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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  I am loving my Prius - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Paula Bell - February 1 - 6:56 am

  The car rides well. Due to gas prices rising, I knew that I needed to try and get the best for the buck. I have an SUV and a sedan and another small car. My husband and I drive the small car and the Prius. It has plenty of room - Im 61 and comfortable in it. I got the base model. I have had it a week and it appears we made the right choice. We are happy with the car. It has a few small minor issues which it is a 2007, but overall the car was clean! I am looking forward to saving gas, and being able to use that money on another bill. Awesome!!

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  2015 Toyota Camry SE - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Marquis Staton - January 31 - 4:08 pm

  This car is reliable and roomy. It is really good on gas.

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  2015 Toyota Camry SE - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Marquis Staton - January 31 - 4:08 pm

  This car is reliable and roomy. It is really good on gas.

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  2015 Toyota Camry SE - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Marquis Staton - January 31 - 4:08 pm

  This car is reliable and roomy. It is really good on gas.

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  Great "grandkidsmobile" - 2015 Toyota Sienna
  By Grandpa Bob - January 31 - 1:18 pm

  The front seats are ok, not great. Wish they had option to get ventalated, seat extender & massage. Seats like 22-way offered in Lincon MKX would help make this a great minivan!

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  Id do it again - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Prius - January 30 - 12:00 am

  I love my Prius and Id do it again. I dont get the projected MPG advertised because of the manner in which I use the car (stopping and going for my work), but I still think its one of the best investments Ive ever made. Its comfortable, responsive and now that Ive had it awhile I think its attractive. The only downside Ive discovered is that Im on my third set of tires (55,000 miles) and tire manufacturers wont warranty tires on hybrids. If youre thinking about it, DO IT!

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  2000 MR-S - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Mark Cookson - January 29 - 10:00 am

  These cars are excellent. The performance is great, the handling is even better, and youll never get more looks from people with another car. One thing I do need to warn you about is the pre-catalytic converters for pre- 02s. They are known to go bad and will ruin the engine. The easiest remedy is to simply gut the pre-cats. Its most likely illegal to do but techincally wouldnt make the car fail emissions. It only takes away its LEV rating. Id much rather lose that than my engine. Another route is to have an engine from 2002 up put in there as they dont seem to be affected. (disclaimer, I assume no liabilty if you gut the pre-cats. its easy to do but requires a bit of work.)

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  1997 toyota rav4, 5spd. manual, 2WD - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By mustafa - January 29 - 10:00 am

  It is fun to drive. Nice body styling. Shifts a little rough. Good gas milage. Could have a better AM/FM Casette.

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  4WD Tundra - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By Stoney - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Great 4wd. Over built engine will last a long time.

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  Great Choice...very happy - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By jcolumbu - January 29 - 10:00 am

  After being a lifer Chevy/Ford person, my wife bought a Camry and weve been hooked on Toyota since. I spens a lot of time looking around at the Big 3 and decided to go with the Tundra and Im glad I did. It has been rock solid...no problems, good power, handles great. I dont use 4WD much other than the winter, but it is nice to have. The brakes seem fine to me, I was surprised to see others complaining about them. Ive had heavy loads in the bed, it sagged down low as expected but took it fine. Id recommend this to anyone.