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 little car - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Roger - April 15 - 2:56 am

  I have found this to be a great ride for the money. Fuel milage is great and the ride is fine even for long trips. I spend a lot of time in the car and am a large person and find it has plenty of room and is comfortable on a long ride. Even after 60000 miles I have had not problems. It performs and accelerates as well as the day I purchased it. I would recomend following the maintenance requirements for long term reliability.

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  A Joy To Drive - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Cecil - April 14 - 3:56 pm

  Ive only had it a few weeks, but have taken it on a couple of long distance runs and have enjoyed the ride. The navigation system makes getting there a joy and the comfort level is great. Because of the lack of noise and the climate control factors I didnt get tired. All in all I have been enjoying the gas milage in town and on the road (although I havent acheived the estimated rates yet) and the environment of the inside of the car and the beauty of the outside design. The lack of emissions is a good feeling. Toyota, keep up the good work.

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  Toyota Tacoma Review - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By DS - April 14 - 3:04 pm

  Great little truck with good resale value. Awesome technology package.

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  My Tundra - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By scottd - April 14 - 10:40 am

  7 years and the truck looks brand new! Standard Lexus engine was a dream in this truck. No repairs have been needed, only one set of tires and 3 new batteries (eats them up for some reason?). Mileage, Im still getting 21 mpg around town and 28 highway! Would have to offer me a lot to trade, all new trucks cant come close.

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  Great Car - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Brian - April 14 - 4:03 am

  I had a 2004 Chevy Silverado and now I drive a Prius and I do not miss the truck. I ordered mine with PKG #3 and it is Black with gray interior. For anyone thinking about buying this car you have to take one for a ride . All I can say it is incredible, it handles great and gives a surprisingly great big car ride. Gas mileage is just mind blowing for me going from a truck, I avg 51 mpg and have driven it so far 15000 miles. I am 6 tall and I have no trouble driving it. I also tried the Honda Civic and didnt like the car at all. Get the Prius you will not regret it. Great little car.

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  Wonderful - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Just Me - April 14 - 2:30 am

  I think this car is Wonderful. This is my first new car and I am so grateful I made this choice. This car runs so smooth, and quiet. I love quiet cars. The gas mileage is great. I feel like I have road around the world before I have to refill :)! The car is roomy and comfortable; I do have children and they have plenty of room in the back; I made sure to ask them that when we went for a test drive. It is also very reliable.

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  GGGGreat TTTruck !!! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By RBegonia - April 13 - 11:50 pm

  Worth every $$$. Love the sweeet ride! It rides more like a luxury car than a pickup. With this truck you get the best of both worlds - classy and rugged at the same time. Cant stop licking my chops when i first laid eyes on this beauty. Id give up my wife first before giving up on this truck. Thank you TOYOTA !!

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  TRUCK of the YEAR - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Bart - April 13 - 8:30 pm

  Test drove every truck in its class, and have to say that this is the full package. The best truck out there for the money. It blows every one of the other trucks out of the water. It comes with so many standard and safety features that with the other trucks if you added the same options they would cost more. Im very happy with the purchase and I just recommend that everyone test drive the Tundra and you will see why it is TRUCK of the YEAR!!!

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  Smooth, Comfy Ride - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By JTR - April 13 - 7:26 pm

  The car is great. I didnt even plan on getting a Camry and test drove it just for fun. Turns out, it was one of the smoothest, most comfortable rides ever. Plus, for a 4 cyl this thing has some speed. I drove a V6 before and really cant tell much of a difference.

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  Best Designed Avalon Yet - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By bobandangie - April 12 - 1:36 pm

  Our 2006 Avalon is our third; weve owned an 01 and an 03 previously, and were satisfied with them. The new 06 weve purchased has just cracked 8500 miles and runs better than our first day. Its roomy, the controls are perfectly aligned and its the ultimate luxury sedan.