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 SUV - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Denise Frey - October 6 - 6:43 am

  This is a nice ride. I traded in an Avalanche pickup that was deluxe. The Highlander is as comfortable as the Avalanche and has as much interior room. It has a lower ground clearance so off-roading is not possible but the highway ride is smooth!

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  Stylish and luxury - 2013 Toyota Venza
  By mkzid - October 6 - 6:34 am

  My wife and I leased a 2010 Rav4 Limited V6 and our lease was up. We decided to get a new 2013 Rav4 however was disappointed to see it no longer had the V6 as an option. As we walked through the dealer lot a 2013 Attitude black limited AWD V6 Venza caught our eye. It was stylish and had a great set of 5 spoke 20" wheels. We took it for a test drive and the ride was fun however very very quiet compared to the 2010 V6 Rav4. We loved the new Entune Nav system and the current LED daytime running light as well as the HID main headlights were nice. We liked the panoramic roof and the power lift gate. The seats were comfortable and very adjustable. The dual chrome exhaust were a nice sporty touch.

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  Review - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By flgirl1 - October 6 - 4:06 am

  I have purchased many cars in my lifetime, but I must say that I really like this car. It has a good sound system, and is very sporty. I am always receiving compliments on it even though it is 6 years old! I am single, so I wasnt the least bit concerned about a 4 door. It is very economical and I fill up my tank way less than previously. All in all, I couldnt ask for a better vehicle.

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  Indestructible - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By ddmyers - October 5 - 6:30 pm

  Best little economy car on Earth ! Shes 7 years old now, and not a single problem or repair, with the exception of the "rusty floorboard recall" of several years ago. Just routine maintenance. You could drive this car into a volcano, and it would still run. Fairly comfortable to drive on long trips. The interior has held up well - - - - the seats still look like new! And I actually like the center-mounted gauges; steering wheel and hands dont obstruct their viewing. Not affected by the recent Toyota recalls. The only thing that I can complain about is that I wish she had a little more power.

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  A great car - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By T.East - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Great car friendly to drive great handling and power with the 5 speed.smooth shifting and forgiving.the paint is very thin,and the plastics soft to road debris,rocks etc.Lighter is cheaper i guess how else do you get 31+ miles to the gallon and i drive freeway 95% of the time at 80 miles per hour great gas milage.pricey to some but hey not every corner you turn you see one comming at you ethier,its worth it, go get one youll love it, have fun .

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  too nice - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By tdpga - October 5 - 10:00 am

  this suv is fantastic, must drive for yourself, it will hold its value for a long time, fun to drive, responsive, and smooth ride, great job toyota

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  my lease is up - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By cherrypond - October 5 - 10:00 am

  I am leasing this car and my time will be up next month.. For the three years Ive had this car, i have never had a problem. I take it in for routine oil changes etc. and thats it!!!now deciding if I should buy it or lease another>>>Its toyota from now on!!!!

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  Billy - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Guille - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Excellent performance,, value for money.

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  Camry XLE better than Avalon or Lexus - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Carolina Bob - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Tested Avalon XLS and Lexus ES300. Even the salesman agreed the Camry is a much better buy. Paid less than TMV and then got the $1,000 rebate and Toyoguard at same price. Toyoguard is not a good product, but Southeast Toyota does it to upper end cars as they receive them. Avalon with almost comparable equipment was $4,300 more from same dealer and Lexus was $3,000 more with older model sound system. At 3,500 miles, its a great car, well designed and appointed. Not sure what good RDS radio is in Southeastern US though.

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  Sienna 2015 Limited Premium - 2015 Toyota Sienna
  By Nick - October 5 - 2:51 am

  Great car never disappointed with Toyota.