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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  comparing 4 trucks - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By steve wilson - November 14 - 10:00 am

  As the owner of a service company I have a chance to drive a Ford F150, Dodge Dakota, a Nissan and the Tundra. The Tundra has a better feel for the road and controls that are natural to use. When you change trucks its a pain when you cant find the radio knob without looking down. The tundra also gets better gas mileage than the ford and Dodge.

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  Dont listen to the complainers - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By earlgrey_44 - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Trouble free experience with this car. Very quiet and comfortable. Efficient engine. Handles nice.

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  Awesome - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Muttman - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I fell in love with this car the first time I saw it at an auto show. I traded a 2000 Mustang for this car and have yet to regret this decission.

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  Tried em all - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Big "Utes - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Have owned 11 large SUVs over 20 years. Sequoia is good but lacks the capabilities of the competition. Recent Car & Driver test results says Sequoia was only big ute to get stuck on their course. Got stuck twice last winter in snow - never been stuck before. All vehicles can have problems but have had to replace AC compressor, brakes, steering parts, fuel system EGR)parts, etc. Frustrated by Toyotas tendency to "wish" problems away, requiring calls to Customer Assurance. Toyota is extremely slow to issue recalls for known problems. You have to research TSBs. Im considering selling but choices for big utes are somewhat limited.

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  It is the dependable car. - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By anme - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I have it for almost a year without any problem. Driving is quite. However, the engine is kind of weak(136 hp) for 4c. So far I satisfy with it.

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  My Toyota 2002 - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By KKLUNSFORD - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I have fallen totally in love with my Camry. I now know I will never own a car other than a Toyota. I loved the dependability I feel, the looks I get when driving my new car. Its all around great.

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  owned many Camrys - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Larry B. - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I have ewned several Camrys and this is the most responsive one yet. You give up a little ride Quality but gain alot in handling. Feels very sporty in the turns and has great acceleration for a four cylinder. With spoiler and gold package this is a classy looking car.

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  best of both worlds - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Silver - November 14 - 8:46 am

  Best ride and handling out of all the trucks I test drove. After trying out the dodge, ford and chevy half tons the tundra came out way ahead of the others. Interior is very quiet at hwy speeds very little wind noise. The tundra is tight inside and out. If you dont need to tow more than 7k #s this truck is for you. The 282 hp v8 has plenty of power, very quick off the line.

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  Excellent - 2017 Toyota Tacoma
  By Brian - November 14 - 3:12 am

  This is my 3rd Truck and boy does it drive much better then the 1970 Toyota truck or my 1983 Dodge Rampage. That saying a lot since the dodge rampage drove like a car with nice bucket seats. The truck takes a little getting used to but like any new vehicle it going to take time to adjust to different settings. I was thrilled because my insurance only went up 10 bucks from driving a 2006 Acura TSX and I was not paying all that much for great coverage under 400 every 6 months. The truck likes to conserve on gas yes but when you need power just push the pedal down firm and you got full on get up and go power. If your taller then 6 FT you may end up hitting your head on the ceiling. For the most part though the ride is smooth and compliant especially on freeway. If your looking to get some extra weight under the wheels definitely get the Tonneau cover. It helps with getting more grip on the tires and improves gas mileage. Also the engine is much more compliant between gear shifts or maybe the computer just learned to adjust to my drive style. Either way it should be a boon to you because you can now lock your bed and lock the tailgate. Which is one of my concerns since the tailgate is so easy to remove.

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  Like a good pair of old jeans.. - 1995 Toyota Corolla
  By Carlos-Puerto Rico - November 13 - 8:26 pm

  For me its car # 5...but the best till now and I think that it will be hard to top. I have a 2000 Sienna, but not even this excellent family taxi can top my little warrior. I have had her for 10 years now and I do not have a doubt in my mind that Ill have her for 5 years more... with help from God maybe 20 yrs, even in an island like Puerto Rico which is known to be tough on cars even the tough SUVs.