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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  Best car Ive ever owned - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By AWESOME CAR - May 15 - 2:03 am

  My 1999 Corolla just hit 100,000 mles. The only repair I have ever had was a tail light bulb. Clearly, the best car Ive ever owned. I drive it everywhere at almost 40 mpg and never have a doubt that it wont get me back home. Thanks Toyota!!

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  Third Time is Still a Charm - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By James Jeffries - May 15 - 12:56 am

  This is my third Prius. Yes I love the car and look forward to new things each time I buy. This Prius is the best ever in terms of performance and styling I am actually getting over 55 MPG and when on the road I dont baby it. We love the new interior with its new sporty look and what they did to the exterior is great. All in all we are sold on Prius. Before Prius I always bought American but they simply can not match Prius

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  Wow, what a buy - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By 98van - May 14 - 7:56 pm

  Had to post. 05 CE is my second Sienna. Bought 98 XLE new for my wife. Sold 155,000 with 0 issues. Now @ 165,000 on 05 and again 0 problems. Great job Toyota and I will be purchasing an 09 in the fall close out sales. My van is my office with as many miles that I drive. Signed, Toyota driver for life! Thank you.

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  I-Phone / Entunes Update - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By 123224 - May 14 - 11:27 am

  Could never get my I-phone to connect with Entunes. Found out that you have to "hard-wire"your I-Phone to your car using your USB cord. Now works like a charm. YAY!

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  Love this van sooo much! - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Ali - May 14 - 10:06 am

  My family and I are very comfortable in the van. I never thought in a million years I would be driving a van! I love the look and have a lot of pride that we made a great purchase on a van that we know we can rely on. We owned a V8 SUV until now & we already have seen a difference in the gas to fill up & longer lasting.

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  Toyota 1995 - 1995 Toyota Pickup
  By MikeToy95 - May 14 - 7:40 am

  Comfortable rugged little p/u.

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  What More Could You Ask for! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By TommyBear - May 13 - 11:36 pm

  Just picked up the XL in Silver Pine Mica for the wife. The quality and comfort are great! The only option we got were the 6 CD and the floor mats. But who could tell it was a base model with all the features for the price.

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  Nothing else comes close - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By akf - May 13 - 4:33 pm

  This is my 5th Toyota, and my 2nd Toyota Truck. There is no comparison in the engine power, noise level, fit and finish, and interior comfort among trucks this size. It is MUCH larger than the old Tacoma, and feels like a 4-runner with a bed tacked on. Gets up and goes. I Love it.

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  A Pleasant Surprise - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By BladeRunner - May 13 - 8:23 am

  After driving a V8 powered 4Runner for longer than I should have, I needed to find a better MPG for my commute. The Rav4 was a pleasant surprise. I never thought I would fall in love with a small SUV. The ride is smooth yet powerful with the V6 engine. Im averaging 23mpg which is a big step up over the 15 I was getting before. Handling is superb, although the electronic assisted steering takes some getting used to. At 61 space is an issue for me and I have plenty in the Rav4. I have a ton of shoulder, leg and head room and the storage bins under the cargo area are a nice feature. My road bike fits with ease with the seats folded down. I highly recommend the Rav4.

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  Excellent truck! - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By GB - May 13 - 5:40 am

  This has been a great truck for all around use (family, hauling, towing). Owned a Ford prior and there is no comparison - the Tundra is far superior quality, design and workmanship.