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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  ECHO ECHo ECho Echo - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By ECHO ECHo ECho Echo - February 1 - 1:40 pm

  I really enjoy my Echo! Its a fabulously cute car and all of my college friends love it! I would definitely recommend the Echo to a chic, young person! Its just almost too perfect! Beep! Beep!

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  Great investment!! - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By My BABY! - February 1 - 10:40 am

  I purchased this truck as my 5th Toyota, Ive had 2 4Runners, a rav4, and a camry. Not to include my families trucks. I drove 3 different models of Tacoma before purchasing mine, all different engines. I settled with the 6 speed manual. I love it to death. Ive had it for six months and have nearly 7000 miles on it. I take it on trips often from Augusta, GA to Conway, AR. It does great! It is amazing off road, better than all the other Toyotas Ive driven so far. Handles and climbs great. My dad and uncle went and purchased after me. They have automatics though. They love them.

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  2016 Toyota Camry SE - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By B. Page - February 1 - 8:39 am

  We bought the car for my wife but we both love it. Since we have only had it a few weeks I couldnt say on reliability but if first impressions are worth anything reliability wont be an issue. The 2016 Camry SE looks greet inside and out. Smooth quiet ride, and very comfortable to drive or ride in. Really very happy with this vehicle!

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  A Little Gem - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By gafulham - February 1 - 7:56 am

  Bought an 06 with 61,000 back four years ago. I now have just under 105k on it. This thing is built better than any car I have ever owned. Toyota just thinks everything out so well -- even the tire jack is in an elegant little tray which keeps all of the parts together without rattling. I have never been too mindful of the gas mileage -- I generally get in the low 40s - but the real beauty of this car is the build quality. It is a base model but everything in it works as well today as they day it was built. Cars are expensive and these are more expensive than most cars in their class -- but they are worth every penny for the lack of drama they provide day in and day out.

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  Prius Breathe Easy - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Stella Wella - February 1 - 4:10 am

  2005 Prius got 47 miles to gallon in first 1000 miles. Great ride is better than Lexus IS300. Car handles prefectly at low soeed and excellently at high speed. Can easily accelerate past obnoxious highway traffic. It greet fun although just a half inch away from looking homely.

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  Great Car! - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By kann993 - February 1 - 2:53 am

  I traded in my Ford Focus for a Corolla and I have to say that I absolutely love it! It is smooth, quiet and has a great audio system PLUS a backup camera! You get so much for your money with this car. I dont have any problems with the horsepower, but then again I dont race from stop lights or anything like that. This is a great far for young people and also if you want a car with the most bang for your buck youll want to check it out!

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  Way better than a Town and Country. - 2015 Toyota Sienna
  By pitt1991 - February 1 - 12:40 am

  Traded a 2010 T&C Touring Plus and the minute we drove our Sienna off the lot we knew we made the right choice. Bye Bye Chrysler never again.

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  The 2011 Camry LE is excellent. - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By Jimmy - January 31 - 11:16 pm

  Like most I was a bit hesitant about purchasing a Camry and it had the be the V6 no matter what. Well, they let me take a 4 cylinder overnight, that changed my mind. Tthe ride and performance were excellent, the fit a finish were also excellent. Add the 0% for 5 years and two years of free oil changes. I went ahead a purchased it. I am very happy.

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  First Toyota - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Blue4305 - January 31 - 9:56 am

  The only difficult choice was what color. The Sienna is perfect for the little ones and great for pulling our 18 ski boat. We have owned it for 15 months. It is such a great van. We have even hauled 4x8 sheets of plywood with the back door shut. The only service we need to do is change the oil and wash it every now and then. I had to suck up a lot of pride to go into a minivan, yet find myself sneaking the keys away from my wife and leaving her my Lincoln LSV8. As soon as I send this I must go out and pop the hood to look at the engine of the Sienna, I truly have never seen it!!

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  The best car Ive ever had - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Marque Sussman - January 31 - 5:20 am

  This car is fun to drive! It gets great mileage, as advertised, around 50 mpg. It looks great. It is extremely comfortable and has a huge amount of leg room in the rear seat. The heater and a/c are terrific. The radio and 6 CD changer are excellent quality. The GPS system and maps are tremendously helpful when in unfamiliar locations.