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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  i love this car - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By bigatony - December 16 - 10:00 am

  i have had the pleasure of driving lexus, toyota, honda, and other types of cars and after very careful consideration to buying my first new car im 100% positive that i made the perfect choice in buying my 2002 solara

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  My tundra - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Tundrafan - December 16 - 10:00 am

  ive had it for 2 years very good truck but need more horsepower i like how it looks love the looks on the front love the tires

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  leaks & rattles - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By b.mclearen - December 16 - 10:00 am

  Very versatile car but has lots of rattles in dash and drivers door. The cooling system adeveloped a leak early on. Not typical Toyota quality. Also, is not a "full-Time" 4 wheel drive as advertised by Toyota. Works like the CRV. Front drive until slippage is detected and then up to 50% of the power is transferred to the rear wheels.

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  AWESOME SUV!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By ToyotaRules - December 16 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is totally awesome. Everything about it is brilliant. Its got tonnes of space and very roomy. It could definitely be an alternative to a minivan. I recommend it very much! ...by the way...why the heck would you want GM to build toyotas engine?? American engines are crap and they fall apart unless u dont drive it at all.

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  Best Hybrid or sedan right now - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By stevenh2 - December 16 - 5:27 am

  THIS 2012 CAMRY is amazing, got a xle fully equipped in white beige interior. the ride is excellent,the inside space is very good,the mileage ,ist fill 40.4 mpg 2nd 38.6 mpg 3rd.42.4 mpg.. city 60%40% hwy.amazing.it has a spare tire,the car can move0-60 in 7.2 sec.. better than a four cyl,almost as good as a six cyl.no hessitation like the sonota hybrid.bigger trunk,.bigger than ther fusion,the sun roof on the fusion hits my head. negatives- the car is going back to repair the stching on the leather which is crimped &looks cheap,electronic steering to loose. also cheap plastic inside otherwise a great car.consumers rated it 93 thats the highest no right now.

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  My avalon - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By sparky - December 15 - 10:06 pm

  It is one of the nicest driving, and riding cars I have ever owned. I am more than pleased with it.

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  This car is amazing! - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By rodnygil - December 15 - 3:16 pm

  I bought this Corolla for 500 dollars with 60,000 from someone who hit a tree and left the car to sit in an alley. I purchased a new front bumper, headlights and windshield and fixed the car. I am still driving the car 3 years later and have put 70,000 miles later. The car runs strong, I have only bought tires, oil changes and a battery. This car is amazing and is great on gas. The car is a bit slow especially when merging on the freeway but what does a person expect from a Corolla. I will buy another Corolla without hesitation. Thank You Toyota. I love my cheap little car.

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  Absolutely Terrific! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By hcrook - December 15 - 1:56 pm

  Ive owned 4 Pathfinders, two Blazers, two Tahoes, and a Jeep Wrangler--there is absolutely no comparing these SUVs with my new 4Runner. This vehicle tracks better, rides better, and gets better fuel economy (21.1 avg for first 2,900 miles) than any sport utilty Ive driven. I also own a 2003 Honda S-2000 and a 2004 BMW 330ci, but I find myself driving the 4Runner every chance I get!!!

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  Great SUV for the family ! - 2014 Toyota Highlander
  By beachbums - December 15 - 8:48 am

  I have owned both a BMW x3 and a Honda Pilot SUVs and now owned a 2014 Toyota Highlander Limited. Although my previous SUVs were good, this Toyota SUV has surpassed my highest expectations.If you are looking for a smooth ride, elegant interior, and decent towing capability SUV to drive your family around in, take a look into the all-new 2014 Toyota Highlander, you will find it hard to beat.

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  I want another one - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Frank - December 15 - 7:10 am

  I love the way it handles and I love to get another one.