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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  Very Satisfied - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By j david a - May 24 - 2:00 am

  We bought it used from a reputable dealer. My wife has put about 55,000 miles on it and she has done nothing but have the oil changed. I believe it has the same engine as the Lexus. We wouldnt get rid of it but we need to get another pickup to haul hay for the horses. Now that Ive said all these good things, it probably wont start in the morning.

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  Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By ploiku - May 24 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. The central LCD displays power and consumption, which makes the car a blast to drive. Its nice to be able to drive home when its late without the noise from the engine. Most of all, its great to be getting 50mpg. The car looks good to me, and its performance is surprisingly good. It made the trip over the Rockies without any problems, and passes on the highway almost too well. The ride is better than my Corolla, but not quite as smooth as the Camry.

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  Love Our Car! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By JJohnson - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Just completed the first road trip in our new Prius. What a great car! The drive/ride was extremely comfortable. Lots of power. I easily cruised at 70+ in the mountains and averaged right at 50 mpg. We obviously made the right choice in purchasing a Prius. Its the best car Ive ever driven.

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  Great Car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By vetteranvetteman - May 24 - 2:00 am

  The car has not given me any problems other than routine maintenance. The small engine creates quite a lot of horse power and is absolutely sufficient for daily driving purposes. The seats are comfortable and the gas mileage isnt bad either. The car is very easy and fun to drive!

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  Would Buy Again - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By ToyoOwner - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Great Truck. Mileage is not a good as we like (~16 to 17) but as big as the vehicle is, reasonable. Has plenty of power and features. Blind spot is large, suggest adding supplemental mirror to both sides. Interior tends to scratch easily. Leather captain chairs are very comfortable. Handles well with good forward visibility. Ride can be stiff on bumpy roads (again this is a truck)

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  Good Shopping Car - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By shfields - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased a used 2001 Camry. So far i love it. I traded a mercury sable wagon in for it. Was a bit upset on lossing all my room from the wagon but this car more than makes up for it. So far plenty of room to go shopping and haul the kids and there stuff around in it. Will check back in a year or so and see.

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  gorgeous and useful! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Hojimo/Jose Gonzales - May 24 - 2:00 am

  After spending a couple of weekends test-driving all the competion, we settled on this one. The van feels right inside and out. It is well thought-out and well executed. And it is beautiful to behold, especially in the red that we got it in. Pictures cannot convey the size or the style, or the impression you get actually standing beside or sitting inside the thing.

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  Fantastic! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By cmaleski - May 24 - 2:00 am

  All the mini-van features you would want. Lots of space, 8 passanger seating with 2nd row middle seat that can be set forward. The roll down sliding door windows. The rear seat radio, etc. etc. This is a perfect vehicle for a family. Our came with option package 7 and we had a aftermarket DVD player installed.

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  Scary fast and comfort! - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Jason - May 24 - 12:13 am

  Downsizing from a 2500 diesel to this was easy. The cab room was awesome and the truck will move even with a load. No need for a 2500 with this truck and handles like a car. Completely impressed with the quality and the safety extras Toyota puts in their products stock!

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  Former Celica owner buys Camry - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By lscott - May 23 - 10:16 pm

  I miss the style of my pre 1995 Celicas and the way they hold the road. But, the new Camry is quiet, powerful, has all the bells and whistles (a bit too many of them...so security conscious it is too easy to lock oneself out!). The styling is dull, the colors available are boring but we expect the usual Toyota reliability and quality of our previous 5 cars. Only have 1200 miles on it so far; time will tell, but very very pleased so far.