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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  Highlander: you got to feel the ride... - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Mohit - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I live in Michigan, one day decided to visit a friend in Virginia. The drive was very comfortable. Didnt even feel that drive was for 16 hours. love the smoothness, style, and quality of the car.

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  I grin whenever I see it! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By SNS - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my new Camry for 2 weeks, and I keep looking for excuses to go places in it. Its so smooth and quiet that my daughter-in-law was surprised when we started moving -- she didnt realize Id started the engine! I think its the most fun to drive of any car Ive owned.

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  So far, So good - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Plowe - December 26 - 9:53 am

  Good kidhauler alternative to a minivan

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  Spacious cabin and features for the little ones! - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Rustin Shakelford - December 26 - 9:28 am

  This is the only vehicle Ive ever owned that Ive enjoyed more than my 69 El Camino. The roominess is perfect to those long drives to Florida from Virginia and the suspension seems incredibly smooth. Also, it has 5 USB chargers which judging by the lack of bickering between my grand kids, is a great thing for keeping them pre occupied on their I-Andriods and bluetooth players. The engine is also smooth as silk and has the peppiness I need when pulling out into Florida traffic (people drive like animals)!

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  2 months and 3,500 miles - 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By mynewavalon - December 26 - 7:07 am

  Over all we love this car. Roomy sedan front and back with lux finishes. The trunk is smaller than non- hybrid big sedans but very respectable. Actual mileage /per gallon is truly impressive. Our friends with Lexus are envious. The chrome bezel on the dash is a negative when the sunlight hits it just right. Toyota could easily fix that. This car does not offer the softest ride on a bad road, as has been noted. However, we are city drivers with fairly frequent extended long distance freeway trips. Not an issue.

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  camry lover - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Richard Kroger - December 26 - 4:40 am

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  My 21st vehicle - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By capemike - December 26 - 4:36 am

  I buy vehicles more than some people change socks. This is my 21st new vehicle (between me & wife) that Ive purchased. I have owned pretty much every make truck, with Chevy being the worst, and Toyota being the best. This new style Tacoma caught my eye, and after driving one I had to have it. The power of the 6 cylinder is more than sufficient for this truck. The interior is quiet, well organized, and spacious. It is comfortable and well designed. I have found Toyota manufactures a quality vehicle and this truck is no exception. I would definitely reccommend this truck to others.

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  Very Happy - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Dan - December 25 - 5:53 pm

  This is my first Car Ive bought brand new. And I was nervous at first, but after dealing with Toyota and seeing how good of a car the Corolla is I consider myself very lucky to have a Corolla. Its resale is good, doesnt lose much value, and you rarely hear of issues with any Toyota... I recently drove my car on a 3300km trip and after the trip I didnt find myself tired of drivig it. Is a fun car with alot of jump for its size.

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  Gen 2 Taco is the way to go! - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jon - December 25 - 3:48 am

  A mid-year 2nd Generation Tacoma is the best for stable, reliable technology and comfort. The extra 4" width is a noticeable improvement. I really wanted to avoid the mammoth screen in the center dash too, since this would be an off-roading/ family camping vehicle. The 2010 I bought had a single-din stereo and a two-way radio already installed, in addition to some off-road improvements. Watch out for 3 major recalls in 2nd Gen Tacos: frame rust, rear leaf springs, and air bags... but if those arent needed, these trucks are awesome!

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  I want another one - 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By flagstaff434 - December 25 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a Jeep, a Durango, a Suburban a Lexus and a Mercedes (a sedan, not an SUV) and I put this Land Cruiser at the top in quality and value. Nuff Said.............