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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  Killer Truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Big Koso - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Plenty of power in this truck. Toyota trucks are no joke, giving serious competition to domestics. I am not normally a foriegn car/truck kinda guy, but I fell in love with the Tundra. Take one for a test drive, you wont be disappointed

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  Ride with confidence - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By Eagle - January 3 - 10:00 am

  I finally got tired of having to take my Audi into the dealership for a fix every 3 months, and went for the Avalon. Two and one half years later, I have to remind myself to get the oil changed on time. What a difference. If you want total comfort, and a scerene ride, you just cant beat this machine.

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  BEST CAR IVE EVER OWNED - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By guit - January 3 - 10:00 am

  I OWN A 4RUNNER ALSO AND THIS VEHICLE (HIGHLANDER) GIVES ME THE TOYOTA QUALITY WITH COMFORT, UTILITY, STYLE AND CONVIENENCE. MY WIFE AND I LOVE THIS VEHICLE (AND I DONT FIND CARS VERY EXCITING).

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By i love my toyota - January 3 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my Highlander. The smooth ride and performance is incredible. I test drove the competition before making my purchase and this is by far the best ride. Taking Toyotas reputation for excellence into consideration, this is a vehicle youre sure to love.

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  Fun car, great value - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Dr. Jamie Pleasant - January 3 - 6:56 am

  Love the car. The looks got me and just to own something that is different on the road is a plus. It is a fresh break from car and suv boredom and ho hum designs. I also own a bentley continental flying spur and this is my have fun dont care car.

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  Love the yota - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Love a yato - January 3 - 5:53 am

  I test drove a 2015 Toyota Camry today and it drive so wonderful I loved everything about it, this will be car I will own and continue owning one for the rest of my life. #1 in my book.

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  Beauty is not just skin deep - 2015 Toyota Sienna
  By Magda Romero - January 2 - 11:34 pm

  This van is classy and functional.

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  People are complaining about reliability? - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Darrenct83 - January 1 - 11:39 pm

  As an auto repair shop owner Im blown away about the negative reliability reviews. I saw one two star review because of an oil leak on a 9 year old toyota with 97,000 miles! What kind of bubble do people live in where this is considered unreliable? All cars have what we call "pattern failures" specific to certain makes and models. ALL CARS have pattern failures. All cars need repair periodically. As a luxury type car repairs will be more expensive. If you only need one or two repairs every 100,000 miles then you are operating a very well built machine. If you dont beleive then buy a Chrysler next time so you can see what frequent repairs are really like. On a lighter note, the Avalon is great. I have driven most makes and models in my line of work, and you will have a hard time matching this much comfort and quality for the price of the Avalon.

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  Gas Saver & Builded to Last - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Dujox - January 1 - 7:53 pm

  Got this car with 116,000 on it. Paid 2800.00.The same day the car overheated. Keep the car anyway. Changed the head block, radiator, water pump and most of the cooling system. Since it has been the Dream Car, seriously. Just regular serviced: change oil & filter. Great with gas and also very reliable. If you need a cheap car, make sure you get one that lasts. And I believe the Camry fits this description, without hypes.

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  Great Purchase! - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By PP916 - January 1 - 7:06 pm

  I researched all my options before buying my used 06 T4R, and I dont regret any minute of my decision. It has been over 6 mths and approx 12k miles, and it has been extremely reliable. I have driven it from CA to GA (avg 23 mpg @ 75+mph) and GA to WA with a 5x8 uhaul trailer (avg 19 mpg @ 65+mph), this SUV is bullet proof. I avg 20 mpg around mixed in town driving. It does everything I need it to, from primitive camping trips, off-roading, towing, and future snowboarding trips. It has the perfect balance between utility and practicality and efficiency and performance. If your considering buying one, I highly recommend it. You wont regret it.