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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  BEST - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By MADDOG24 - September 24 - 2:00 am

  BEST VEHICLE EXPERIENCE EVER, FROM THE SALES TO THE SERVICE. I WAS NEVER A VAN PERSON TILL NOW. THE PERFECT VEHICLE.

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  Traction Control is a Poor Performer - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By rockgj - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Great interior space and comfort, fair exterior style. A terrible performer in the snow. If you need a vehicle that moves you through, dont get the FWD, try the AWD model.

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  Great Gas Mileage 41+mpg/hwy - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By ebazile - September 23 - 8:56 pm

  The Toyota Corolla meets my needs. Initially I purchased it as an interim car until I could afford my luxury car, but now Im in love with it and Im keeping it forever. The style is cute and the gas mileage is unbelieveable... 41mpg - no kidding. Ive put it to the test. The ride is good and it will seat 4 adults and one child comfortably; however, it could be a challenge if youre over 64".

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  Love this car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By tdburda - September 23 - 5:20 pm

  I have a 45 mile commute one way, up and down plenty of hills and have been averaging about 47 mpg and the car is not even broken in yet. Three days after we got the car we took a 2,000 mile trip it did excellent and was very comfortable. I have become a bit obsessive about the MPG.

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  Dons Review - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Zoobiezoo - September 23 - 8:20 am

  The car rides so smooth. the seats are very comfortable, and the interior is very roomy. The exterior stlying is really nice, and the color Cosmic Blue is the greatest. The Dealer is very accommodating, and I feel like Im the only person who has ever bought a car there.

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  2014 FJ Cruiser - 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By 32hooptie - September 23 - 7:34 am

  I bought the FJ Cruiser because its cool! So far i have been very happy with the vehicle. Its fun to drive, has plenty of power, and is solid and well built . Also it has all kinds of safety features through out. As for some of the reviews I read online.....Go to your toyota dealer and drive one, if you can still find one, toyota cut the FJ line and wont be making them anymore.

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  Best SUV - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Trisha424 - September 23 - 7:30 am

  I bought this toyota at the end of july of this year. Let me tell you that I am so glad I held out for a 4Runner. I love the ride. It fun to drive. I use to own a Pathfinder before buying this. This vehicle is a far superior vehicle to any other SUV out there. I love it. I would buy another one!

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  sweet ride - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By sweet ride - September 23 - 6:20 am

  Awesome vehicle, very quick pickup. (6 cyl.) fun to drive

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  2013 FJ Cruiser 4x4 - 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By fj_reaper - September 23 - 2:35 am

  So far this has been one of the funnest vehicles I have owned. There is plenty of function, mixed with a handfull of play! Between the ample off road capabilities and the smooth ride on hard surfaces the FJ is a joy to drive.

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  Love My Solara Convertible - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Marty - September 22 - 11:40 pm

  This is my second Solara Convertible in two years and my ONLY problem with it is that the rear seat headrests create major blind spots when the top is up. Thankfully the top is not up very often :^)