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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  New 2012 Camry - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By raddala - October 13 - 8:03 am

  I just purchased 2012 Camry. I was considering 2012 Civic or 2012 Prius as I was looking for fuel efficiency car. 2012 Civic has cheap plastic interior and also pricey. 2012 Prius is not good because mileage was down. 2012 was a pleasant surprise (price was good and mileage was also very good). I purchased LE with Power Seats for $20,500 in Fremont, CA.

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  Pricey But Worth It - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Naomi - October 13 - 1:06 am

  I love this car! Went from fully equipped Tahoe Z71 and feared that my partner with 275 pound frame would not be able to sit comfortably. This has not been a problem, much to my surprise and elation. We frequently have contests to see who can get the best over-all mileage per 5 minute increment as it is shown on the dashboard - have gotten 75 MPG on freeway in stop-and-go traffic. With AC on (works great) - average about 46.5 MPG with a daily freeway commute of about 40 miles round trip. Had windows tinted and made a huge difference in the interior comfort - especially with an outside temp in the 99 - 102 range. Put 3000 miles on the car in about 6 wks. Pricey but cut gas bill by 70%.

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  Had them all, this is the best - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By mike - October 12 - 6:36 pm

  Fuel economy: we all would like 100 mpg but this is a truck and economy is better than any full size truck I have owned. Interior: I forego pretty for functional this truck is functional. Ride: if you never go off road or plan to push this truck to its load limits pass on the off road package. Love my truck: quality, fit, finish, win win win. If you need a truck this is it, if you dont but just want a truck do your home work and understand how the package youre paying for will effect the ride and handling, but this truck will have a trim level you will be happy with. Sorry but this truck blew away my beloved red ram!

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  Great Car ! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Arthur - October 12 - 5:43 pm

  A good, comfortable, safe, well performing vehicle. Lots of room, great sound system. Good creature comforts.

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  BUY IT!!!! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ray - October 12 - 10:03 am

  This truck is the Best. The ride, cornering, seats, design, what else can I say. If you want one, BUT IT!!!

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  2003 Spyder rocks! - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By tullymountain - October 12 - 2:00 am

  We have a green spyder with tan leather, just got it and it is a blast! I cannot get the smile off my face whenever I drive it. The car turns like on rails, acclerates like a little rocket and gets great mileage to boot. Only complaint is getting in and out with top up...pretty tight squeeze but once inside incredibly comfortable. Some may find this strange but my wife and I both agree that the car drives considerable better than the 2001 SLK convertable we used to have! Highly recommended.

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  1992 Camry V6 Wagon - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By tracyd - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this used with just over 100K on it. Have done all the usual maintenance items, and had to rebuild the transmission at 145K (fluid pump leaked), but it is a very solid, reliable car that looks great to this day. Definitely wont be replacing any time soon.

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  Nice... - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By nickistner - October 12 - 2:00 am

  This is my second car (previously owned an integra) and i love it. Its not only nicer but faster than the integra i previously owned. Im currently in the process of adding performance parts to it. I have nothing to regret about buying this car.

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  Practical - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By ciara63 - October 12 - 2:00 am

  This car is great for everything! Couldnt ask for a more practical car and fun at the same time.

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  Avalon - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By lgainer - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Couldnt be more pleased. Best car we ever had!