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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  Glad I decided on the Corolla - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Jim - October 17 - 5:53 pm

  Been looking for a subcompact for a month and finally decided on the Corolla. Drove it home today and felt better with each mile. A truly solid, well constructed car. Better mileage than Mazda 3 and Focus. A lot more car than the Civic with a better warranty.

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  Love at first site! - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By linda - October 17 - 11:36 am

  I went from a 94 gas sucking explorer to my sleep red V6 rav4. I love this vehicle! I am getting over 29 miles a gallon with a bit of hyper-miling and not squealing the tires when I take off! I looked at Saturn vue, Ford escape, Ford edge, Mercury Mariner and I found this to be the best value! Its fun to drive, and I do not regret buying it a bit. 3rd row seat hold my daughters friends for combined mall trips, or lay em down and put all her softball stuff there! Its an awesome SUV

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  The best car in the world. - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Emil V. Benvenuto - October 17 - 9:40 am

  In April 2004, I purchased a Prius for my wife, but I quickly found that I was driving the Prius 95% of the time. In July I found another Prius available in Florida with all options. We quickly drove to Florida to pick up our second Prius that I purchased over the telephone. I guess you could title that doubling your pleasure. Since I didnt want to put my wife through the task of learning about navigation systems and all the other great options, I decided to drive the fully equipped Prius. On the spur of the monment we could be driving to Toronto, Cape Cob, Pinehurst, NC, or Florida, enjoying the best car in the world. By the way we are both in the mid-seventies.

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  Love this car! Should have bought it sooner - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By sevn86 - October 17 - 3:53 am

  I purchased a 2011 Toyota Camry SE on Jan. 29th 2011. It has the white exterior with black leather seats. It also has a Sunroof, Push button start. Bluetooth, Rear Spoiler, Auto Dimming mirror w/ compass, DLX radio package, and sealant package. I am very pleased with this car. I traded in my 2000 Toyota camry and man im so glad I did. This car is very smooth and very responsive. Its a bit bouncy cuz it has the sport suspension but I love it! Over all the quality both inside and out is great. I paid $24,500+TTL which came out to $26,162 out the door but i also got $3,000 for my trade so my out the door price was $23,162.01. MSRP was $27,862. I also got 0% for 60 months. Is that a good deal?

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  Love my Tundra - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Bill - October 16 - 10:26 pm

  Bought my truck new and have loved it since the first day. I use synthetic oil and have it changed at the dealer about every 5000 miles. Last year I was in a 5 car accident. I was driving 65 mph, locked it up and stopped about 4 feet from hitting the car in front of me. The guy behind me did not stop. He smashed in the front end of his car and had to be towed. My bumper had a small dent and I was fine. He must have hit me at about 60 mph. Since then, I have bought a 4 Runner for my wife and a 4 Runner for my daughter for her first car. I need to get a timing belt put on the truck - get your maintenance at the dealer, your truck will last forever.

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  Fun - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By DMC - October 16 - 9:33 pm

  The car has been a lot of fun to drive, love putting the top down. But even with the top up I’m surprised at how quiet it is in the car. The only thing that is questionable is its cornering ability. It feels like it wants to break loose when going thru s curves at higher then legal speed. But all and all handles just great for every day driving.

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  Most fun car to drive for the money! - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By soccerguy2k - October 16 - 8:40 am

  I have driven previous Rav4s with 4 cyl engines. When I test drove the V6, I was sold instantly. This car is a dream, as if someone custom made it for you! Its everything you expect, and it flies! If you like a race car feel and performance and can handle the pick-up, this is for you. Conservative drivers will not like this car. This should be a major hit for the young and the young at heart who can afford a nice SUV.

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  Luv my Van! - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Kate - October 15 - 10:56 pm

  I love having such a safe vehicle. I wasnt in the market per se for a van but the safety ratings sold me. I have a small child and her well-being is #1. I also was very impressed w/ the vans handling in the snow. My van out performed my husbands Silverado 1500! We were both in shock. Overall my van is safe, beautiful and reliable. I know it will last me far beyond my car payments. If you dont mind the initial teasing of being called a soccer mom, this is the vehicle to have.

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  The best car out there in its class - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By dd - October 15 - 10:13 pm

  From top to bottom, this car has got it all.

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  Best Car I have ever Owned - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Boulder, CO - October 15 - 6:30 pm

  The 4Runner drives like a sports car on the highway and perfoms like a Land Rover offroad. I have never felt a 4WD that takes washboard roads at 50 MPH without feeling a single vibration. I have taken it up super- steep rock hils in Moab, and driven it around the busy streets of Denver. It is extremely quiet and very solidly built.