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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  good little car - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By ray - July 25 - 9:40 am

  great little car, little gas to operate no major problems so far

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  Prius is it worth it? - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Henry Amon - July 25 - 4:50 am

  The gas mileage is great. The interior could use a little better quality. Ive had a molding come loose and the design of the instruments in some places is great and in others confusing. It feels great but is a bit loud. I think its worth it but dont expect ,luxury.

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  Best Truck Made - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By nole795 - July 25 - 4:16 am

  I have had my Tundra for 2 years. Smartest buy I ever made. It will even outlast my wife :). I was skeptical buying a used truck from a lot but the Tundra really is a great ride. It has power. You really feel safe in the truck in the TX storms. Ive never brought it for service except for one recall and oil changes. If your in the market for a reliable used truck that can do the "job" then the Tundra should be on the top of your list. You wont be disappointed.

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  As good as it gets - 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By ddavis - July 24 - 11:06 am

  This is my 5th land cruiser and the very best. I will not let it go. My wife will get it once in a blue moon.

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  old reliable - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By jl - July 23 - 8:06 pm

  I bought this car on sale when the 2003 models came out. Repairs have been slighlty more than I expected but I think it is because the dealer has pumped up service sales. With 100,000 miles the car still handles very well and is very quiet. Brakes seem to wear out more quickly than my last Camry and the AC has broken down twice with leaks but otherwise a great car.

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  Unexpected Great Buy - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Shay - July 22 - 10:31 am

  This car is fun to drive. There is a visibility issue. It a very smooth ride and handles well. This isnt a sports car so the acceleration isnt there but it has a power mode. Also, there no privacy in the trunk. You can see the entire trunk from the outside. I bought a large bin for this. Otherwise, the more I drive it, the more in love I am. I keep discovering cool techie things. Plus its a cool looking car. Love the lights. I didnt buy it because it was a hybrid. I bought it because it was cool. The hybrid was just extra.

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  Celica One Of the Best - 2005 Toyota Celica
  By Spoileybear - July 22 - 10:00 am

  We bought this vehical in Dec. 2000 and it has been joy to drive. We live in Mountains of Southern Calif. And work in lower desert And its been great for driveing the Areas we drive. Has very low maintinace, except now at ovewr 100,000 miles we are putting money into as far as elctronics and Transmisson. We tried out new Matrix and think that Celica is better built car. So if we trade in we might come back driving another Celica.

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  Get the V6!! - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By qafFan - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Owned my 1996 Camry since May of 1996 and it has been trouble free soo far. Has about 106,580 miles on it and i plan to put another 80,000 miles. Overall power is ok but merging and passing power is poor. Wish i got the V6 when i bought it. Fuel economy is decent about 20 mpg could be higher and has bout 300 miles between fill ups. So far no major problem accept the replacement of the timing belt when it has 60,000 miles. Recently serviced at the dealer for new steering boot, brake rotors, brake pads, and a new coolant tank. Overall a very nice and safe car to drive.

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  4Runner love - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jonsie - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I test drove a 4Runner 10 years ago and fell in love with it. Finally I got one on my own and needless to say its even better than the one I tried back then. It drives like a car but you know you are sitting in a very comfortable and smooth riding truck. It has a very tight turning radius and suits well for the city as the country. I live on the side of a mountain and it yet has to fail getting me home. The downhill assist is very nice in heavy snow and the car literally walks you down the mountain. The only downsides I can mention are the seats in front are a little high to the roof and its a little akward getting into the rearseat.

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  hi highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Wilson S. - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I gave up a Windstar mini van..after 2 years, the highlander rides like a car and more comfortable