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 ever - 2009 Toyota Tundra
  By tn2095 - July 29 - 5:10 pm

  Coming from a 2004 F150 there is no comparison. The 5.7l engine and transmission are silky smooth. The interior is the most functional of all the trucks I test drove. Drive them all then get a Tundra.

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  What a Great Car! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By KL - July 29 - 3:20 pm

  I just purchased my new car and I love it . I have always loved smaller cars vs big suvs. This car is so fun to drive it handles so well. It is comfortable and can comfortably seat four average size to five adults. Trunk space looks decieving on the outside of the car but was much bigger then my mitsubishi eclipse. This is just a great car I had drove 100 miles and my fuel gauge still hadnt moved off of full. You can not beat this car for the price. And it is friendly to the environment passing all emissions standards. I drive by big old suvs and truck at the gas station and realize this was such a great decision to buy this car. I have absolutely no regrets and would tell my family to buy it.

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  Oh What A Feeling - 1994 Toyota 4Runner
  By stu4runner - July 29 - 8:23 am

  I really enjoy my truck. Its just now staring to show its age, mostly in the styling department. Other than that, mechanically, its been a real pleasure to own.

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  The Best of the pack - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By Marv - July 29 - 3:53 am

  I owned the first Avalon made and many in between and the most recent 2008. I was doubtful about the changes in styling for the 2011 that I read about. Well, I bought the Avalon and fell in love with the changes to the interior. It seems more upscale. The dash is beautiful. The exterior styling is an improvement. People ask me when I got my Lexus. I say its an Avalon, they are surprised. I couldnt be happier. I have no complaints at all. The car drives like a dream. I cant wait to drive it every chance I get. Its so quiet. I love the blue tooth, so easy to get it going. I never thought I would pay for satellite radio, but I got hooked. The memory drivers seat is so wonderful.

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  Great Car - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By BJ - July 29 - 12:13 am

  Great riding car, comfortable for 5 people. Quality of inerior is very upscale.

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  Perfect for me - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By 09trix - July 28 - 8:05 pm

  I got this car over a year ago to replace my first car, an Oldsmobile that broke down at least once a month. As a young girl in college, I wanted something reliable that also looked nice. I love the unique look of the XRS, the interior is comfy, and everything is easy to use. I know a lot of people arent happy with the gas mileage in the 2.4L but its fine for me, I get about 30mpg on the highway. I also LOVE how much space it has; I was able to haul a full-size mattress in it! The only complaint I have is that its a little cheaply made... the paint flakes off the hood way too easily and the interior scratches very easily. Other than that, no complaints. This car is just what I needed.

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  2013 GL 450 to 2016 Tacoma - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Gl450toTacoma - July 28 - 12:49 pm

  Great truck, Entune is great. The Tacoma is easy to drive. Go get one. I have the 2016 Double cab with long bed. No issues with transmission, smooth and easy shifts.

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  great car - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Williambuff3 - July 28 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great car for the price its a good starting out car for someone just turning sixteen or seventeen.

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  great car - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By willbuff3 - July 28 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great car for the price its a good starting out car for someone just turning sixteen or seventeen.

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  Happt Owner - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By larsonfamily - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I have 3 kids and the ability to move the last row of seats forward was fantastic. I can take out the buckets, move the back row forward, and put the dog and tv in and we are ready to travel.