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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  2015 RAV 4 HAPPY HAPPY - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By kell3 - October 20 - 5:31 am

  I have a 2015 Rav4, and I am very pleased with everything about the suv. I choose this vehicle for the reason of previously owning a 2007 Rav4. I loved it so much, and had no issues what so ever. My family was in a accident on a major interstate in Georgia, and we were hit in rear. The person who hit us at a speed of at least 60mph. We were protected by the air bags, and the built of the Rav4, and most of all protection of God. The car was totaled out. People stopped to take pictures of our car with our family of 4 standing outside after the accident. I know the safety of this suv is EXCELLENT. We love Toyota!

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  More Options Needed/Design Comment - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By 4 Dr STD Hatchback - October 19 - 11:43 pm

  This is an excellent car for saving energy. I do not care for the rear window view obstructions... I do find them distracting. Never achieved the 60mpg as claimed. I have averaged barely 45mpg. It would be nice to have an option of a moonroof. Other than that, an excellent purchase.

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  Great Truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By James Alcorn - October 19 - 11:03 pm

  This is a truly great vehicle. Toyota makes great quality vehicles that you can trust. The only space for improvement is in the area of fuel economy. It is a little rough around the edges but will do. No real complaints with this truck. Highly recommended! :)

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  The more I drive it the more Ilike it - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By joe540ci - October 19 - 10:33 pm

  I drive a 3/4 ton pick-up for work. So when I jump into the hiway the difference is amazing. It has the ride of a luxury sedan and in good weather I get 28 MPG, winter driving is about 24 mpg.The power is perfect when we went thru the mountains. The toyota highlander is the perfect vehicle for me!!!

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  First time Prius owner - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By sheila m - October 19 - 10:11 pm

  As a first time Prius owner, Im hooked. It does take getting used to and I havent learned all the features yet. Getting gas comes every couple of weeks instead of weekly. Its so quiet, I few times I left it running and only realized it when it beeped me as I walked away. Its a push button power-no keys. Im hooked.

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  Love my Taco - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Edward Matt - October 19 - 10:11 pm

  I love everything about this truck except for the fuel consumption. I feel in this day and age Toyota could have squeeze a couple more miles out of each gallon of fuel used. Having said that, theres no other truck out there that I could place my trust in like I do in the Tacoma.

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  Best in CLASS and Value - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By vetsrred - October 19 - 11:36 am

  "I just purchased a 2013 Camry SE with a MSRP of $25,398 for $19,877. I drove 620 miles to buy at this price as dealers in St. Louis area wanted $3,000 more! The value of this car speaks for itself. I would describe myself as a car nut and the Camry SE looks, handling, ride, 6 speed trans, interior are all SUPERIOR to anything in its class. I also like the touch screen radio/trip computer with steering wheel controls. I drove a Hyundai Sonata (Cheap and unrefined compared to the Camry and steering hunts on the highway). I also drove the new Honda Accord (CVT very loud and unrefined (not a CVT fan), bumpy ride, and cheap interior materials). The Camry SE is a no brainer and my gas mileage th

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  The Prius is different - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By WOG - October 18 - 9:10 pm

  I am very satisfied and would readily recommend the car. Once you become accustomed to the quiet of the engine cutting out @ traffic lights & adjust to pressing a button to start & park & get comfortable not being able to see the front\corners of the car & with the split rear view, the car is very comfortable and pleasant to drive .

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  Love it - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Bill Fortenberry - October 18 - 7:51 pm

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  Its what i expected - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By darksecret - October 18 - 2:33 pm

  The look of the new RAV4 is very nice, much better than the previous models. The fuel economy is great.