact that I bought it used, so now Im having a little trouble with it because of the person that had it before me. But all in all it has been the most fun vehicle that I have owned and I used to have a trans am, so as you can tell all I like to drive are two door sports cars. Im so glad that I went to a import vehicle, I will never go domestic again.

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  Great Car - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Marianne - April 5 - 10:00 am

  The car is reliable, sturdy and uses regular gasoline. Easy to handle.