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:

• 

  Best car for first time driver - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Nuno - October 3 - 8:13 am

  I bought this car for my wife for her to learn how to drive, not only was she comfortable, it was fun to drive. We even took it from NY to North Carolina and Virginia Beach. We made a great trip, Never had any problem with it. and Gas consumption, on that trip was over 36 mpg and in city is around 32-35. Very easy to park, and to find park for. This car was a great experience for us.

• 

  Wonderful to drive! - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By ROCCAFORTE - October 3 - 1:26 am

  Bought car for wife. She could not drive in Houston traffic. The car is still in "like new condition". The car drives like riding on a cloud with warm and cool front seats tempture controls, power tilt/slide glass moonroof.

• 

  Amazing - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Will - October 2 - 11:03 pm

  Saw the commercials. Test drove it and LOVED it! This car is serious value, serious quality, and serious FUN!

• 

  Fun - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Medjeep - October 2 - 9:43 am

  This is a great little car that will last a life time, this is my second corolla and by far the fastest with a lot of pick up and go power to get you around in traffic,will not go wrong here as great car to be had and plan on buy more corolla later in my life

• 

  hot car to drive, body style lacking - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By kool - October 2 - 8:53 am

  radio reception poor trim (chrome like) is a little cheesy... beautiful ride and comfort otherwise

• 

  Best car I have ever owned - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By none - October 2 - 4:06 am

  My 2000 Celica GT-S is the best car I have ever owned. No major mechanical problems. Looks great, sips fuel, and is fun to drive. Its getting older now with 140k miles on it, but I cant find an excuse to get rid of it. Just a great car.

• 

  Robust and reliable car. - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Paolo - October 2 - 1:30 am

  In two years I didnt have any problem, either mechanical electric or other. The car is really reliable, drive smoothly. Interior are not luxurious but are nice and you have all the optionals you need. Engine is robust, quiet, quite powerful but not too much, brakes could be better. Lots of room in the back seats and the trunk.

• 

  First Truck Owned - Love It - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Glenn - October 2 - 1:13 am

  A day after I bought my Tundra, I loaded up the family for a 800 mile road trip. The truck handled beautifully and made the miles appear to go quicker than actual.

• 

  Awesome Car - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By pinkparadise42 - October 2 - 12:03 am

  I have had my GTS 6-Speed Celica for a yr. now and I absolutely LOVE it! Looks and runs great! In the past year I have had it, I had to take it to the shop once which warranty paid for. I would defintely recommend this car to anyone! It looks great and is a blast to drive!

• 

  Initial Review - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Zaab - October 1 - 10:56 pm

  Just bought a Limited with JBL, auto rear air, power back door, tow, spoiler, heated seats. Traded in a Honda Minivan as the kids are a bit older. This is a very comfortable ride with respectable power for what it is. The ride is a little soft but expected for what we were considering which is a vehicle to drive around town on surface roads doing errands. Very nice interior with many features that are in higher end vehicles. Front seats are very roomy and there is a ton of room in the 2nd row both in the large seats and large amount of legroom. Third seat is similar to other vehicles in this class. Cargo room with the third seat up is small as a large grocery trip will tax the space.