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:

• 

  2016 TRD Sport experiance - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Terry Booth - July 21 - 4:26 am

  It rides well, has a smooth engine and transmission, good sound system, the bluetooth is great, all other options are great. It is a little tall for a short person to get in.

• 

  This is a real Workhorse - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By tsarang - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I got this vehicle at 30,000 miles . I have now 114,000 miles on it, no majour breakdowns/repair. did my regular 30000, 60000, 100000 service on time. changed timing belt and Oxygen sensor as preventative maintainence plus the regular Oil change every 8000 miles (I use only synthetic oil). This vehicle is a benchmark for reliability. Just recently we shifted from California to Florida and i drove almost 2500 miles nonstop with my family with the car Totally loaded with lugggage and other stuff !!!!. We encountered no problems and reached our destination safely. Thank you CAMRY!!!!

• 

  PRIUS IN THE OZARKS - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By JACK L.COE - July 21 - 2:00 am

  FUN TO TO DRIVE. GREAT FUEL ECONOMY; BUT NOT THE 50MPG/HIGHWAY AND 60/MPG IN TOWN. I HAVE BEEN KEEPING ACCURATE RECORDS FOR MY FIRST 3000 MILES. I AM AVERAGING 42.6 OVERALL MPG. THE DISPLAY SCREEN IS GREAT. REAR VISABILITY IS POOR.

• 

  Great Truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By C-J - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This is an all-around excellent vehicle. I would buy another without a second thought, but i dont expect to any time soon. I use it to haul loads of construction material and debris. I also haul a 20ft fishing boat and have no complaints what so ever. Other than the fuel economy, i cannot say one bad thing about it. The rear seats are fairly roomie for passengers

• 

  Tundra V-6 - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By cla_jo - July 21 - 2:00 am

  My Tundra has been very relaible. I use it mainly as a regular transportation vehicle. It is very rugged and capable of towing and hauling heavy loads. The interior is comfortable and well appointed. I think it is one of the best and most relaible trucks.

• 

  EYECATCHER - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By syl1154 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Unfortunately at the time I am writing this review my Toyota is at the dealer for repairs. I had it 60 days with absolutely no trouble at all. Its an eye catcher, very reliable and great to drive. However,recently the check engine light came on,the temperture guage stop working and the car failed to start. It also pulls to the left as a previous reviewer had mentioned,BUT its still awesome to me. I still recommend it. The acceleration was what sold me. My car is all black.

• 

  my truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By crewcabman - July 21 - 2:00 am

  its a great looking truck and you can put items in the back seat in bad weather instead of the truck bed.

• 

  pretty good highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Sspjal - July 21 - 2:00 am

  good value for price. fabulous in winter driving. very reliable. control easy to learn and use. plenty of cargo space. gas economy only fair. too much road noise enters passenger compartment.

• 

  Great car - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By pampered deej - July 21 - 2:00 am

  its a great car!!!

• 

  It just keeps going - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By CVargas - July 20 - 9:26 pm

  We purchased this new and it currently has 257,000 miles on it. Recently replaced inner tire rods and thats all.