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:

• 

  good - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By andrea - June 22 - 10:00 am

  enjoy smooth ride for size of car has a lot more to offer than comperable cars.

• 

  Corolla 2003 - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By J. M. Runyon - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Excellent reliability and very low maintenance.

• 

  Cats AZZ - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Rockin - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Great car...reliable...comfortable...good gas mileage...like to see the Camry as a hybrid in the near future

• 

  great car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By camry builder - June 22 - 10:00 am

  i love my camry its the best built car in america built by americans

• 

  I love my Camry - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By elattyak - June 22 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Camry. The first one I had for nine years and 150000 miles. The 03 ride is so much improved than the last car. The cabin is so quiet.

• 

  Great Car - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Pismo/Gordon - June 22 - 10:00 am

  A great improvement over the 2003 model. Great to drive. Quite, a lot of thought went into this van. Fold down 3rd row seat great and easy to do. Slinding door windows which lower part way are great. Comfort is great. excellent back support for driver makes long driving very comfortable. Love this van.

• 

  Camry SE - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By JKawa - June 22 - 10:00 am

  This SE model is th best yet. It doesnt look like an old mans car, so younger people can drive it.

• 

  Another great Toyota product - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By toyotaman - June 22 - 9:16 am

  The vehicle speaks to Toyotas continued committment to quality, reliability, value and importance of carrying on an off road tradition with the highest integrity. A commendable achievement in itself that is only strengthened by the implementation of technology and ingenuity that allows us weekend warriors to drive to work in comfort and style. Well done Toyota!

• 

  2006 Toyota SR-5 V-8 is by far the best car - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Ruthless Goat - June 22 - 7:16 am

  Buy a Toyota 4Runner with total confidence. This 4R has been totally awesome. I have not had one single unscheduled repair. I have changed the oil and replaced the battery and tires as needed. In May of 2015 I replaced the timing belt, water pump, struts, brakes, rotors and spark plugs. I have the big V-8, but get a consistent 22.0 mpg city/highway. This car is roomy, comfortable and is an outstanding travel car. I cannot think of one single negative thing to say about this 2006 4R-SR5. Every day I see tons of these models on the road, in spite of this car being 12 years old. No one want to get rid of this model, and why should they? I salute Toyota for a job well done on this one.

• 

  Excellent vehicle. - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By JAMES HUBBARD - June 22 - 6:39 am

  Runs excellent. Had for 15 years, Kept all maintenance up to date. Never had trouble with it.