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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  The Best - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By peeper2006 - June 16 - 9:10 am

  A Celica has been my dream car for a few years now, and I just bought an 02 GT-S with the body kit (black with clear and blue bulbs in the headlights, blue side marker bulbs with clear lenses) and it is great. I get sooooooo many compliments on my car wherever I go. The styling on it is AMAZING! And the there is no other car that even slightly resembles it. Its not as fast as I would like, but the look makes up for it. Also, it is kind of loud, and is pretty cramped in the rear seats. But I would suggest this car to anyone who is smaller and loves sports or tuner cars! Toyota is great, and the Celica is the best sporty coupe out there.

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  Just outstanding - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Craig - June 16 - 7:00 am

  We have the fully loaded Camry Hybrid and it is incredible. At 37+ mpg, and with the large Colorado State tax credit this will actually save us a lot of money relative to a regular Camry (the federal alternative fuels website has a link to the state hybrid incentives -- be sure to check it out). The driving experience is amazing, once you get used to the pleasures of driving a Hybrid. Push button start, extreme quietness, and a full information displays regarding how the engine is operating (must be seen to be believed). And of course Toyota has packed this full of well designed features.

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  SWEET! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Katie May - June 16 - 6:30 am

  This is my 3rd Toyota vehicle. I love it. The rear window is great, drivers seat cozy, spacious back area that folds down... great looking too. The only SUV built on a truck chassis. Awesome ! You"ll love it esp at a used price.

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  325,000 Miles and still going strong - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Paul - June 16 - 6:10 am

  I bought this Toyota Camry new from the dealer. I have never had any issues with this Camry. I have only had to do the recommend maintenance, and now with over 325,000 miles on it it is still running as strong as the day I bought it no oil leaks it is the best investment I ever made I will keep this car until it no longer runs and at the rate it is going I will expire before it does, best car ever built.

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  Great Tacoma - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By lovecars10 - June 15 - 8:22 pm

  Okay, I have what some people may call "car issues". I am 33 years old and on about the 40th car. Six months ago I bought a 25k mile 2006 with a factory warranty. I am totally not a truck guy and could not see myself driving an F-150. But the Tacoma is not a truck for us. Its the Ultimate Family Vehicle. We go camping, lots of room with tonneau cover, it can tow, it fits 4 of us comfortably, and I can get stuff from Lowes. By the way its very reliable and overall feels very solid. I cant believe that my top favorite car out of Acuras, Bmw, Saab and a bunch of others and its a "truck"...no, its an..."Ultimate Family Vehicle".

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  I Love My Matrix - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Heather - June 15 - 9:53 am

  I bought my Matrix Certified Used from my local Toyota dealer almost a year ago and I am loving my Matrix! The cargo room is awesome (we like to fold down the back seats and sleep in there on camping trips) I have been so thankful to have the cargo room because I have needed it many times! The gas mileage is AMAZING! It has plenty of pep but as other reviewers mention a little more power would be nice at times. I think the new 2009 model is cool looking but after taking a look at the dealer I think I like my 2006 better, the new one seems like they got cheap with the materials a bit. The nice shiny gauge and stereo display are now a faux silver plastic, and overall it does not seem as solid

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  High pitched sound between 38-40 mph - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By bem521 - June 15 - 12:23 am

  I have just purchased my new limited rav 4 6cylinder about 2 weeks ago. I love having this SUV but I do hear a very annoying noise when i drive between 38-40. It sounds like a high pitched ringing noise. Has anyone else noticed this problem with their rav? I seem to think it is related to the transmission. I once owned a jetta v6 and I had the same problem with that car. It was a complete nightmare. They had a batch of bad transmissions replaced it twice and still no good. Finally bought the car back from me but lost money. I hope this is not the case with my rav 4 but if anyone else has noticed this sound I would love to hear from you. Thanks

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  1998 T100 4WD - 1998 Toyota T100
  By John - June 14 - 11:53 pm

  There is nothing to love about this truck. IF you can find one its worth every penny. This truck puts both the new Tundra and Tacoma to shame both in looks and in quality. Only trouble with these trucks is they bring a premium price and are highly sought after. If they are in good shape they are expensive and sell very quickly.

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  A very functional SUV! - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By rdiddy801 - June 14 - 6:30 pm

  Ive had my RAV-4 for about four months now, and Im quite happy with it. The ride is smooth and the suspension seems solid. I took it off road recently and it handled the terrain okay. Im getting 25 MPG with a fairly even mix of city/highway driving. The interior is very functional--the back seats slide forward and back, and they split so you have more cargo options. I like the MP3 jack in the center armrest, and theres a little niche there thats perfect for an iPhone. My only complaints: the back window doesnt open (which would allow you to carry long lumber that could hang out the back, for example), and the rear hatch opens towards the curb.

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  4th one is the charm! - 2017 Toyota Prius
  By James DAMATO - June 14 - 3:18 pm

  My 4th Prius. Love them.