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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  Best in Class Mid-Size Sedan. - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Miracle Max - January 31 - 1:41 am

  You can not put a price tag on your life. The Camry 2018 is the only sedan in its class that comes STANDARD with a Pre-Collision warning system and drivers safety aids. The ride is Extremely Smooth, the interior and exterior styling are mind-blowing. Camry went from being Boring and Bland to Jaw Dropping sexy. As for MPG and performance, I thought the needle was stuck on F for the first 3 days that I owned it or 125 Miles. The MPG you get get with the performance is bar-None. The 8-Speed transmission helps keep your RPMs very Low while cruising and when you need to accelerate it exploits all 203 Horsepower in the motor! Its not Fast compared to a V6 but for a 4 Cylinder it is extremely impressive. Everything works perfectly. Could not ask for a better Sedan.

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  Best car on the road - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By J. Muddell - January 31 - 12:40 am

  I love this vehichle. It is sharp looking, handles well, has great rear leg room, excellent interior, very comfortable seats. I have gotten over 40 miles per gallon on the highway. I recommend this car to anyone.

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  Do it - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Andy - January 31 - 12:00 am

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  Great truck - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By mike - January 30 - 10:46 pm

  After looking and researching vehicles for about a year I finally came down to either a 4runner or Ford exploder. I really wanted to buy domestic. But after much research the explorer was no match for the 4runner. Great ride bulletproof quality and dependability this truck is great. Toyota does it again.

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  Great car - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Jerry Coghlan - January 30 - 9:10 pm

  Love to drive the car in the city and on the highway. Even the back seat is comfortable to ride in on extended trips. Would like to see the hybrid technology in the Toyota trucks.

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  Smooth and easy....result is quite pleasing.... - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Russ Smith - January 30 - 7:02 pm

  Best combination of safety, ride quality, value, and over all look.

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  It seems like its going to run forever. - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Cliff - January 30 - 5:05 pm

  This car is a beast that just wants to keep going. 202,000 and I just had a number of wear & tear repairs but I think its at the half life point roughly. Weather doesnt phase it and the rust is very minimal for a car I dont garage or baby in any way. Superb investment so glad I bought it new.

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  So far so good - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By Yoko - January 30 - 11:43 am

  I never thought of owning a car this long. I bought the runner with 40K in 2004. It now has 148K. I did change a lot of stuff, spent about 5K. Still cheaper than buying a new car. This SUV is still running from Florida to New York with no problems. Im running this truck to the ground. No rust. Paint is great. If youre looking for a long lasting SUV, look no further.

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  MONEY SAVER!!! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Tristan Rouse - January 29 - 11:36 am

  This car is awesome!!! Look, style, epa, feel, reliable, and most of all it is the overall the smartest car for it price.

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  Very efficient, reliable, high operation - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By honman - January 29 - 10:46 am

  Efficient, reliable, good fuel mileage, smooth ride, but lacks power on hilly ride.