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:

• 

  Toyota Highlander - - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By G.HaBER - July 17 - 1:10 am

  It is dependable, roomy, has great seats that are wide especially if you had a complete hip replacement. Has great vision. Smooth riding like a luxury car instead of an SUV. Great in rain and wet roads. Handles with ease on the open road or on country area streets.

• 

  Excellent Vehicle - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Warren - July 16 - 11:56 pm

  I am a land surveyor and work anywhere in North Georgia. Consequently, I put 30,000 miles per year on this vehicle. I have always known Toyotas were legendary for reliability, and this one has been no exception. What I did not know, however, was how exceptionally capable it is off road. I have taken this vehicle in mud close to a foot deep and it comes right out. It has also been up some inclines so steep that all my surveying equipment slid to the rear door.I expect to get close to 200,000 miles out of it before I buy another one just like it (or better). Excellent vehicle!!

• 

  BETTER THAN EXPECTED - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Rick - July 16 - 8:03 pm

  The fit and finish of both interior and exterior makes me smile. I bought this car to make a statement to the guzzling and polluting planet - and am so far surprised at how much i love it for creature comfort as well. I come from 7 years of an Audi A6 , and it is not a step down.

• 

  My third Prius - 80mpg? - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Texas Prius Guy - July 16 - 3:26 pm

  My third. Loved the old ones, but this one is a different animal. While not a hard core hyper-miler, where the old model got 60 mpg, this one clocks 80 mpg on the same circuit. Significant changes where EV mode kicks in, even as high as 61 mph! Ride and power are massively improved. Toyota is still the king of hybrids with the Prius being the crown jewel.

• 

  Toyota have one - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By Jeff Seeley - July 16 - 12:16 pm

  Great get around town car and long hauls too.

• 

  Awesome CAR - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Eugene Antunes - July 16 - 10:00 am

  This car is simply FUN to drive!!!

• 

  What a machine - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By freddy - July 16 - 10:00 am

  I am on my second Avalon and this one is better than the first if that is posible, It is quite, smooth, and very user freindly, I change cars every 12 months and unless someone comes up with something better then at this price it is a steal.

• 

  Venza - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By price-6 - July 15 - 10:40 pm

  We bought the Venza to replace our Durango. I absolutely LOVE it, Handles great, kids have lots of room. Easily fits our infants rear facing car seat. Key free is fantastic, so nice to be able to just grab the handle and open the door. Electronic push button tailgate is superb.

• 

  Everything I expected it to be - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By wooddorker - July 15 - 8:00 pm

  I waited 6 weeks for my ordered Radiant Red V6 4x4 Access Cab with TRD Off-road and towing. I dont have a single disappointment with this truck. My last Toyota gave be 300,000 miles of smiles. I expect nothing less from this one.

• 

  Our second Sienna! - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By kj - July 15 - 9:23 am

  This is our second Sienna. Lots of improvements from the first one. We take lots of road trips and have thoroughly enjoyed our time in the van. We love the interior design, cargo space and roll-down windows in the second row. Front seats have lots of leg room, great road visibility and dashboard is easily accessible. Our kids love all the spaces to keep their stuff!