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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  Stout little 4 cylinder 4x4 - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Joe - July 21 - 1:31 pm

  I just love my new truck. It rides and drive very nice, and its very quiet inside the cab. The four has plenty power and the ect button will give you more power. I just did not want to spend and extra 4000 dollars on the V6. My truck cost was right around 27000. If your not towing anything the four is fine. I would get a full size truck if I was spending over 33000, so why bother with the V6. My mpg have been 22.5 with 2200 miles.

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  Back to Tacoma - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Steve ATL - July 21 - 6:53 am

  Back to Toy truck after trying Ford & Saturn- not nearly same quality. Had 90 4x4 Toy P/U and loved it. 100 miles a day- great cruising highway and some offroad. Dont miss 4x4 much- this has height and view I like and handles great. Plenty of power and if this runs like my old truck- just change oil and go. Had 150,000 on my old one and gave it to my brother,

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  Logical Opinion - Tall Man - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By EAHinsch - July 21 - 4:20 am

  The Tacoma is my fourth Toyota, and second Tacoma (1999). This truck is substantially larger than the previous models and it is wonderful. I am 66", 290 lbs and I fit in the vehicle with plenty of room. I do enjoy the interior and exterior styling and feel it gets decent gas mileage for a truck that is built to be taken off-road. If you are looking for fuel efficiency, I dont know why you would be looking for a 4WD truck. I have 8,800 miles on my Taco and it has not had any problems. The truck has plenty of power when you need it and drives like a truck, which I enjoy. If you want a "car-like" ride, I recommend a 4Runner which I own as well or a Highlander. This is a mans truck!

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  good car - 1997 Toyota Celica
  By tilent - July 21 - 2:00 am

  what can i say, this car is great, the look, the style, the gas mileage is great

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  As good or better than the new cars of its class - 1997 Toyota Celica
  By Dan Warren - July 20 - 7:20 pm

  Its always been garaged. It belonged to my mother who was 90 when she passed it on to me. She bought it new and maintained it regularly and kept all the records. The color is a metallic dk. gold, with gold front and rear plating on the emblems and antennae tip. A couple of minor scratches where the trunk opens and a small paint scratch on the driver side door but no dents. The interior upholstery is excellent and with no tears. The tires are new Perelli with black and polished black twisted spokes size 16 radials. The stereo is new with cd and usb, with four spkrs. New top of the line Sears diehard battery. New wipers. Power adj. outside mirrors. Couldnt be much better if new. I rarely ever see this year and model on the road. It had 49300 miles when I aquired it.

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  Great Car - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Kon - July 20 - 8:53 am

  This car does it all. I love it. It drives a lot like a normal sedan, quick acceleration, great turning radius. No complaints about the seats. Everything exactly in place. Driven 20K miles on it, not a single problem anywhere.

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  The Beast Of The 1/2 Tons! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Glenn - July 20 - 1:40 am

  I love the way this truck drives, looks, and its room and fuel economy. I average at 65 mph 18.5 on cruise. I am a dodge man but I found my new love. Great job Toyota.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Laura - July 19 - 4:36 pm

  I bought the V8 Limited 4WD and I have not been disappointed, it drives like a dream not at all like the sled like suvs I have had in the past! The interior is plush and comfy and the controls are a bit confusing at first, but you catch on pretty quick I wish the power windows were a little higher up and more illuminated, also it needs rear cup holders that are not in seat beacuse if you have three in the rear no place for cups except the bottle holders in the door. Overall drive and ride is excellent!

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  Toys! Gotta havem - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By MR2oyota - July 19 - 10:00 am

  To date, a really inexpensive toy. Nice car for the money but look out when the Pontiac Solstice arrives!

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  Fun Car - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Casey Green - July 19 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for a small convertible, this is the car to get. I test dove S2000 and Miata and overall, this is the best..