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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  Excellent vehicle for women - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Cheryl - June 18 - 12:26 am

  Though less macho-looking than the 4- Runner and others like it, this vehicle has a sleek appearance, gives consistently solid performance, and has excellent safety features. Its the perfect car for a woman seeking the advantages of an SUV in terms of cargo space and safety on busy roads. With both sets of rear seats folded away, I can carry my bicycle, dog kennel with dog, and luggage. On the two road trips Ive taken so far, my Toyota has performed well and offers a quiet, solid ride. It is responsive in heavy traffic on city streets as well as on the open highway . I researched cars for two months before deciding on the Highlander Limited, and Ive not regretted my decision at all.

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  Love my RAV4 - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Ron Schirmer - June 17 - 6:33 pm

  Great car for anyone looking for a SUV with great styling and value. Excellent ride, interior space, nice styling inside and out.

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  2007 Toyota Rav (3.5L 6cyl 5A) - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By dtown40 - June 17 - 5:33 pm

  I bought this car a few months back, and have been very pleased with the purchase. The fuel economy has been good, ride is comfortable, and interior is fantastic. The V6 has amazing power that will blow you away. You really have to watch yourself when you start off. There is plenty of room in the backseat for guest, and lots of cargo area for your gear. I have a small trailer I pull from time to time, and the Rav does a fine job with that too.

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  Worst car I have driven in 30 years - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By jfoxca - June 17 - 5:30 pm

  Over the years, I have driven almost every car made (either owned or rental cars on business). Our 2007 Camry 4 cylinder is our third Camry and we expected a decent car. The car has extremely dangerous hesitations and absolutely terrible gas mileage. We have had it back to the dealers for several checks and no one can do anyting to correct the "wonderful, new, high-tech, drive-by-wire" system. We discovered that new does not always mean better. I strongly suggest that anyone considering buying the new Camry should shop around and be made aware of current faults. This is, by far, the worst car we have ever owned and I cant wait to get rid of it. Ill sell it cheap.

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  Great minivan - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By Zakaria - June 17 - 10:00 am

  I new Sienna CE in january, 2002. I never had a van before and my choice was based on reliability record of Toyota and high scores in crash test, and the fact that Sienna has "car like" ride. The van is built very solidly, ride is smooth and you feel enough power under the hood. Sometimes I forget I actually drive a van. So far I didnt have any problem, except that gas mileage really sucks, no matter I drive in town or on highway.

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  Happy Customer - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By AB - June 17 - 10:00 am

  I am extremely happy w/ my truck. I hope to drive it for many more years. At 115,000, I have replaced the battery and just recently replaced the brakes! It is everything I wanted in a vehicle.

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  Great small car - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By sasycdb - June 17 - 10:00 am

  If you want a dependable, reliable car with good gas mileage, this is it! I have 73K miles (purchased used with 27K miles) and no problems or repairs (except normal oil change, tires, air filter). Tho not fancy, I can depend I will get where I need to go, Ive never been stranded, and love my Corolla! Also good acceleration for a small engine/car.

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  matrix - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By enrique - June 17 - 10:00 am

  very nice performance for a young person. you can fit two full size adults and a child in back seat.

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  This is the best SUV bar none - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Sequoia Eric in OR - June 17 - 10:00 am

  We looked at all the BIG SUVs and this won hands down. This has the Land Cruiser running gear, is larger but is thousands less. Great Vehicle, Great buy. Great Dealer The Chevy Tahoe looked good, but we had too many issues with our last GM Truck. We decided to go the Toyota route. The Ford Explorer is just too massive and is not updated

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  Best Selling Vehicle AND NOW I KNOW WHY! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Oh what a feeling!!! - June 17 - 10:00 am

  Roomy (bigger than the Altima I was considering) with lots of standard features.