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:

• 

  Toyota Prius Hybrid Synsergy Drive - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Ted - March 19 - 3:53 am

  The best auto Ive ever owned, in 50 years of driving.

• 

  Very fun car to drive - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Nick Diaz - March 19 - 3:13 am

  The car is a very fun car to drive and has a number of very well thought out features. It *is* the car for you if you drive for trips longer than 10 minutes at any one time.

• 

  Great Car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By cpossenti - March 19 - 1:13 am

  Wonderful car on highway or back roads. 18 Gal tank gives you less stopping time on trips. Comfort and reliability.

• 

  Good used choice - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Good used car choice - March 19 - 12:36 am

  Strong V6, smooth tranny, nice styling, feels solid and strong. Overall a very good vehicle purchased used with 30k but feels brand new. The roof rack is very sturdy as are the running boards. Braking performance is very good. Overall smooth, strong, quiet performance. Tows well and is very fun off road.

• 

  Love My Truck to Death - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Love my Truck - March 18 - 10:46 pm

  My truck rides like a car, at times people outside do not even realize theres a truck behind them, thats how silent the 4.7 Liter V8 (lexus) engine is. Although, I have had problems with the rear window & broken door latch, I really dont care because these thing are simply cosmetic to me. My truck runs, feels and looks great.

• 

  Sweet - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Sarah - March 18 - 7:43 pm

  Traded in a Jeep Wrangler for the Yaris. Couldnt ask for better. Great on gas mileage. When I drive to Florida it will save me at least 5 tanks of gas for the trip. Very comfortable. Im averaging anywhere from 37 to 40 miles per gallon.

• 

  Id Buy It Again - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Mark - March 18 - 3:53 pm

  My Prius is the best car purchase I have ever made. It has much better performance and acceleration than I anticipated, and I consistently am getting 50 mpg. The interior is incredibly spacious (you really cant tell from the outside), and the rear area can carry quite a bit of cargo. My wife and I plan to buy a second one when it is time to purchase another car.

• 

  Love my celica !!!!!!! - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By r.angel - March 18 - 10:00 am

  best car!!! im not really a sports car type of person yet when i saw this car i loved it. Because it is very low it takes a while to get used to, but afterwards youll enjoy driving it and will never want to get out. As a person who is starting college and has to drive back and forth everyday i feel confident because the car feels very secure and the braking is excellent.

• 

  EXCELLENT SUV - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By PAGETOWNUSA - March 18 - 10:00 am

  THESE SUV HAS A VERY POWERFUL ENGINE YOU CAN ACCELERATE VEY QUICKLY WITHOUT THE JUMP THAT MOST SUVS DO. IT VERY COMFORTLY SEATS 8 PASSENGERS WITH FEELING LIKE YOUR A SARDINE.

• 

  Buy 2 for the price of one Lexus SC430 - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Ducky5415 - March 18 - 10:00 am

  We have had this since late March, 2004. We purchased it after thinking about a Lexus SC430 or Mercedes CLK320. Decision became quite easy after the 65K+ sticker shock of both of those. Having two Benz now, I can assure you this isnt a Benz, but 85% for 50% of the cost. Very enjoyable, smooth riding and the quietest engine of any car weve ever had. Cant go wrong for 30K, thats for sure. Although I list a number of improvements, Im looking at that through MB eyes. This things a buy folks.