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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  THERE IS NOTHING BAD ABOUT THIS TRUCK. - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By MAGIC74 - October 12 - 2:00 am

  THIS TRUCK IS THE BEST TRUCK IVE OWNED AND IVE BEEN THROUGH FORDS, GMCS AND CHEVYS,

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  What a Car - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Toy2me - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I have had the car for 3 week, The drive is smooth and quiet. Excellent interior and exterior design.

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  Treynas Review - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Treyna - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Our Second Camry, quiet ride. reliable. full size spare, good for daily driving. Seats somewhat uncomfortable on very long drives. Average to good gas mileage, gas tank good be a bit bigger.

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  Great Ride - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By sunsax - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in August and this is the most comfortable car I ever drove. This is LE/auto(2003) at a great price of $17600(all taxes and registration included). Ride quality is excellent. Lot of room, large trunk and great mileage. Most important it is flawless-no trouble and is very dependeable. Only one thing I feel which needs to improvement -that LE comes with 15 inches wheel- which seems to be small with such a large size sedan. If you need 16 inches wheel then you have to go to SE or XLE.

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  Very happy and surprised Prius Owners - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By David - October 11 - 9:16 pm

  We purchased our Prius primarily because of its excellent gas mileage and its being an environmentally friendly vehicle plus Toyotas reputation for outstanding engineering,trading in our Acura 2.5. The Prius was met all of our expectations and has also been a great car for longish road trips on interstates and back roads-a very pleasant surprise we had not expected. Its also been a lot of fun to drive. Wed certainly buy it again.

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  I converted from GM andNo buyers remorse - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Oleg - October 11 - 11:10 am

  I was hesitant at first transitioning fr Chevy Tahoe into 4Runner. My Tahoe had problems and I was looking for a reliable SUV that handles well on and off-road, mountains, snow and ice, as well as has cargo room. I thought I was compromising getting a 4runner but Inow I feel I got a lot better value. SUV. It looks big but feels small and maneuverable. Great handling. It accelerates and handles like a sedan. Transmission intuitively responds as if interpeting your intentions by how you apply gas or brakes. i dont know how they accomplished it. Bumpers are high enought to allow excellent approach and descent angle. Quality material is used on the inside trim none of that cheap plastic.

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  Far and away the best car Ive ever owned! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Rich - October 11 - 8:06 am

  I purchased my 2007 Camry SE in late 2013 with 117,000 miles. Less than two years later, the odometer reads 168,000. I have had ZERO problems, and I have beat the crap out of this car. Neglected oil changes, bald tires, some body damage, and I NEVER open the hood. It still runs like a dream! Its deceivingly fast, and if it didnt have that dang traction control, I have no doubt it would smoke the tires. I can weave in and out of traffic (yes, Im that guy) with ease. The seats are comfortable (and Im a fat, old guy) and there is plenty of headroom. I guess the only complaint is the navigation system. In order to update it, you have to purchase a DVD, for $80-100..cheaper to buy a GPS..it was probably cutting edge technology for 2007. Just filled it today and checked my MPG..it was 28. I LOVE MY CAMRY. First "foreign" (even though its assembled in the USA) car Ive ever owned. Most US cars cannot compare to this little rice rocket!

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  Sweet replacement - 2017 Toyota RAV4
  By kathy soltero - October 10 - 7:58 pm

  Bought the car after being in a wreck.. my chevy volt was totaled by the drunk driver that hit me .. looked for a little bigger car with four wheel or awd and fell in love with the rav 4 ... thank you Toyota for making my Christmas wish come true !!!

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  Best Car Ever Built - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By kwn1237 - October 10 - 5:56 pm

  My Toyota Solara just hit 220,000 miles and still has the ORIGINAL alternator, motor, transmission, radiator, hoses, A/C compressor, and much much more. All the car ever needs is gas and oil to run for an infinite amount of miles. There is no rust at all and the interior still looks as if it is brand new. I recently had the car in the transmission shop because the rubber seal had cracked from age, he was absolutely astounded that most of the parts are original, especially the transmission which he claims if the oldest highest mileage one he has seen in his career. He said the car, if taken care of, will EASILY see 350,000. I will never own a better car in my life, truly on a level of its own

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  Goldie Enjoys Vintage Gold Highlander - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By Goldie - October 10 - 10:00 am

  Have driven since August 2001....have received numerous compliments on the styling and color of my 2WD 6cylinder Highlander....great handling and acceleration to go with decent gas mileage (19-24 mpg)....Wonderful visibility and elevated road view...The cabin is roomy and comfortable...There is an annoying wind pressure noise that occurs when only the back windows are open...vented rear window panels would eliminate this...good pricing (650 over invoice) for a great vehicle!