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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  Great buy - 2016 Toyota Sienna
  By Carol R. - March 31 - 2:43 pm

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  Love my Sleek and Sporty Corolla S! - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By thill357 - March 31 - 2:38 pm

  Being that this is my first car, I dont have much experience on owing other cars, but I can tell you that I truly love this sporty Corolla S! The exterior looks sharp with the alloy wheels, fog lights, spoiler; it completes the package! The black cloth interior with the super bright and sporty gauges are awesome! The black interior is much better then the tan LE cloth. The only thing I dont really like is where the digital clock is located. It really makes you take your eyes off the road. The engine has enough pep to get you moving; not crazy fast nor super slow. I have also been averaging 35mpg! Cant beat that! I would reccomend this vehicle to anyone! A great and reliable Toyota!

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  High mileage review - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By 43Ejumper - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Only problems in 162000 miles: replaced catalytic converter, both O2 sensors, lft. rear axle seal, thats it. Dealer serviced completely. Extremely reliable transportation.

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  1999 Toyota Camry in N Maine - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By jsteffes - March 31 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car for $8500 and it had only 34,000 miles. The engine was clean and it ran perfect. The tires need replacing (stock tires), the interior needed some cleaning up, and the flex-pipe for the exhaust was replaced (covered under warranty); but other than that the car is very sound. It has a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine with 5-speed manual transmission. At first I was wanting the automatic trans but with the high gas prices and the extra oomph with the manual, Im glad I actually purchased it with the 5-speed.

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  One of the Best Convertable cars around - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By mzna - March 31 - 10:00 am

  the only down side i must say is that the price on it, and Toyota quality and relaibility is undoubtable. The best feature is the console for absolutly wonderful.

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  GREAT LITTLE TRUCK! - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jar-Head! - March 31 - 10:00 am

  I finally decided to get rid of my 94 Toyota Pickup Truck (135,000 miles on it) and upgrade to something a bit nicer. I had to go with another Toyota truck - my 94 was just so good to me and really did hold its value - even with the high mileage. I wanted to wait for the new and redesigned 05 Tacoma but figured that the current model has been battle tested (something that new vehicles can only claim after being around for a few years). I really wanted a 4-door but was turned off at first when I found out that they only came with automatic transmissions. After a test drive I changed my mind. Bottom line - its a very solid truck that will last!

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  Sienna CE - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By MGBD - March 31 - 10:00 am

  After looking for a LONG time at different reviews, it came down to the Nissan Quest and Toyota Sienna. The reviews that I have read of the Toyota made the difference. The MPV was too small and slow off the line, and there are no Honda dealers close. That is why the toyota and Quest were chosen. Looking at the reviews, the only negatives for the Toyota were small where as some of the Nissan were larger in scope. The Nissan actually has a better "base" package than the CE, and I could have saved about $20 a month too. But in the end, we chose the Toyota.

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  Smooth Driving - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By rochelle - March 31 - 10:00 am

  i love the way it handles. its roomy, comfortable and is smooth to drive. i had a dodge caravan which was a disaster. i love toyota and would never buy another car that isnt a toyota.

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  LOVE IT! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By yyz555 - March 31 - 10:00 am

  My husband wanted a mini van I was against it. We looked at the Honda Odyssey but when I took it for a test drive it was like driving a cargo van. My husband had to drag me to Toyota to try the Sienna. I could not believe the differnce. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!! It drives like a car & the turn radius is fabulous. I can make a u turn like a Camry.

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  oh what a feeling - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By pam what am - March 31 - 10:00 am

  super reliable fast enough handles great never a problum drove to columbus oh. last mo. loved it