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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  Crash Avoidence - 2016 Toyota Sienna
  By Kevin Smith - July 23 - 3:39 pm

  I especially like the crash avoidance for the front. I put a piece of plywood up on the Driveway and drove toward it. The car braked and stopped just like it was supposed to. This is one feature I was really looking for as I approach old age.

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  Great car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Hollywood Prius - July 23 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. The main problem is that youll have to pay more than the sticker since the car has such a long waiting list (about 5 to 6 months for the popular colors and packages). I was surprised at the roominess of this car. Lots of leg room in the back seats. Also, the engine power is good too. I live on a steep hill and the car has no problems making it up. I highly recommend this car, although if you are buying it mainly to save money on gas, I dont think it would be worth it since it is usually marked up quite a bit by the dealers.

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  Best car I ever owned - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By wdrutter - July 23 - 10:00 am

  This is my second hybrid, and I am very satisfied with it. Despite the hilly country in which we live, our mpg ranges in the mid 40s. The care itself has a firm , reliable feel to it, and its responses are quick.

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  Sequoia a - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Ava13 - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely superb vehicle! Big, roomy, handsomely appointed interior, lots of giddyup in the 8-cylinder engine--4- wheel drive absolutely essential in snowy conditions. Fold up/removable seats in the back a bonus for cargo hauling etc.

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  TRQ - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By pjd - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Quiet, comfortable, great pickup power

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  Comfort, reliability, & great performanc - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By simplyme - July 23 - 10:00 am

  My Toyota 4Runner is the ultimate vehicle for comfort, reliability, and solid performance. It is a Toyota, need I say more?

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  my wonderful Highlander SUV - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By boyd - July 23 - 10:00 am

  the toyota Highlander has met our every expectation

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  My First Minivan - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Gena Stokes - July 23 - 10:00 am

  We needed something larger. So the best option was a minivan based on pricing, gas mileage, and how versatile they are with children.I went a discovered the 2004 Sienna and the first impression I had was WOW! that is a really sleek looking minivan. And once I got inside anddiscovered everything it had to offer I fell in love with it went and purchased one. I love my van and would recommend it to anyone. It is like no other minivan in its class. Toyota really out did themselves this time!

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  They have finally done it - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By traveller - July 23 - 8:50 am

  Most reliable and comfortable car I have owned. Rides quietly and dependably.It serves both of my requirements as a passenger vehicle and as a functional carrier of luggage on extended trips.

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  2016 Tacoma TRD Off Road Dbl Cab Long Bed - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Kevin Alexander - July 23 - 6:52 am

  Great truck! Great drivability with excellent handling on and off road, which is quite a balance to strike! This is NOT a particularly high tech or fancy truck. For example Tacomas have never had power seats at ANY trim level. No Remote start, even as an option, by keychain or LTE via app, like competitors. I do feel like it should either have a little more torque and horsepower OR slightly better fuel economy, but not terrible. Having made those small gripes, I love this truck for dozens of other reasons! It is supremely capable off road and a joy to drive.