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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  I love this car!! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Orracle - October 6 - 5:36 pm

  I havent been in love with a car since my 69 Mustang in high school. It has totally changed my driving habits. Now, instead of trying to get from point A to B as fast as possible, I try to get the best mileage. I love the space in the cargo area and for me it is a very comfortable ride.

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  Best Car I Own - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By James - October 6 - 2:30 pm

  When deciding which car to have secondary to a 2010 Camaro, (which isnt that fuel efficient) I always thought about getting a Corolla. After test driving an "S" model, I realized some improvements needed to be made in the power-steering sector as well as in the overall power. What the "S" model couldnt deliver, the "XRS" did. With the 2.4L engine, I could actually feel more power when accelerating which was surprising @ 158 hp, as well as the designated "European Tuned Suspension and Steering". The car is a great choice for people who want a deceivingly powerful compact sedan that is fuel efficient and delivers a great ride. The only cons are the left footrest & a mediocre interior.

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  Great - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By Akm - October 6 - 12:18 pm

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  pretty satisfied - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By nikki - October 6 - 10:47 am

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  Great SUV 4WD for the $$$ - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Samp - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought this 4WD SR5 Used as a Certified vehicle with the original waranty. Best way to buy a car I think. Threre is a service notice for the weather striping around the doors and they take care of it for free. Other than that the car drives great. Lots of room comfortable ride for a truck and good stability on the road. The truck is built with good quality and is a great SUV for the money. If you want a cadillac ride in a SUV go to a Navigator but if you want all around great perfomance and quality this is the SUV of choice... No wonder why you see so many on the road.

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  Tacoma - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By D.A. - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy the Tacoma. The only complaints i have are with handling on curves (rear end tends to fishtail) also the MPG could be better. I think it is the best looking truck out there.

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  Great Car!! - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By kes44 - October 6 - 10:00 am

  We enjoy our Avalon -- especially the room. Any "problems" were well taken care of by the dealer, and they were nothing major, just a few adjustments.

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  Good car, enjoying it! - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By BHSK - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I researched many consumer websites before purchasing. I was wanting a spacious, reliable, comfortable driving car. I know others who have purchased the Avalon XLS in recent years that are also very satisfied. We recently took a trip and the car handled very smoothly and quietly on the interstate. I had been driving a Cadillac Sedan Deville prior to my purchase and was not happy getting only 18/24 MPG with that vechile, even with premium gas. Also had a number of repairs each year, and the Cadillac parts were very expensive (struts, suspension sensor light, etc). Thus far, it has been easy to see why Avalon has won many "best buy" consumer awards.

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  great truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By 2k3tacoma - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Truck is awesome. I had a sonoma before this, and believe me, the reliability on toyotas and performance is much better. Took truck on a 3k miles road trip and ran perfect the whole way. Bucket seats provide much comfort. Overall great truck

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  Fun at 40+ - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By airboss - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Plenty of power to pull my 17 foot boat in and out of the water. Big enough to haul and tow what I need and small enough to park anywhere and fit into my garage. It has the feel of a much larger truck and the quality and reputation of Toyota were big selling points for this purchase of my first Toyota.