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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  Excellent SUV - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Daddy - December 1 - 2:26 am

  With a wife and three toddlers, this truck fits the bill. Comfort for them, toys for me (NAV, performance, looks). Kids watch the DVD and have their own headsets, dont hear a peep from them when watching Shrek. The only thing and this is minor would be more cargo space, but can always get one of those Thules for the roof. Highly recommend.

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  Driving Greatness and Reliability all in ONE!!!!!! - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By DKW - December 1 - 2:13 am

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  Terrific Auto - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Mcorbin - November 30 - 11:46 pm

  This car is dynamite! I was looking for a reliable, fuel efficient car and I got it! Driving secondary roads in VT I average between 39-41.3 mpg! You cant beat that. Exceptionally roomy inside. I expect it to serve me for many years in the future.

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  avalon - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By simpson - November 30 - 9:06 pm

  This car is comfortable for driver and passenger. Driving position is adjustable to suit a short female or a tall male. It handles well.

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  Loving My New 2007 SE Camry! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Omar - November 30 - 3:56 pm

  I just bought my new 2007 Camry SE 4- cyl today! What an amazing car, its a very sporty car. Forget the talk abotu the camry being a family car, the 2007 SE with spoiler and body kit definitely redefines camrys image, my friends cant believe its a camry! The sporty fabric and seats plus the stiffened suspension defintely make this a great car to drive. Of course a camry cannot be considered a sports car, but for the price the SE trim is definitely pushing the envelope.

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  Powerful performer - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By alan - November 30 - 10:16 am

  I bought a V6 Limited RAV4 to replace a 530i BMWi. I wanted something to perform better in the snow, and I think I have found it. This car is every bit as explosive when you hit the accelerator and it has the benefit of AWD. And the price is right! Handling is superb, cornering is fine and braking is very good. Great combination of features. All in an appealing skin of sheet metal.

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  Love that Corolla S - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By William Stacy - November 30 - 3:25 am

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  I like it ! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Jerire - November 30 - 2:00 am

  The day I test drive that car I decided to buy it, because the matrix is somethign else in my opinion its very very smoot ride car specally for a long trip. Its fun to drive you never get tired of driving it.

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  Toyota Tundra - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By jriedene - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Awsome. The brakes lack a little definitioin but really not a big deal. Everything else is above expectations.

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  Getting the feel of 4Runner SR5 V8 4WR - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Kevan - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Riding 4Runner SR5 V8 4WR 2004, it is quiet and smooth ride. A lot of horse power. With the V8 and 57400 lb weight is far better then Lexus 470 and Landcuriser which they are the same horse power engine but 6700 lb heavier in term of weight. The design of V8 4WR full time and 57400 lb is never afraid of behind anybody else and in any weather condition.