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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  Very satisfied - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Michelle - February 21 - 5:10 pm

  An excellent and reliable car. I recently had a bad accident in my former Corolla, and I am pretty sure I wouldnt be typing this if I was in a lesser car.

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  2005 Camry LE - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By harley - February 20 - 8:03 pm

  I traded my 2002 Toyota Tacoma Pre Runner 4-door truck for my 2005 Toyota Camry LE. The main reason for the trade was gas mileage. But I got much much more. I love the Camry for its smooth ride, handling, size, mpg. Its an overall great car!

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  Best vehicle ever..... - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By ETOPEL - February 20 - 10:00 am

  I trade cars every 2 years, but I am keeping this one... Runs great, good acceleration and holds its value like no other...

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  We love our wagon! - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Mr. Davis - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Our 93 Camry wagon is the best car weve ever owned. Heavy feel, fun to drive, powerful, large cargo area, unique looking...just great!

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  Great Car!! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By charley - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Went on a 1,000 mile trip and loved it. The car handles great, got 38mpg with the cruise set at 74MPH. The car has plenty of power for my needs. Never lost speed on hills, the cruise maintained its setting. Plenty of interior space and fun to drive. The ride is quite comfortable and the cabin is quiet. After always having SUVs I am glad I made this switch.

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  2001 AVALON XL -- EXCELLENT - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By SUZY - February 20 - 10:00 am

  2001 Avalon is a beautiful vehicle, drives like floating on a cloud, quiet, a true pleasure. Good fuel economy. Beautiful interior. Very roomy - especially the back seat is roomy compared to other vehicles.

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  AWESOME CAR - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By antelii - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Toyota really knows how to make cars. I´ve owned ford, chevrolet, dodge, mitsubishi and chrysler, and nothing better than a toyota. Te design is nice because is sporty and has a lot of elegance. I´m really happy with this car and i recomend it for anyone who is looking for build quality, reliability and confidence.

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  A Lot For The Money - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Richard B - February 20 - 10:00 am

  We love this car. Zero defects upon delivery. Great gas mileage. Its very quiet and rides extremely well for a vehicle in this class. Has a very roomy interior, even for larger people. Smooth 5 spd gearbox makes it easy and fun to drive. Not bothered as much by wind as some others commented. Also, absolutely no sign of rotten egg smell. Overall, a winner!

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  My First Truck at 18 yrs. old - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Lance Andrews - February 20 - 9:50 am

  I love my tundra so much, its quick, the ride is smooth, its comfortable, and it is really good looking. Im so glad that my first truck was a toyota so i can proudly defend it when all the chevy and ford drivers give me crap. Because it is as much as truck as fords and chevys are.

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  Great Commuter Vehicle w/LOTS of Room - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By imaski - February 20 - 7:50 am

  This vehicle is the greatest all-around commuter vehicles on the road. The interior space is exceptional with rear hatch & 60/40 fold down seats. Fits 4 comfortably w/luggage room for 4-day weekend. Power steering is smooth & responsive & turning radius is one of the smallest Ive experienced. Battery is recharged when you brake. NO extension cord & NO you dont plug it in at night. In Virginia (high MPGs) allows you to ride in HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lane with only one passenger. Less than $15/week (87 octane) gas saves enough money to make 2 car payments a year! The US Govt should GIVE one to eveyone & we woundnt have to import oil! Not sure about battery replacement $$$?.