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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  Corolla 2012 - 2012 Toyota Corolla
  By nruiz982 - June 13 - 11:45 pm

  My car is a good car. Its my first car so Im very happy with my purchase. All its great on gas!

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  Nice truck! - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By tnydtger - June 13 - 10:23 pm

  I bought it with 60,000 miles 2004. The car runs smooth, you would think your driving a lexus sedan not a pick up truck. I love the outside looks, much better and sleek then the new tundra. Downsides, 2 weeks after i got it needed new battery,brakes,positive terminal, starter. I purchased the warranty which is a good idea. Seems like little things will go wrong on this truck, but nothing major. All in all great buy. I love the V6 good on gas, but not great. I average 10 mpg city 14 hwy.

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  4 Runner is a BEAST! - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By Marios Runner - June 13 - 6:20 pm

  I purchased my Runner used with 132,000 miles. I changed the water pump and the timing belt since records werent available. Other than oil changes, this has been a very exceptional vehicle, and speaks volumes for the quality of this Japanese machine. The fit and finish is still excellent, along with the interior. Its bold, muscular, ready for the outdoors appearance (enhanced by my brush guards), is much preferred over some of the grocery mom SUV styles I see today. In inclement weather its awesome and I never have to give dependability a second thought! Its roomy enough for me and my packages for my online business, it turns heads also. An A++ buy.

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  Great Car - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By GioD17 - June 13 - 6:03 pm

  I bought my Toyota 2 years ago brand new from the dealership with 0 miles and I love it! This car is so cute and roomy on the inside! It drives great the AC is freezing cold and I really like the interior design. I got a special package of the CE that included cruise control, power windows and locks and something else but I forgot what it is... lol... I love my car, I just wish it didnt have those black things on the side of the door.. I have a cute White one and the black things annoy me, Im trying to find out if I can get them replaced for white ones to match my exterior paint, but have been unsuccessful.. I love this car though! Awesome car!

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  Windshield needs a better design - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Shelagh Moss - June 13 - 5:33 pm

  I love my Prius. There are two things I would improve. The first is the windshield. When I am driving into the sun. The glare off the windshield is blinding. I wear good sunglasses with 7 levels of coatings. The single visor does not provide sufficient shade. There should be a graduated dark band in the glass at the top third of the windshield to take care of this problem. Second, I think a rear backup camera in the rearview mirror should be standard for all Prius without the DVD package. Visibility is poor when backing up. The view is split by the spoiler. I tried to purchase a backup camera and mirror from Toyota, but was told it had to be ordered before purchase from the factory.

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  Just Got It - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By cybler - June 13 - 1:20 pm

  Just picked up the Matrix, so far, great car. Very smooth and quite on the highway and around town. Also picked up a 4Runner, so this one will be the gas saver. Save money and go for the lease, this is my first lease, but I think it will be good.

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  One of best vehicles ever made. Really. - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By Truck Guy - June 13 - 1:13 pm

  After 170,000 miles of 4WD mountain trails (hard core kayaker and climber), highway trips, towing, hauling, being lent to friends, pulling stuff heavier than rated capability, etc., this truck runs like it did when I bought it new 12 years ago. Its been a second vehicle for years now, and I often meet guys who have 400,000+ miles on these trucks. Ive never had an iota of trouble with this truck (except for ripping the antenna off in a car wash). This is a truck that will go 500,000 miles, easy. Plus, its still quick and fast (110 mph). Still looks relatively good. Wouldnt ever sell it. If you were lucky enough to buy one of these, dont ever sell it.

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  Driving the future - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By juz8up - June 13 - 1:10 pm

  Hybrid works for me. Love the silence on stop lights and parking. Drives smooth like I am in an airplane... no need to put keys in, just push the button and drive. The satellite radio also is good in long driving to vegas for uninterupted songs unlike fm radio where it gets cut at certain areas when signal fades. I also noticed the car charges when my foot is off the gas, not necessarily when i am braking. Cool. One of the best part is the camera on the back. It comes in handy when I am backing up knowing exactly what is behind me.

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  Best Buy - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Chickenman - June 13 - 7:26 am

  Long term storage not goodforPrius. Needs to be driven all year.

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  A perfect car - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By a perfect car - June 13 - 12:36 am

  Pros: I owned Maxima 2000. Nissan car starts having major problems after 5 years. I switched to Toyota due to its reliability and durability. I did many researches and took a drive test with Lexus 2006. There is no difference between this car and Lexus (with the same options) except it is cheaper about $2000. The car has smooth transmision, quite & spacy interior, soft suspension, a perfect handling drivability. Audio system is auwsome.