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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  Great Truck! - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By ChrisH - April 14 - 2:00 am

  The new stepside bed and tail light design gives a great distinctive look making it stand out from the crowd. I love the power and the ride is smooth. Gas mileage not bad for a 4.7 V8. Sticker price may be a little high, but with rebates and a willingness to deal there are some good deals out there.

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  1st Time Toyota Buyer - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By toyotamb - April 14 - 2:00 am

  Traded a 2000 Jeep Wrangler in on this vehicle. Let me say, really impressed with the RAV-4 all around. Nice to get out of a gas hog and into something with better gas mileage. Love the handling, and the 4 cyl. gives my wife and I enough power that we need. Wont win a muscle car contest, but enough to get the job done. I believe that we will become loyal Toyota owners.

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  Good SUV to own - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By yehanxue - April 14 - 2:00 am

  Good SUV to own

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  Nice to not be a gas hog! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Bgmhntr1 - April 13 - 4:30 pm

  Due to the high demand of this car I had to wait almost 2 months for it, but it was worth it! It sure beats only getting 13 mpg, and it is so comfortable. It practically drives itself. The ride is smooth, quiet and very luxurious. There is no loss of power with the engine. I am still on my first tank of gas, this mileage is amazing. This beats the truck I drove hands down and I can fit into great parking spaces! My kids love it too. They enjoy watching the navigation screen and the free satellite radio! This is my first Toyota and I can see why the Camry is the #1 family sedan. It is amazing and I am trying to do my part for the environment and my gas budget!

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  what a car! - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By GoEnjoyIncubus - April 13 - 3:20 pm

  After drive this car theirs no way anyone could buy a 2dr Accord.

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  Test Drive and Buy! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By SE n VA - April 13 - 2:53 am

  My wife and I love our 07 V6 Camry SE w/navigation. We test drove the competition and this Camry out performs them in nearly all categories. As soon as we came back from our test drive, my wife said she loved it and she didnt want to test drive anymore cars. This car performs beautifully on the highway. The car accelerates very quickly without flooring it. Floor it and youll be happily surprised... the car wants more! With Toyotas high reliability standard I know this car will stay in our family for many years. If you can find an SE w/nav, you had better buy it that day. The body kit on the SE definitely enhances the appeal of this car.

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  Great fuel economy in a fun ride - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By matrixowner - April 12 - 8:53 pm

  I downsized to the Matrix from a Tacoma due to the rising gas prices. I am very happy to be getting an average of 32 mpg. The car is fun to drive, and the fold down seats give you the ability to fit items that you couldnt fit in other cars.

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  Holy Smokes, Do I Love This Truck! - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By BCdogs14 - April 12 - 4:36 pm

  Easily the greatest vehicle Ive ever driven. Ive never had to fix anything that wasnt a perishable commodity. Brake pads only once, spark plugs once. Not bad for a 13 year old truck. Even took her cross country CA to NC... she kicked that out like it was driving to the store. Gas mileage is awesome for a truck. A story: Wife was buying her Yaris, and the salesman asks me what Im driving, like to sell me one too, I tell him "that 1995 Tacoma right there". His smile drooped and he he walked away. I am convinced this truck will outlive me. I get offers on it from strangers almost once a week... and no soap. I love this truck!!!

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  I Love My little ECHO - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Very Happy Owner - April 12 - 3:13 pm

  I have had my car for 1 month and I keep finding more compartments. I am very pleased and surprised with the fuel consumption.

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  Wheelchair Accessible - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By ducatidave - April 11 - 8:57 am

  I love this Car! Its is by far the easiest car to transfer into from a wheelchair.