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:

• 

  Smooth Runner - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Pilam69 - July 8 - 1:33 am

  Purchased our 4Runner this past winter, Certified Used from Toyota Dealership. Nothing but smooth sailing, tows my boat great. Getting 18 MPG daily driving and have gotten 21 on long trip. Wish I had purchased one of these years ago.

• 

  Highlander good on ugly roads - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By sparky - July 7 - 10:30 am

  We are happy with the highlander. 4 wheel drive is great in mud and snow/ice. We travel 30% on gravel roads. Lots of power and reasonably good fuel mileage 10 to 11 L/100 km hwy.

• 

  good - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By prince celestine - July 7 - 10:00 am

  it very good and comfortable. quiet fascinating.

• 

  Awesome - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By vogster - July 7 - 10:00 am

  This car is a blast. Outstanding handling and looks.

• 

  Bullet proof truck - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By Pete Toyota (alias) - July 7 - 10:00 am

  The 2.7 liter 4 cylinder is underpowered at high altitude (5000 plus ft.) but my truck has had no repairs in the 59,000 miles I have driven it. I get about 22 mpg in town but less at 75 mph.

• 

  avalon xls - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By jhb - July 7 - 10:00 am

  a pleasure to drive. very dependable car. has never let me down. my only wish would be for a little more power

• 

  Great for the price - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By stuartferst - July 7 - 10:00 am

  Beautiful styling. Came in perfect shape and has stayed that way. Im keeping it.

• 

  Love it. - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Skisurf2 - July 7 - 10:00 am

  Dont cry about gas mileage. It does better than some other SUV like the sorento and is a better all around truck. Fit and finish is great.

• 

  Best Toyota in Town - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Ryan Patterson - July 7 - 10:00 am

  I baught this car about two months ago, I have loved it ever since. The navigation system and the leather are to die for. Anyone thinking of buying this beauty one word, BUY.

• 

  Great Car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By MemphisCar - July 7 - 10:00 am

  Picked up my New Camry and it drives so well. Looks good - They had 3K off 2004 but the 2005 looked better so I went for it. Daughter owned a 89 Camry that is still on the road! One reason I went wiht Camry. Dealership was fair and the salesman Mr. Duckworth made things fast and easy. Drove it off the lot with 7 miles on it.