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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  Another winner - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By RapidRobert - August 6 - 1:36 am

  I bought a 11 Limited after looking at pre-owned 09 & 10. The car just oozes quality. Unbelievable power from a V6 in a large car, especially given the outstanding gas mileage. I get 26- 29 mpg. Nice styling changes to the front & rear ends as well as the dashboard. NAV has been improved & has a backup camera, too. Several optional items are now standard. In reality the price for the Limited has gone down! Before you buy a competitor, drive the Avalon. Dollar for dollar you can not beat it!

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  Toyota fan since birth - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By savannahjean12 - August 6 - 1:15 am

  I just bought my 2014 Corolla S in April of 2014. Usually I hate when people write reviews with under 60,000 miles on their cars, but theres a lot to say about the Corolla, and I just cant wait! I love everything about it. The gearing system takes a little getting used to. People say that it has weak horsepower, but you just have to know how to use it. 3500+ rpms seems to be the new "2500" that you would normally shift at. Obviously because its brand new I havent had any problems with it whatsoever. I do plan on writing reviews on it the longer I have it.

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  Best Choice - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Tricia - August 5 - 10:13 pm

  I Spent a lot of time looking for a car and the Toyota Rav 4 has everything i could ask for and more. It comes with so much for a great price.

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  Great car - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Bill - August 5 - 7:01 pm

  Great car. The car has all of the electronic wizardry and it takes some time to learn how to operate it, but the time is worthwhile

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  Best truck pound for pound - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Alva Anderson - August 4 - 2:56 pm

  Most reliable and fun to drive pickup in its class, impressive exterior and interior features, an eye catcher.

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  Reliable, Practical & Fun - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By SNM - August 4 - 1:06 pm

  Did an immense amount of research before purchasing. It wasnt even close when all was said and done. If you are looking for a 4 door compact pick up this is your baby. 239 hp in the V6 is more than enough, and avg. 19-20 mpg overall. The interior and ride is superior to competetors. The appearance was aesthetically appealing as well. Toyota has a long history of quality reliability. I previously owned Ford and Nissan pick ups, and the Toyota is my favorite by far. I plan on keeping this one for many years.

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  unwavering relaibility - 1996 Toyota Celica
  By Sledge - August 4 - 2:00 am

  This car has lived a tough life and yet continues to perform flawlessly. Though I perform meticulous maintenance and I am fanatical about keeping proper records, it has been driven hard. Though the years it has never given me a single problem outside of normal wear items. Even most of those are still untouched: for instance brakes, wiper blades, dome and tail lights are all original.

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  My first new car! Great buy! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Riley - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I never heard about the Matrix until one day I saw one in the parking lot. The exterior really caught my eye, so much so, that I had to walk over and check it out. Ive been wanting a new car for the longest time, and Im so glad that I picked this car. Not only is it gorgeous on the outside, but I love the interior w/ the chrome detailing. Its so sporty. The stereos great, LOVE the heater, the Matrix is comfortable and safe.

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  Pet Gals friend - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By pegkd - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Great car! I run a pet sitting business and use my car to get to appointments. I bought the car for the economy (gotta keep those costs down) but love the way it handles in all weather and roomy interior for carrying all my stuff. Pretty good pick up for engine size.

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  Unexpected Surprise - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By desmondo - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 01 Toyota LE to primarly use for a work car and good gas mileage. (and too save wear and tear on my gas guzzling Explorer and Windstar Minivan). Wow, I was really surprised on the build quality and comfort, no rattles, excellent gas milage, and good power. Back seat is a little cramped, but if you want alot of space in the back seat by a Camry. This is my first Toyota, and certainly wont be my last. Great car for the money. Dont waste the extra money on a Honda!