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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  DRIVE IN STYLE - 1996 Toyota Celica
  By FRAN - June 29 - 2:00 am

  THIS VEHICLE TURNS HEADS. THE RED PAINT IS OUTSTANDING. GOES IN THE SNOW, NOT ALL SHOW. WILL MAINTAIN ITS VALUE. HANDLES LIKE A NEW MERCEDES AT A THIRD THE COST. SHOULD OUTLAST ALL THE REST. WILL FIT FOUR SETS OF GOLF CLUBS IN THE TRUNK! I WISH I COULD PURCHASE ANOTHER IDENTICAL VEHICLE IN 2015

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  legendary suv - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By sampan - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I drove this vehicle everyday to work and at least once a month from New York City to Palm Coast Florida with 85000 miles on it right now, still on 100% top condition.

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  Plenty of zip, style, and versatility - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By isosceles - June 29 - 2:00 am

  This car is a pleasure to drive. I couldnt be more satisfied. It suits my needs perfectly.

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  TRD - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By jim wilbanks - June 29 - 2:00 am

  The truck is beautiful and fun to drive. It handles all road conditions well.

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  2002 Toyota Sequoia - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By rich99 - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for a year, and was a replacement for a minivan. Paid $34,500 for the SR-5. So far it has lived up to expectations. Love the fact that the rear seat can actually sit an adult (vs the Tahoe, where your knees are in your face). Gas mileage not to bad, average 16.5 on highway trips. Anti-skid control seems to kick in too easily on snowy days. Towing capacity was not an issue for me, might be for others. All in all very happy and would recommend it to others.

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  nice UV - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By joegreen - June 29 - 2:00 am

  the vehicle runs great and gives a comfortable ride. looks great too. turns many heads. many compliments too. poor gas mileage though and always hit my knee on the drivers door when getting out!!!

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  great little car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By herbie - June 28 - 12:33 pm

  I drive 1000 miles a week every week and I bought this car for economy but was pleasently surprised with the S model for the improved exterior and interior. I have a white one and it really stands out. The real value to me was how little it cost to upgrade to the S model. I have 28,000 miles on the 2005 car already and it just purrs right along.

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  Love the look - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Katfncy - June 28 - 10:30 am

  I was a Honda CRV owner for 6 years. I didnt like the new shape for 2007. I drove across the street to look at the RAV4. I was quite surprised by all the changes since I first looked at the RAV4 in 2000. Love the body style and the way it handles. It beats the Honda 2007 CRV anyday.

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  I love my new Toyota Rav4 - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By ravgirl - June 28 - 1:00 am

  This was my frist new car. I have always liked my 99 toyota corolla, but when I test drove my rav4, I was sold. There is a lot of space for your back passengers. They can adjust thier seat and recline to a comfortable position. I love the hidden storage. Car drives nice and smooth. I feel safe in this car!

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  AWESOME FJ CANT BE BEAT!! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By MelloFJYellow - June 27 - 11:56 pm

  I have only had my FJ Cruiser for a few days, but make no mistake, it is one AWESOME RIDE!! Pictures do not do it ANY justice and driving it is, well, just short of BREATHTAKING! Classic, retro, good looks, incredible build quality, and everything you could want in a modern 4X4 is here today in the FJ Cruiser. Yes, mileage is not too great and the rear visiblity takes some getting used to, but all-in-all, the very best and unique SUV out there today, dollar-for- dollar. Just test drive one and you will be hooked, as I was. I bought mine without a test drive, that is how confident I was. And was I ever right. The best vehicle I have EVER owned, hands down! Just give it a try!