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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  BEST TRUCK FOR THE MONEY - 2014 Toyota Tacoma
  By bajataco - July 8 - 4:43 am

  I have owned 3 of the the Tacoma product as well as an FJ and a Land Cruiser. I looked at all the choices out there when it came to spending approx $40,000 on a new vehicle. I ended up wiht a 2014 Tacoma TX Baja Access Cab in white. $37,605++ This truck is a whole lot of bang for the buck. The ergonomics are very well thought out from a drivers perspective. The seating is very non fatiguing on trips. The footprint is really what attracted me to this again as its a truck you can hop in and park anywhere, even a Trader Joes parking lot. You can also find and access a whole lot of trails a full size truck can not. the weight is such that you wil not get bogged down off road. TX Baja = Smiles

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  Toyota Schuffle - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Glen Feather - July 8 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has a major problem in the drive system. The mechanic at the dealership claims it is a design flaw. They do not want to fix it and Toyota will not return calls or messages. There is a problem in the steering column that they supposedly fixed, but still persists. This is either a dealership problem or a design problem, but Toyota needs to live up to its reputation.

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  93 Camry - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By JoeMerc - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Excellent value. Highly reliable vehicle. Most reliable Ive ever owned.

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  the best hot little car - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By celicababe - July 8 - 2:00 am

  ITS AWESOME, STYLE,PERFORMANCE,FEATURES!!! I LOVE IT WILL NEVER CHANGE. I have driven American cars but will never go back to them.

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  AWSOME BEST EVER!!! - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By r1ck - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Love it. Lots of room, great power, easy to drive. Never a problem..Snow, rain or shine, this SUV does it all. If you are looking for a true SUV for looks, ride comfort, realibility, and a overall SUV this is the one.

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  Excellent car! - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By Loved My Toyota! - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I had this car almost 3 yrs and loved it! I would have kept it for many more years if someone didnt carelessy run a stop sign and total my car. Considering she hit us really hard on the front side, and she had a SUV, I think the fact that we are not seriously injured shows how safe a car this is. I never had any problems with this car. Its very comfortable, fun car. I definatly recommend it! I just wish the new ones looked like this inside and I would get another one.

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  4 Runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Smarmalade - July 8 - 2:00 am

  So far so good. Nothing but compliments from me. This car kills the competition. To think we were looking at trailblazers! SO GLAD we wondered across the street to the toyota dealership.

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  Toyotarrific - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By toyotasareawesome - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought this suv over a year ago and havent had a problem with it yet. Just add gas and go - with regular maintenance of course. Its by far the best vehicle I have owned. Smooth as can be, plenty of room, and extremely reliable.

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  Great Investment - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Toyota Buyer 1 - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive just traded in a 2000 Celica for my new Corolla, and Im impressed ! Great gas milage, great design, I considered a dodge but decided to stick with a toyota because of the great performance I had with my last Toyota.

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  Excellent Car at Low Price - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By didi - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Bought the 2.4L LE car with automatic over the weekend. Toyota is offering $1000 cash back. With weakening dollar, Camry has 25% of parts made in Japan. Consumers are really getting bargain for the car. Horse power is sufficient more than enough for daily transportation, unless you desire more sporty. It gets best mileage among the class. This saves your money over the long run, plus you get better overall performance and safety. Some small cars do have even better gas mileage, but they are too light, lack of performance and safety.