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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  Excellent Car & Fun 2 drive - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Toy2me - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Fun car to drive, lots of room, Bought the 2.4L LE with automatic and ABC. My Camry is very smooth and its really something to get such good gas mileage out of a full size car.

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  Great Vehicle - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By TM - January 22 - 1:21 am

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  YoYo - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By tundraman - January 21 - 11:46 am

  First Toyota that Ive owned following a long line of chevys and fords. This truck is WAY better than any other I have ever owned in fit and finish, ride, reliability, and over all quality. With 325 lb ft of torque and 282 HP this baby shines!

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  Boy am I surprised ! - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By hubseth - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Bought the MR2 for my wife to drive, she wanted a fun little sports car. What an eye opening experience this car has proven to be! Ive had some fine handling cars over the years but the MR2 is at a different level than anything even close to its price. No rattles, the doors feel like they are carved from stone compared to a Miata, wind doesnt beat you to death when the top is down and you can drive the hell out of it and not draw any attention from the law. Its kind of a stealth Porsche.

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  A great van - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By mjsohel - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I took delivery of my 03 Sienna yesterday. And I love it I just wish it came with a better Horse Power,Standard Awd,an air compressor like on the GM cars, also an Onstar* system, and a navigation system like on the honda,more cupholders,automatic tailgate,fold down third row seat,add more colors,make the interior materials good, make the ride good and eliminate the ratlles and squeaks. Other than that its set.

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  beware of paint staining - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Hands501 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Weve had the vehicle for two weeks, and love it so far. We did have trouble with the dealer, when the detailing department sprayed tire dressing on the tires. The dressing then stained the diamond white paint. The dealership had to buff out the clear coat and repaint the wheelwells and back quarterpanels (lower portion only). The service manager commented that the paint on the white cars was easy to stain. Purchased our 2003 model for $30,000, with moonroof, heated leather seats, floor mats, and diamond white paint, but only got wholesale for our 99 Chysler LHS.

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  Dont buy for Stereo - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By PGIL - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle runs good, but engine noise heard through speakers. Toyota not standing behind audio system. Says good as it gets. $35,000+ auto with upgraded stereo has engine interference? This problem went away in the 80s, now its back? Wont buy another Toyota, based on their unwillingness to stand behind vehicle.

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  Great Crossover SUV - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Navy - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Highlander after totalling a minivan in a rollover accident. This is the second Toyota product I have owned and am always pleased with the engineering and quality of construction of the Toyota line. The Highlander is no exception. It rides like a dream with the visibility I was accustomed to in the minivan but without the mommobile stigma my teens objected to. I did lots of research before choosing another vehicle and the safety of the Highlander was of great importance. So far so good...

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  Sorry Chevrolet.... - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By D Stewart - January 21 - 10:00 am

  For $26,000 I got a lexus ES 300 without the Lexus price. This car is big! Really big. My boss has a Chysler 300M and it is nearly Identical in size. I drive 45k to 50k miles a year. I know that Ill get 200k out of this car. I looked at the Impala LS and for a few dollars more I got a Camry SE V6 loaded.

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  Toyota Camry - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By MrChips - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Classy style with pep!