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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  Toyota does it again! - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By spkrmakr - July 6 - 2:00 am

  The DC Limited is the "Lexus" of pickups. The truck drives and rides as a limo with absolute quiet and tightness of feel. The cabin is roomier than any Chevy, Dodge or Ford and offers all of the important ammenities. A JBL sound system, heated leather seats, moonroof, garage door opener, full sliding rear window and rear DVD entertainment center round out the offerings. The 4:10, limited slip offers plenty of power for driving when mated with the 4.7 DOC engine. Fit and finish are "world-class". Highly Recommended!

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  A Real Truck!!! - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By ex-18- wheeler - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Have the TRD package, stock, except added a grille guard. Took it up Horsethief Canyon Trail at Lake Mead Rec. area last Sat..Kept it in H-4 the whole time.(Jeez, when do you use L- 4???) Only lifted Rubicon jeeps could handle this trail, except for my taco. Larger 4x4s have to stick to civilized off-roads.

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  Great! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By andyonan - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Hot looks and performance to boot!

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  Corolla S - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Marx n Jax - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Really fun car to drive.... not too easy to modify because its too new very very few aftermarket parts for it to date. Considering another in 2004

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  another corolla! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By mjm - July 6 - 2:00 am

  My first new car in 16 yrs.. had my other corolla, and its still running, but thought time for a new one.. love having options, since my old one only had the cup holder!.. hope it lasts as long as my other one...i cried when i sold it...

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  i am so happy with my toyota - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By mory - July 6 - 2:00 am

  i purchased a Camay on the suggestion of a car dealer friend. it was the best thing that ever happened to me. totally free of expensive operation. better ride and comfort, ease of driving, roomy interior, i can never go back to that big all consuming durango. when i drove my suv it would seem like i was always stopping for gas and it hit my wallet hard. I estimate I am saving $100.00 a month just on gas and just the inconvenience of constantly having to stop for gas is a pain. The ride is much better and the easy effortless driving of the Camay is a pleasure, leaving me refreshed after a long ride.for the difference of size i did not give up that much room.

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  Love my car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By EDenowitz - July 6 - 12:06 am

  I have driven many "luxury" vehicles, including lexus and mercedes, nothing compares to this car. This is, by leaps and bounds, the best purchase I ever made. This is a GREAT car!

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  A good car but somewhat boring - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By toyo2012 - July 5 - 5:35 pm

  I very much enjoy my Camry, particularly it mileage. On the highway, mileage has gone as high as 39 when driving a steady 59. In town, I get about 28, with an average of 30. For a car of its size, the mileage is great. The car rides quite well, and is generally smooth. My primary complaint is the constant wandering on the highway, as one needs to be making corrections all of the time to keep on going straight. The car just does not track well. Also, the paint quality leaves much to be desired, with spots and chips that are uncalled for in a car that has less than three thousand miles. My only other complaint is that the engine is not as quiet as the one on my previous Honda Accord.

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  Great Bargain $$$ - 2016 Toyota Prius c
  By Frankie Arambula - July 5 - 10:17 am

  I had a standard size Prius. I loved it for 5 years. I wanted something smaller. The price of my 2016 Prius c (compact) was good and I got a great trade in price for my 2011 Prius. I had very little left to pay. They let me put it on a credit card. It gave me a cash rebate. My insurance is less. With the free road service for two years, I cancelled my AAA. Toyota gives free maintenance for two years. I get better mileage, over 50 mpg in town. Even the cost to ride the ferry is less, because it is shorter. Edmunds gave me a $100 gift card. The savings just keep on coming. Check out photos 27, 28, 29, 35, 36, 37, 43 and 49. That is my Prius c Persona Special Edition, Black Sand Pearl with Electric Lime Metallic accents and 8 spokes black alloy wheels.

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  Jerrys Review - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By gharley - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Took two long trips so far with five persons- four adults. Everyone commented on the great handling and ride. Plenty of power in the hills. Great car!