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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  Love my Van! - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By Anita - March 25 - 6:06 am

  I dont even have any small kids. I have a son playing football 650 miles from home and have driven this van in all kinds of conditions. I havent had a major problem at all in 40K miles. We got it so loaded up that my friend calls it a "living room on wheels". My dealer is a gem! I developed a little rattle and they took care of it 1-2-3 can gave me a loaner for the day. The car tailgates like a champ. The automatic tailgate is a great convenience when my arms are full. Its the most reliable car (my first Toyota) that Ive ever had.

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  BRING IT BACK... simply the Best - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By hplardog - March 25 - 5:10 am

  Quick and easy to move around in city traffic. FUN. Easy to drive. I look forward each day driving to and from work. Did I say it is FUN to drive? I like the looks I get as I drive by. I have been asked more than once..."what is that?" Gas mileage... I own an SUV, but I drive the MR2 Spyder. Even though it is little, it gets me around. Reliable and FUN... I did say it was Fun didnt I. Cant take lots of stuff in it.. a glove box in the front and two glove boxes in the back.. behind the seats. When I have a choice, I take the Spyder. TOYOTA Why did you quit making this car!!! A true sports car, economical, easy to afford, the backing of the good name TOYOTA. Bring it back!!

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  Best Compact SUV - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By terahex - March 25 - 4:16 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned! This is a fun car to drive, very responsive to the wheel and pedals. It offers a nice smooth and quiet ride in the city, yet it is fully capable of going off tackling some of the roughest 4x4 trails. The FJ has received a lot of comments about the large c-pillars blocking vision. I have not found this to be a problem. The side large mirrors more than make of lost vision. You just have to recondition they way you drive.

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  Unstoppable!! - 1996 Toyota 4Runner
  By levi916 - March 25 - 3:33 am

  My parents bought my 4runner when I was younger but I never thought that I would end up with it. This baby was on the showroom floor. I have had it now for 3 years and man oh man its sweet, it goes anywhere! And with some slight mods its unstoppable! I have rolled it on its lid and I flipped it back over and within 2 hours it was running again! If you are doubting getting a 4runner I would think again this is one of the safest rigs out there! My baby off roads and races down the track. The best of both worlds!

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  2015 Toyota Tundra Double Cab - 2015 Toyota Tundra
  By spike_1a - March 24 - 7:19 pm

  I traded in my 2004 Tundra Access Cab with 267,163 miles on the engine and frame for a brand new 2015 Tundra Double Cab. I was very reluctant to part way with my old Tundra but she was starting to feel the strain of everyday work. The improvements on the 2015 are too many to mention but the highlights I found are the comfort level of the seats, the power of the 5.7 liter engine, averaging 15.7 MPG (the same as my old 2004 4.7 liter) with just over 1200 miles, entertainment system, and off road package. My goal is to double the mileage of my new Tundra. Wish me luck!

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  The perfect California commuter car - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Steve - March 24 - 9:43 am

  The 6 speed semi-automatic transmission takes a little time to become instinctive. There were many bad shifts the first week or two, but its truly a godsend in bad traffic. The car is fun, responsive, easy on gas. I can drop the top in less than a minute sitting at a redlight. If you need to haul junk around dont buy this car. There is no trunk.

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  Nice cruiser! - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By dedhed - March 24 - 2:10 am

  Love the truck. Have had it about a year with no complaints.

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  I love it! - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By Caitlin - March 23 - 7:43 pm

  When I was looking to buy a car I wanted a cute sports car to take with me to college. I was originally looking at Hyundai Tiburons and when I saw the Celica online I knew thats what I wanted. For only having a 4 cylinder engine it has nice boost of speed when you hit the gas. I have had no problems with mine and I bought it used with 48,000 miles. My car always gets looks by people who see it. :)

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  Best car ever. - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By kelli B. - March 23 - 7:26 pm

  I bought this car 3 years ago with 193,000 for 500 dollars. I know crazy. It has never left me walking. I have done minor repairs, new distributor cap and new plugs and wires, new tires and battery. I drive this car 120 miles a day 4 days a week sometimes more. It now has 239,500 miles and I hope it keeps on going. It truly is a gem and I got a steal. It made my 500$ back long ago! I want another one! I drive a 4 door Dodge 3/4 ton diesel so tjis car saves me so much money running back and forth to work! Sometimes Id really Rather be in my Toyota than that Dodge!

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  Good car. - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By malikj - March 23 - 5:25 am

  I have about 45k miles on it. Its a great car for the money. Ill stick with Toyota.