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 Hybrid! - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By Xou Yang - July 27 - 5:46 am

  Great car for the money. Traded my 2013 Scion FRS in for Prius II. Looks great, decent interior, a lot of interior space, GREAT MPG, and thus far maintenance-free. Acceleration is decent. I mean, its no sports car! I spend between $22-40 on gas every month. It saves me a ton of $$$$$! I have no regrets at all and totally recommend it.

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  My 2016 Highlander - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Al Haynes - July 27 - 2:11 am

  This is a nicely designed vehicle, howver, the Ipod/MP3 device is visible when connected. It would be great if a device could remain in place and somehow be concealed or out of view. Platinum models should also have automatic folding mirrors when the vehicle is parked. I just love the panoramic moon roof and luxurious interior!

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  satisfaction - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By r. dimaggio - July 27 - 12:30 am

  I like everything except the road noise is a bit loud, could be insulated better better ride performance is needed

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  Not new, but felt new. - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By TVWaugh - July 26 - 9:10 am

  I bought mine used, but the ride and handling felt like it was a new car. It accellerates fairly well against other V6s on the rode that are newer. Sharing similar interior and exterior features as the Lexus 300, I feel as if I have a Lexus without the Lexus name. I would recommend a Toyota Camry to anyone who asks.

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  Love my Crewmax - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Justin - July 26 - 4:33 am

  Ive had my slate metallic Crewmax for a little over a month now and it is a blast to drive. The engine and tranny are great. Impressive power with smooth shifts. Ive never driven a vehicle with brakes this good. Ive averaged almost 16 mpg in mixed driving and thats after putting 22" rims and slightly larger tires on it. I test drove every other 1/2 ton truck. Nothing else was close. Test drive a Tundra. You will buy it.

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  Nice Car - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Dig814 - July 26 - 2:00 am

  I love my Camry V6 XLE. It is and has been a great reliable car. Since owning it, I have had to minor maintenance but nothing to bad and it is all worth it to keep my car running like new.

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  toyota limited double cab - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By danielj - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Roomy, plenty of power, toyota quality

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  Beautiful SUV, with the drive of a car. - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Mary Allen - July 26 - 2:00 am

  The highlander is a beautiful SUV. It is stylish with all the features anyone could want. It rides like a car. Gas mileage is great. I cant wait until the hybrid is available then it would have really out did it self. Toyotas are great vehicles. And I love to drive the highlander.

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  Excellent Car! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By peawiddle - July 26 - 2:00 am

  My biggest issue is the squeeking from the rear of the interior. Driving the car is wonderful and it handles alot better than my old one. It looks great too!

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  Great Van! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By oscano - July 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought my van from a local dealer at about 1700 less than MSRP. No hassles at all. The only problem Ive had was the alignment was slightly off, but the dealership fixed it right away and gave me a rental while it was in the shop. Otherwise the van is great. This is my first experience with a mini-van and so far I am very satisfied. I especially love the 60/40 third row seat and all the room behind it when it is up and in use. The engine is quiet and smooth. It has a little more road noise than I expected but it isnt that bad. The drivers seat has a manual height adjustment, which is great.