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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  There is a reason the TLC is a ledgend - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Arnzo - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Solid all around sums it up. Capable off-road and a pleasure on-road with room for the kids, dog and all the stuff that goes with them. I traded a Land Rover for this car and never looked back. Ive driven it in Blizzards, on the beach, off-road and plenty on-road. Never once was I concerned that we wouldnt make it. I plan to keep my TLC for as long as shes willing to serve though I may buy the 2016 model and give my current TLC to my 3 year old.

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  Great Compact Car - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By MM678 - August 10 - 10:00 am

  The 1999 Toyota Corolla is an excellent compact sedan that is safe, offers peppy engine performance, outstanding fuel economy and smooth, quiet operation. My experience with this vehicle has been wonderful and certainly affirms Toyota as the best auto manufacturer out there. Ive driven many compact cars and nothing else can even compare.

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  ease on down the road - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By teen driver - August 10 - 10:00 am

  A few months ago my dad bought the RAV4 L for me to learn how to drive on After looking at other vehicles we decided on the RAV4. It has great visability and handels very well. I feel very comfortable driving this car.

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  Great SUV truck - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By tryd - August 10 - 10:00 am

  I looked at the MDX and was about to buy one, when I saw the 4 Runner. It looked so rugged. The interior was the same quality as the MDX. It had more features then the MDX. The 4 Runner is well thought out. The seating is very comfortable and easy to change. The features are numerous and are easy to use. The V8 engine has a lot of power and runs very smoothly. It has very little lean going around corners. My 4 Runner has the air suspension.It The audio system is wonderfully clear and produces an excellent sound. The SUV handles more like a car than the previous generations of 4 Runners. It is not as Car like as the MDX, but is still Very satisfying.

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  My White Toy - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By B. Hose - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Nice looking car with good gas mileage and dependability.

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  Camrys are the best - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By M.D. - August 10 - 10:00 am

  This car is really nice to drive and really reliable.

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  New 08 Sequoia - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Ben - August 10 - 8:06 am

  I recently bought a 2008 Sequoia Limited, brand new from Hudson Toyota in Jersey City NJ. After researching the Armada, Yukon, Escalade I decided to get a new Sequoia for style, reliability, and resale value. After owning the car for a few weeks, I am so happy with my decision. The Sequoia has so many smart options on the inside, if you have a family you really cant beat the user experience of this SUV.

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  HGB Review - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Howard Brewer - August 10 - 2:00 am

  I believe the GPS system needs improvement (simpler).The drivers seat with its heating/cooling system is not as comfortable as the same seat in my Camry without those features. All in all, I am very pleased with the car.

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  2017 Camry XSE V6 - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By John Smith - August 9 - 6:58 pm

  So far I love this car! Very well made, no rattles, Quiet. Great acceleration. Not to impressed with xm or the voice commands but I may not know fully how to use it yet. This model is fully loaded and I cant think of anything else I would want. Oh yeah, the led headlights are incredible! Also led high beams and auto high beams and driving lights. I do wish they had continued the leds in the back. And I think all Camrys have (real transmissions) not those CVTs I hate those.

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  Be realistic, and youll love it - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By lrtoyota - August 9 - 3:33 pm

  Love my 2WD 5.7 L SR5 Sequoia. It is everything that the reviews say it is. Very large vehicle, yet handles surprisingly well. Easy to corner and park. Tons of power. Struggles with MPG in town, obviously, but really does surprisingly well on the highway. "Sweet spot" on the highway is about 68 for my Sequoia. Put the cruise on around there, and I consistently get 22-23 MPG, which is great to me. My SR5 came with a leather upgrade, and the quality is very high. Very happy so far with my purchase