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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  Prius 08 - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By scott c - April 30 - 11:16 am

  Ive had my Prius for just over 3 months now. Its a great car! Its not going to win any races, but thats not why I bought it. Its does not handle like a BMW, but thats not why I bought it. Its comfortable for me to drive, I like the features (Bluetooth, nav + little extras you get) and its great on gas mileage. Its not going to be for everyone, but its the right car for me at this point in my life - just over 50! Want a practical car, the the Prius - but know the limitations before you buy - else you may be unhappy.

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  Great Van that Keeps on Running - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By tfisch100 - April 30 - 8:08 am

  We bought this van at the end of the 2003 model because we liked the interior better than the newer 2004 model that was being sold. Weve put 144,000 niles on it and see no reason to buy something new. The repair history has been great. Weve used it to transport soccer teams, drywall, furniture and babies. We installed a 2 inch receivr on the rear and use it to tow light trailers on a regular basis.

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  New Englands RUST. - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Leo - April 30 - 5:10 am

  For those thinking on buying this car and are from the New England area, Ive been driving it for the last 18months and I am already having rust issues on all wheels. The rust created by the environment is not eligible for the Warranty.

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  Best bang for the Buck!!!! - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By t8nda - April 29 - 9:33 pm

  I looked around for 3 months before buying my Tundra. I went with the Limited version because it would have cost more money to add the same features to an SR5. The build quality is Top Notch. The engine has plenty of power. I towed a large trailer 350+ miles and had to look in the rearview mirror to rimind myself I was even towing something. I am extremely satisfied.

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  2017 highlander - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Larry williams - April 29 - 7:50 pm

  Very nice car. Rides incredibly smooth. Quiet

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  I dont love it - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Mar1454 - April 29 - 7:40 pm

  I love the styling, the ride is smooth, plenty of back seat space for guests -- BUT -- the blind spots are horrible and there is a slight hesitation on acceleration on the highway.

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  rav transmissions - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By E hastings - April 29 - 4:22 pm

  Do not buy the suv.I have 117k on mine So far repairs have killed me .Very evpensive things .Differential went out.Transmission computor.o2 sensors.

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  Tech Car - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Happy Owner - April 29 - 3:50 pm

  This car is fully loaded. What a pleasure to drive. The six speed transmission is smooth and the engine is powerful and responsive. A large GPS control screen is activated when the engine starts. Cool air, heat, Bluetooth phone, CD/radio and cruise contol all from the steering location. The dash is clean and smooth when all control doors are closed.

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  Toyota 1994 4Runner SR5 V6 4WD - 1994 Toyota 4Runner
  By kprotheroe - April 29 - 10:00 am

  An excellent car for in town and off road! This SUV has had virtually NO problems with it since bought in 1994. A very reliable truck.

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  Great Toyota - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By AquariusGrrl - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I was hesitant to consider the Toyota Echo when I was car shopping, because they were so ugly in the past. I was determined to find an inexpensive practical car didnt feel " cheap". I was surprised and delighted to find that the 2003 Echos had been "restyled", as the Echo brochure proudly pointed out! The new Echos look like small Corollas instead of a squashed looking version of a car. With a spoiler, it looks zippy, and of course it drives great. I am very happy with my choice.