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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  Nice ride - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By NICE RIDE - November 11 - 6:16 am

  Ive owned this car for 2 years now bought it with 120,000 miles, now has 150,000 and still running great routine tune-ups and the car just keeps going better than non imported brands

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  Best Toyota yet - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By geronia - November 11 - 1:33 am

  It drives as good as my 2000 Tundra

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  Im a Toyota Man Now! - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By unb10 - November 10 - 7:26 pm

  Ive owned a lot of cars, but this one takes the cake. The handling is awe inspiring, even if the horsepower isnt. Still, a 6.5 second 0-60 mph time is enough for me, and I enjoy getting 30+ mpg. For those who said the interior looks "cheap" and "plastic", get the leather interior. It is reminiscent of higher priced performance cars. I love the look and feel of the interior, very comfortable, and Im a large guy. Everywhere I go, people stop and stare. And you may not need more HP. Ive had two sports cars back down from a race (05 Mustang, 03 Firebird). Reason? They thought it was a Porsche. I was a Chevy lover before, but Im a Toyota man now.

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  As Expected - Reliable Vehicle - 2015 Toyota Corolla
  By tinar0926 - November 10 - 2:55 pm

  Bought my 2015 Carolla, December 2015. I had not purchased a vehicle in 10 years. Was looking for something reliable, updated, fuel efficient, fun to drive and looked good. The Carolla has come a long way since its inception. The styling and design is 21st Century. Its comfortable, drives smooth and looks good. It has everything I wanted in a new car. Was also very pleased with the Dealership I went to and their staff, very helpful. Was able to get what I wanted for the price I wanted!

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  2006 TRD Taco Review - One Year In - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By CFFuts - November 10 - 4:16 am

  Its been almost one year since I purchased my 06 TRD Crew Cab Short Box and overall it was a great buy. It has been very reliable, gets relatively good mileage (at 11.2k miles, Ive averaged 17.75 MPG) and is fun to drive.

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  Great so far - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Bob - November 9 - 9:43 pm

  Traded from an 03 MB C240, and this car is vastly superior. Quieter, smoother, more fuel efficient and has had no problems except for the clip for the rear sunshade came loose, easily repaired by dealer. Have almost 25000 trouble free miles so far and everything holds up way better than my MB. I am satisfied with everything unlike my previous car which was in shop 18 times for warranty work in less than five years, and according to the courtesy driver, is normal for MB.

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  What a great car! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Kelly Robinson - November 9 - 2:06 pm

  I really enjoy my Yaris, I get great gas milage and It is a great car for anyone that doesnt want to pay that much for great quality

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  RAV4 twice - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Deanne - November 9 - 10:53 am

  I traded my 2003 blue RAV4 L package for a 2005 black RAV4 L package. I enjoy my car because it is the right size for my family of four. Not to mention, where I live we have a lot of hills and small side streets. So, the size is perfect. I had a mishap with my 05 car after driving it for eight days. The car cut- out while I was driving...It was determined the fuel pump was bad:( All in all I would not trade my toyota for a another model car!

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  wouldnt drive any other car. - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Jerry22 - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Love it, its a hybrid that I can live with. Its easy on the road, and easy on the enviroment. Its a car for the future. Its a car for the now. It shames the Suvs, even though the people in them dont know it.

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  what about resale - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By resale? - November 9 - 10:00 am

  First Toyota I have ever purchased, I have always driving "Ameican made" the car is everything I hoped except for the resale after one year the vehicle resale lost 1/3 of its value which surprised me with Toyota reputation of quality and resale value..