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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  Too much technology bling! - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By mwoodpark - December 3 - 6:38 am

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  Turns heads around - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Noorali Charania - December 2 - 10:50 pm

  The most elegant looking, economical spacious like a van and the best value for money. Compare the looks with a 40K Lexus RX 330 and compare the storage space after folding seats with an Odyssey. (I own that one too!) My biggest pleasant surprise after 5 yrs of use and fully paid auto loan I have an asset with book value of 11K !!

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  Tundra 2005 Toyota - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By pV - December 2 - 9:40 pm

  This is my second Tundra and I have the same opinion "best truck ever". When other manufactures continue chasing air in reponse to the Tundra since 2000, Toyota is the only one offering a true truck in old terms. Basic interior, durable, reliable, quality, and a great engine. Theres nothing more to be said, nothing all the bells and whistles could ever improve or change, only adding weight.

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  Best car I ever owned - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Lesia P. - December 2 - 4:16 am

  My Prius is well designed, inside and outside. Pretty yet powerful. Comfortable in every way. The back-up camera and keyless operation are a hoot, and always impressive when showing off. But the best part is the fuel efficiency. So far, Im averaging over 47 mpg, and I pass the gas station with a smile these days. Buying a Prius is one of the best decision I ever made!

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  96 Tacoma 4WD - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By rich - December 1 - 6:56 pm

  Bought this truck used and has been the best truck I have ever owned. This 1996 replaced a 1990 4WD toyata that I had. The 1990 replaced a 1988 Chevy pick-up that I bought new and that truck was a piece of crap. I will always buy Toyota. Also have a 1996 Rav4. A1 on both.

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  Most excellent truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By MonkeyTracker - December 1 - 6:50 pm

  Best truck Ive ever had. 36,000 miles on it and its as tight and rattle-free as the day I drove it off the lot. I enjoy driving it everyday.

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  Zoes Baby - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Zoe - December 1 - 5:40 pm

  This is the second Camry I have owned, and bought it after the great experience from the first. I have been driving this car the last 4 years, and have enjoyed every minute. The car is 100% reliable, and I feel safe on the long trips I make each month. I have never had any problems with the car! If you want a car for long-term ownership, this is the one for you!

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  Zoes Baby - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Zoe - December 1 - 5:40 pm

  This is the second Camry I have owned, and bought it after the great experience from the first. I have been driving this car the last 4 years, and have enjoyed every minute. The car is 100% reliable, and I feel safe on the long trips I make each month. I have never had any problems with the car! If you want a car for long-term ownership, this is the one for you!

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  Love my old Camry - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Ellen - December 1 - 3:13 am

  I have been looking for a new car for almost a year now, and cant justify getting rid of my 1998 camry. I really love it. I know with all the miles I have on it, I will need to do something. Major thing was cat- converter and that was just recently. The V6 is quiet and drives great. Mileage is fine. Never though I would keep this car for 12 years and not want to get rid of it after 12 years.

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  All that I could want - 2013 Toyota Prius c
  By sjg4 - November 30 - 11:07 am

  I love my C! It is nimble, well-made, and fun to drive. Plus, unlike so many other hybrids, the mileage is no hype. I average 50 mpg and Ive owned my car for about 4 months now. You go so long between fill ups that you almost forget about getting gas. Regarding the comments about acceleration, its no Ferrari, but Ive found it to be fine on on ramps and here in Philly thats no joke. Also, many of the comparable hybrids sacrificed reliability. I dont think I should have to choose between great mileage and being stuck by the side of the road. I picked the C, and am very happy with the choice.