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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  great little car - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By yaya - March 5 - 7:40 am

  Moved up from 92 4 cyl Camry so felt like home. Got 4 cyl and it is fine here in Atlanta merging on the expressway etc. 16,000 miles now have one year & average 25 mpg - approx 38 miles round trip to work mostly expressway but lots of errands in stop/go traffic. Will keep forever!

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  Great Midsized Pickup - 2017 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mark - March 5 - 5:57 am

  I purchased my Tacoma Off Road one month ago. 22" of snow over the weekend - 100 yd very steep uphill driveway - unplowed - truck never noticed it. No problem in 4WD high. Its a beast in the snow. Cool factor - my high school kids and thier friends love the vehicle.

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  Best Redesign Toyota could have done! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By l in nj - March 5 - 2:16 am

  Love my 06 Rav4 LTD. Made a 10 time Camry buyer never want to drive a car again. Comfortable, smooth, roomy, great in snow and 4wd cant be beat. Quiet and reliable as all Toyotas are. Room for storage is great. Will never switch to anything but a Toyota SUV. Thought Camry was the greatest car in the world but the RAV4 put its baby sister to shame. Only complaint I have. Buy one an see for yourself.

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  Better than Advertised - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By prius driver - March 5 - 2:00 am

  The Prius is dead-on reliable. It has been my every day driver for two full years now and it has averaged about 51 miles per gallon. It does inspire me to try to squeeze every extra mile I can out of each tank of gas, but when I need to be in a hurry it rises to the occation for that, too, while still getting excellent economy.

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  Tacoma - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By podwich - March 5 - 2:00 am

  This is a peppy little truck. It has good onroad performance and absolutely excellent offroad performance. The interior is somewhat spartan and the rides a bit stiff, but its a truck and I like it. Ive had absolutely no problems with this truck.

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  It fits in my garage! - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By hutch7 - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this truck for 2 years now. Its been flawless with the exception of the front brakes which Toyota upgraded under warranty. Excellent ride and drivability. Built to last (unlike my last F-150).

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  Toyota Corolla S: Still Reliable - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By BlueFlowers - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Although the back seat is a little crowded, I love it! The engine sounds so nice, smooth riding, easy to steer left or right, petty but powerful engine for 1.5 liter and so easy to keep it clean!

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  Best of the best - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By MikeLR - March 5 - 2:00 am

  An absolute must have vehicle for the automobile enthusiast. With its superb handling, breathtaking design, and powerful engine, this is surely one of Toyotas best vehicles to date.

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  Excellent Suv, Worth Every Penny - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By logans truck - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Have had 4-Runner since July , Love the ride, and the performance,have the V-6 engine , very quiet, dashboard is laid out very nicely.Great sound system, and getting 22 MPG on the highway. I would definetely buy another one ! Good Job Toyota !

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  The Best - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By jonjon38 - March 5 - 2:00 am

  This is the first truck that I have ever owned that has met the durability and dependability that no other has been able to give to me.