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 will cry when I have to get ride of it - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By LWags - January 7 - 12:10 am

  This is my first very own vehicle and I couldnt have gotten any luckier! I have been driving this truck for 11 1/2 years and its still going strong. Gets around surprisingly good in winter. I replaced the starter approx 5 years ago and other than that I have only done preventative maintenance. I have been rear and front ended and the other vehicles came out worse off than the truck!! I am in the market for a new Toyota and would have no problems selling my truck to a friend or family and know that they would be taken care of!

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  stupendous - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By SPARKY - January 6 - 9:53 pm

  It was the most fabulous suv I have ever driven and the people at autofair toyota were the most helpful, knowledgeable, fair priced and best people I have ever had the privledge of doing buisness with.

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  Love My CH-R - 2018 Toyota C-HR
  By Fred From Utah - January 6 - 9:50 pm

  Fun to drive. Great styling. Feel great sitting in the drivers seat. Wish it had satellite radio and had a backup camera not in the mirror. The only thing you must be careful of is when pulling into a space it is easy to scrape the front low bumper. Wish it had a front camera for parking. But overall I love my CH-R. When I drive down the street I see heads turning to look at it. And when I park it people come over to ask about the car. They call it very snazzy looking. I was going to get the Nissan Juke until I heard it takes premium gas. Glad I did not get it as I love my CH-R better.

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  2009 Camry XLE Love it! - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Finnska - January 6 - 2:53 am

  Got the vehicle in April 08. Love it! Love everything about it. Has great ride quality, great sound quality! Took it on a long trip and clocked 34 mpg. Yes, 34 mpg. Weve had many different vehicles, but this one gives us the most pleasure in driving it. We leased it, but well be keeping it in the end.

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  Awesome SUV - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Ronn - January 5 - 6:33 pm

  Hey Highlander lovers, after trading an Avalon 05 for a Rav4 08 in October, I realized that after 3 months, I wasnt as happy as I missed the features I had on the Avalon and traded for the Highlander. The Highlander Limited AWD 08 is a perfect SUV for me, and I love it ! The interior space is large enough for me as I am 62. The leather seats are very comfortable, and I love the instrumentation on the dash. I enjoy the lighted cup holder feature for night driving. It has a very smooth, quiet ride, and the Blizzard Pearl color looks fantastic on the SUV. The navigation is much easier than the Avalon, as it has a touch pad. Before you buy your next SUV, drive a Highlander. You will love it!

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  A commuters Dream - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Tonester - January 5 - 2:36 pm

  Driving a Prius is a new driving experience. It does take some getting used to. But no doubt that it is fairly solid and best of all very economical to maintain. I drive 90 miles a day which half are stop and go. The car delivers as promised 40 to 55 mpg. It takes some discipline to maximize the electrical power offered by the vehicle. But overall, I am happy with the vehicle.

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  New Truck - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By swiss123 - January 5 - 12:33 pm

  I moved from a Ford Ranger to a brand new Toyota Tacoma. Much more room and cargo space then the Ranger. Seems to have more acceleration power even with same size engine. Just feels better put together.

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  Great car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By 4 door hatchback - January 5 - 2:50 am

  This is a great car for mileage especially given its size. Theres more interior room than youd expect. Two things to note: Dont expect anywhere near the EPA mileage numbers. One consumer magazine averaged 44 mpg. Thats about where Im at: 42-46 in town. A little less when its cold. A few miles more per gallon without the heater or a/c on. I can hit 50mpg or go as "low" as 32 mpg. The car is fine on the highway but take into account its small engine. Give yourself more room when passing another vehicle.

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  We Love it! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Ron Kellough - January 5 - 2:00 am

  We researched all SUVs and having owned 4 different new GM pickups since 1996 and a 2001 GMC Yukon XL we thought they were probably the best. We went by all the dealerships and found the Toyota Sequoia was large and a very attractive vehicle. We test drove it and absolutely loved it and got back and bought it.

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  Love My Solara! - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By MCH - January 5 - 2:00 am

  My autumn-red Toyota Solara has been so fine! Its one of the two best cars Ive ever owned in thirty years. The engine is so smooth as it accelerates through the gears. The ride is extremely nice. And theres LOTS of room inside the car. The backseat legroom is especially generous for a 2-door of this type--even long-legged men are comfortable in the back.The trunk is large and roomy. And Ive had absolutely NO mechanical work done on it in more than four years. Its a wonderful car. Love my Solara!