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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  Loveour new Highlander - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By David Breuker - September 4 - 12:29 pm

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  Great value - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Dani - September 4 - 11:50 am

  This vehicle has been great so far. I make many trips back and forth from Iowa to Chicago and it is much nicer not having to fill up 3 times during the trip, instead I only have to fill up once and I still have 1/2 tank left when I get back. The only complaint I have about the vehicle is that the cup holders in front are directly in front of the heating vents so the drink gets really hot even if you close the vents. The vehicle looks small on the outside, but it has a ton of room on the inside, you would never expect that my fiance, who is 6 4", fits very comfortably in the passengers seat! Overall, I definitely love the vehicle and I would recommend it to anyone!

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  In love! - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Yvette - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased a 99, 18,000 mile 1 owner loaded beauty and never want to stop driving it!! This car FLOATS ON AIR! It cant get any better. It handles corners like my little sports car but is sooo smooooth and so fun to drive. Watch your speed because it is deceiving how fast your going. When I sit inside my car I feel Im wrapped in luxury with no clutter, just elegant modern class. The Large sun,moon roof is quiet when open. The back seat comfortably fit my over 200lb 6 ft. son and husband. Unreal for this size car. I love everything about this car. Just keep making the Solara better so I can keep buying one!

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  My Tacoma - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tango Falcon - September 4 - 10:00 am

  TRD package adds serious horsepower to the truck and you can diffinitely fell it when the red light turns green. The power to weight ratio is not the greatest but for a day to day use it is diffinitely bangin.

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  Shiney new Black head turner - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Cynthia M. - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Too new to know about reliability, but the styling, the quiet drive is wonderful so far. A real head-turner w/the top down.

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  Real SUV - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By VIJONA - September 4 - 10:00 am

  The comportable is there...The power is there...The performance is there..one thing I can say....Its AMAZING!!!!!..Ive got the right choice....

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  My second XLE V6 - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By coconut - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Our experience with our 1992 Camry XLE V6 lead us to buy new 2004 model. Also the offered 0% financing. We laid down our requirements for purchase and salesman was able to fulfill. Wish Toyota would have offered nicer colors this year though (like navy, taupe, dark green, burgundy). The blue they offer is ELECTRIC. Zap! We settled for the grey.

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  Very Special - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Doc P - September 4 - 4:06 am

  This is one great SUV. Great off road and on. Excellent style and performance. The supercharger and TRD Edition are very special and well worth the money. Excellent driving. Love the front window and washable floor.

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  Love my Truck! - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Maurice - September 3 - 11:10 pm

  Toyota finally got it right with this beast! This is my first Toyota and I can agree that this is the best looking truck on the market. 381 HP and cavernous 2nd row is exceptional. This is not a work truck in my case, but has the versatility to either be a family mover or a HD truck if need be.

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  I like it more every day!!! - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By EWeber - September 3 - 7:33 pm

  I just traded my 2002 Camry SE V6 for my 4 cyl Highlander. At first I was concerned about not having sufficient power, but I have been pleasantly surprized by the acceleration. I find the seats comfortable and the visibility is excellent. My son has a 4 Runner and it rides like a buckboard compared to the Highlander. The ride is very similar to my Camry SE. There is an abundance of room for hauling passengers and cargo. Gas mileage has exceeded expectations and should only improve as the engine gets a few more miles on it. It handles very well and is considerably more stable in maneuvers than a Jeep Grand Cherokee that I tested. This is my third Toyota and I expect reliability to be great.