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 truck - 2017 Toyota Tundra
  By Bennie Button - July 11 - 2:54 am

  Good truck, great looking, low on power, get the 5.7, I got the 4.6.

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  2014 Corolla S Plus - New Transmission at 30k Miles - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By ash02050 - July 9 - 3:30 pm

  I drive about 30k mi a year. Was buying my first new car & needed a safe & reliable vehicle for my 70 mile commute plus driving obscene distances working as a Child Protective Services Worker. I got the S Plus with nav, smart key & sunroof. Car started rattling 1 month in. Couldnt replicate noise so no fix. Nav screen starts zooming out on its own...something got stuck between screen & frame. Bent a rim. Tire & Rim Warranty wont replace. Brought car in for 30k mile service & because I was hearing a whining noise...Toyota replaces entire transmission! Extremely alarming. The car drives fine. Does what I need it to do and more. Currently at 34k miles & plan to drive it into the ground.

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  Why isnt this car talked about more? - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By q45samuel - July 8 - 10:33 pm

  Hello, I traded a paid-off 01 7 series BMW for my 05 Avalon limited. I really lost on the deal, but something seemed so right after I test drove this used Avalon. 2 years later, Ive installed an iPod connect and changed the oil twice. Though I no longer Wonder what needs repaired when I drive off, I now smile. This ava limited is my friend. The air conditioner is nice, seats are comfortable, audio and ride do what theyre supposed to do, so I ask why isnt this car mentioned more for its qualities? a true sleeper I thought, for I live in a upper middle-class neighborhood, and the Avalon seems to be everywhere. Toyotas are around, but the Avalon is everywhere. This may be my last car

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  Toyota Schuffle - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Glen Feather - July 8 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has a major problem in the drive system. The mechanic at the dealership claims it is a design flaw. They do not want to fix it and Toyota will not return calls or messages. There is a problem in the steering column that they supposedly fixed, but still persists. This is either a dealership problem or a design problem, but Toyota needs to live up to its reputation.

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  93 Camry - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By JoeMerc - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Excellent value. Highly reliable vehicle. Most reliable Ive ever owned.

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  Good Value - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Robert - July 7 - 12:16 pm

  Terrific for scooting around town. This is my first Toyota & Im very impressed. Exterior is sharp. Interior is clean and functional. No wind noise from sunroof. Civic is state of the art in compacts. Maint. schedule basically change oil & rotate tires every 5k miles, simple and low cost.

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  The Best of the Celicas - 1996 Toyota Celica
  By mikeyL - July 6 - 10:00 am

  A great touring car with enough pep to get up the most challenging hills. A stick is recommended because it gives the car more get up and go, The handling is great and the trunk is spacious for a car of its size.

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  Pozacs 4Runner - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By pozac - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Really beautiful vehicle. Pulls my large pop-up camper well...plenty of power and never had to release overdrive on our trip to Beavers Bend. Kids love the room in the rear and wife loved the bucket seats. Sound system is great! I really wanted a gps/dvd/nav system but was told it was NOT available. Maybe I can find a wrecked Prius.Also had no fog lights but was told it did by another saleman other than the one I used (beware and ask them to show you).

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  Toyota Camry Solara SE Couple - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Kent - July 5 - 8:46 pm

  Great looking car, mechanically sound, fantastic mileage. Lack comfort. Very poor seat design. Handling is a little stiff/awkward. Sound system is fine, trunk space roomy.

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  ?fuel economy - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Jason - July 5 - 3:06 am

  I really enjoy this car. Its easy to drive and has a good pep to it. On the highway it handles well at higher speeds and was quieter then I expected. When it comes to city driving it easy to park and handles well. I question the fuel economy when driving in the city I avg. about 23 mpg which is far below the 30mpg other people have claimed and even below the 25mpg the stickers actual. Ive only put 2000 miles on the car and wonder if others experienced the same. Other then that i would recommend this car.