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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  WOW - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Bill - July 5 - 3:30 pm

  I have always bought Ford products and have been very satisfied. However, the Avalon sets a new standard that I have not seen in previous cars. Power is great. Ride is smooth. Feel is fabulous. I love the car.

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  My Wife and I Fight Over Driving This Car - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Matt L. - July 5 - 11:35 am

  My wife and I both love this car. Everything about it from the looks, to the ride, to the power is great. Lots of tech. We both like that it reads your text messages to you while your driving. Navigation works great. The backup camera is crystal clear day or night. Very comfortable car. We have taken two, long drive family vacations in it and it was never uncomfortable or made us start squirming in our seats. The engine, although we only have the 4 cylinder, is very smooth and has a lot of power. We like that is has a true six speed transmission instead of a horrible CVT transmissions like they are putting in most newer cars. The car has a huge trunk and is also very roomy on the inside. Weve owned this car since October of 2014 and we have been very pleased with everything about it. One very minor complaint is the JBL Audio system. For the money it doesnt sound that great. Not terrible, but could definitely be better.

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  Does it get any better for the money? - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By quickfix - July 5 - 10:00 am

  After 10 years of Tahoes and Suburbans this is a breath of fresh air. I get lots of compliments from friends and strangers on the good looks. With one year and 42K miles it hasent missed a beat. The original tires,Dunlop Grand Trek, are worthless. A set of Bridgestone Revos cant be beat.

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  Wow, is this a great car! - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By O Picher - July 5 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car for nearly 3 years now, and I just love it. A mini Lexus in its interior styling. Well- engineered and runs like a top. The acceleration is impressive (it has two engines, after all). Floor it, and leave the other cars in the dust. As for the eco-side of this, all I can say is this: once you sit at a stop light, with your car being dead quiet, you notice all the other cars around you still belching out exhaust. All cars should be this way. I wouldnt recommend it as a first car, but it has made a great second car.

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  OPEN AIR FUN - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By angelord - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Very nicely build card. Fun and easy to drive w/ 6 speed SMT.

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  More than I ever expected! - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By RevMoCash - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Paid 13k cash for my loaded pickup, included custom snug-top w/ bed-rug 3k alone! Dropped 800 more into 60k factory service, and I could not be more satisfied! Purchased from an older guy who never took it off road. The int/ext is in perfect shape! I took it to vegas and made it with 1/4 tank left over! V6 is smooth and powerful: puts my honda and rangers of the past to shame! Int could be more user friendly...but IT IS A TRUCK! I recommend anyone who wants a reliable truck to buy this model, "THIRD PARTY", the dealer price is ludicrous, and just make sure its a sound buy, youll be glad you did!

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  MAKES AN OLD MAN FEEL DECADES YOUNGER! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Richard Thies - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Owning a Solara SLE is like driving a dream car! This is so close to having a Lexus, you can taste it. It was love at first sight, & its great having one of the first ones in Omaha. I used to draw cars as a teenager, so can appreciate the curvaceous lines of this sculptural work of art. The interior is glamorous, sleek, and invitingly perfect! Driving the automatic with the upshifting/downshifting capabilities is just so much fun, especially in city stop & go traffic. It makes me feel like a kid again! I LOVE THIS CAR!!!

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  what were engineers thinking of? - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By rebecca phillips - July 5 - 10:00 am

  WHY make a back window that would go down with the remote access and not be able to go up I feel like I am looking at the sunvisors every time I get in this vehicle. there are people with long torsos. AND the fact that you have to be Godzilla to pull the back door down? it would be nice to have at least two phone portals or should I say phone/computer or just plain more than one in the front. I find the one near the console VERY cumbersome. Sounds like a lot for someone who rather likes the vehicle but that window is BAD!!!! and those door locks are horrible!!!!!!!!

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  Tough Truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Michael Meyer - July 5 - 10:00 am

  The Toyota Tacoma is a solid, quiet truck. Hunters have been amazed seeing the truck quietly approach their camps. The interior is very easy to keep clean, looks like new after a quick vacum and wipe down. Fuel economy is great for a pick up. I am a believer in the quality and reliability after owning this, my first Toyota.

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  A Pretty Good Van - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By driver99 - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Weve owned the vehicle for about 7 weeks, with a 1800 mile road trip with 3 kids under our belts. Got great gas mileage 23mpg, 70+mph and the AC on all the time. Good turning radius for a vehicle of this size. On the AWD version there is no spare, relying on the run flat tires to get you home. You can have one installed but it will occupy the area located behind the rear seat eliminating the ability to fold half of it down.