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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  Spyder - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By dbigdogg21 - June 14 - 10:00 am

  The 2002 MR2 Spyder is an awesome car, and it kicks the crap out of any Miata. Especially when you start ordering TRD parts for it. You can get a turbo or NOS that will bump your horsepower up above 325 easily. In a 2400 lb. car, Ill take that.

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  2001 Echo - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Echo 2001 - June 14 - 10:00 am

  Awesome little car. Easy to drive. Great gas mileage. It is the best small car built when you consider price, performance, comfort, QUALITY, and RELIABILITY!

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  Rolling-On - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By mr.podater - June 14 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Pre-Runner XCab July 2000 having a growing family, needed the room but gas was an issue. I chose the 2.7L 4 over the 6 for that reason. To date and 26,000 miles later, I havent second guessed my decision. It has the necessary power from stock once broken in to merge into the highway and pass cars. I dont advise riding at 80mph++ but it does that and a bit more. Cabin noise is acceptable at higher speeds. Use the power button when towing for faster shifts and improved power. Overall, I love my truck!! Wouldnt be caught driving anything else.

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  I just bought it yesterday - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By quinquagesima - June 14 - 10:00 am

  I just got this car yesterday and I love it. We have packed full of everything and we are moving. This car is going to get us to Ohio.

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  Great Truck - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By LBI Mike - June 14 - 10:00 am

  Great Quality vehicle. Great style, ride and features. Powertrain is smooth and quiet. Love the truck.

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  W0W - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By WayneMan - June 14 - 10:00 am

  This is an all new Corrola for sure. What a pleasant surprise and this is a whole lot of car for the money!

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  Loving It - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Keli - June 14 - 9:40 am

  We love the pick up the car has, Im impressed with the gas MPG. Its been very true to advertisement on saving gas. This car rides so smooth you feel like youre floating. Its easy to handle and Fun to Drive. The 3 kids have more than enough room in the back to be comfortable. Truck space isnt limited and I really enjoy that with 3 children and all their things.

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  Honest review. - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By DL Hatton - June 14 - 8:26 am

  I really like the car. Its the best car I could find for the money I paid and Ive always wanted a Camry since they started making them 20 miles away from me. I got it when they were clearing out the 2017 models to make room for the new ones, so I got a great price. The only complaint I have is a little bit of wind noise around the drivers side window. Even though the LE is the base model, it has plenty of features to it and I didnt need or want most of the things found in the higher priced models. So I am very satisfied with the car and Im glad I bought it. Its not the most exciting car but at my age I dont need speed. And I didnt want a sports car, or a car that rode like one. I wanted a good, smooth riding, reliable car that will serve me well for a long time. It does everything well you expect from a car.

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  Going green - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Hybrid princess - June 13 - 2:13 pm

  Traded in a beautiful Lexus GS400 with 300hp v8 for a TCH. Looked first at the Prius, but couldn’t bear to give up power seats, heated seats, moon roof, and the overall “sedan feel”. The hybrid is a delight to drive! Getting over double the gas mileage from my old car in the first two weeks and my first fill at the gas station was under $20. I first thought the gas pump was malfunctioning!!

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  Happy in Texas! - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By slisk@grandecom.net - June 13 - 1:41 pm

  Happy as Heck!