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 car! - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Eric - March 15 - 2:33 pm

  Excellent 4 door sedan. It is as smooth, quiet and comfortable as most luxury sedans, and despite being nine years old with over 100,000 miles, still drives and looks like a new car. The gas mileage is better than many smaller cars (27 in town, 35 highway), and this vehicle is still roomy and comfortable for four good sized adults. The four cylinder engine has better power than I would expect, and handling is not bad for a family sedan.

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  My Camry - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By spsims - March 15 - 10:00 am

  I have throughly enjoyed this car. We have traveled extensively in it and have always been comfortable. It is roomy. We have carried our three grandsons (now ages 12,14,1nd 16) on numerous trips with us. The trunk is large enough for all our luggage. The gas mileage is good, getting on average 25 mpg.

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  Good Basic Car! - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By ToyotasRule - March 15 - 10:00 am

  My Toyota Corolla has given me ABSOLUTELY NO PROBLEMS for the entire time Ive owned it. Ive only changed the oil and filled it up with gas...nothing else. It gets AWESOME gas mileage...higher than 30 mpg on the freeway and close to 30 in the city. It is a good, simple, basic car. Nothing fancy about it. Toyota spent the money and time on building a reliable car here, not a fancy one.

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  Love it... - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By Narly - March 15 - 10:00 am

  This is the SUV for a person who still likes to drive a SUV with a rugged feel. It drives excellent on and off roads. The 4Runner has a great look.

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  Roomy and comfortable - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By Logan - March 15 - 10:00 am

  This was my first large luxury car. Couldnt be happier with comfort, performance and reliability. It replaced the last American car Ill ever own. I now have 3 Toyotas and am happy with them all.

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  Almost Perfect - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By JBA1185 - March 15 - 10:00 am

  This is my favorite car/suv that I have ever owned followed closely by the Lincon Navigator. And it holds mor people!

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  Oh, what a feeling!!! - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By raprider - March 15 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Toyota, and my first SUV, but if they keep building them like this, it will not be my last! I havent a single complaint after about 4 months of ownership.

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  this 4 cyl rocks!! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By wario76 - March 15 - 10:00 am

  I first drove all kinds of cars includig, honda accord, altima, taurus, and none compares to my 2002 camry. It drives so smooth, its very quite inside the car. The altima is faster but i chose the camry, even though im 23 and love speed. Dont pay any attention to people who talk bad about this car. They probably havent even driven one.

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  My Second Prius - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Kas - March 15 - 12:16 am

  This is my second Prius. My 04 had 97000 miles with the brakes never being replaced! Absolutely no trouble with that vehicle. Thus, the second purchase. Gas mileage - I average 51 mpg all around. My last trip to central Pa. I got 53 mpg on interstate driving - 70-75 mpg - put it on cruise. My first Prius was the same mileage. If people are getting low 40 mpg they need a sports car not a hybrid. The way you drive them will dictate your mileage!! On screen navigation will help you here. This one is better in the snow. I live in NW Pa. and we get a bunch. I love the smart key and the new back-up camera and reliability is superb! Resale value is excellent. I love filling up for less than 25 dollars.

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  Nicely improved from previous model - 2015 Toyota Highlander
  By ez2sell - March 14 - 8:12 pm

  I just traded in my 2013 limited for a 2015 limited. Nice re-design Toyota! The drive is substantially better with a tighter turning radius, much less body roll when cornering and traction control along with a new 6 speed automatic transmission. The new styling also improved. The outside is much more stylish. The interior space has improved with more rear space for storage when the third row is in use. Seating improved offering more support along with ventilated front seats. Toyota has added one touch windows to four instead of just the driver. Memory driver seats make me comfortable knowing I can get my exact setting after my wife drives the car.