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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  Best Choice - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Tricia - August 5 - 10:13 pm

  I Spent a lot of time looking for a car and the Toyota Rav 4 has everything i could ask for and more. It comes with so much for a great price.

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  Great car - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Bill - August 5 - 7:01 pm

  Great car. The car has all of the electronic wizardry and it takes some time to learn how to operate it, but the time is worthwhile

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  Toyota Camry SE Lease - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Summerwinds - August 5 - 4:53 am

  The Camry looks great from the front. On the highway I was impressed with its stable ride and quietness. The 2.5 cruised effortlessly at 65 mph. The automatic transmission shifter gate takes some getting used to and around town the transmission seems to shift too much. The drivers seat could go back further. Overall a very impressive car.

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  No more Toyotas - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Luigi - August 5 - 4:26 am

  After 35000+ miles it all went downhill. Power steering went bad. Suspension went bad. Soft top & body rattles. Exhaust system rattles. Small hardware parts broke. Rear brakes went out. Parts took weeks to get. Never in stock.

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  Best truck pound for pound - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Alva Anderson - August 4 - 2:56 pm

  Most reliable and fun to drive pickup in its class, impressive exterior and interior features, an eye catcher.

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  Reliable, Practical & Fun - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By SNM - August 4 - 1:06 pm

  Did an immense amount of research before purchasing. It wasnt even close when all was said and done. If you are looking for a 4 door compact pick up this is your baby. 239 hp in the V6 is more than enough, and avg. 19-20 mpg overall. The interior and ride is superior to competetors. The appearance was aesthetically appealing as well. Toyota has a long history of quality reliability. I previously owned Ford and Nissan pick ups, and the Toyota is my favorite by far. I plan on keeping this one for many years.

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  Great car for the money. - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Dillon - August 4 - 11:10 am

  I bought this car used in October 04. 92000 miles on it. I paid $8250 for it and I think I got ripped off. I guess overall its been a decent car, but dont listen to all those reviews about Toyotas reliability. Every car has its faults. Two days after I bought the car the check engine light came on; I took it to three mechanics, none could figure out the problem. After 10000 miles its still on and off. Ive had the starter go bad, the motor knocks like crazy at times, and I have various other electrical problems. The front struts make popping sounds, but theyre factory and Ive yet to change them. However I believe these faults are due to a previous owners ignorance.

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  unwavering relaibility - 1996 Toyota Celica
  By Sledge - August 4 - 2:00 am

  This car has lived a tough life and yet continues to perform flawlessly. Though I perform meticulous maintenance and I am fanatical about keeping proper records, it has been driven hard. Though the years it has never given me a single problem outside of normal wear items. Even most of those are still untouched: for instance brakes, wiper blades, dome and tail lights are all original.

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  My first new car! Great buy! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Riley - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I never heard about the Matrix until one day I saw one in the parking lot. The exterior really caught my eye, so much so, that I had to walk over and check it out. Ive been wanting a new car for the longest time, and Im so glad that I picked this car. Not only is it gorgeous on the outside, but I love the interior w/ the chrome detailing. Its so sporty. The stereos great, LOVE the heater, the Matrix is comfortable and safe.

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  Pet Gals friend - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By pegkd - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Great car! I run a pet sitting business and use my car to get to appointments. I bought the car for the economy (gotta keep those costs down) but love the way it handles in all weather and roomy interior for carrying all my stuff. Pretty good pick up for engine size.