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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  Great Car! - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By aklemme - June 10 - 12:33 pm

  This was my first new car that I bought. The outside design is nice, as well as the inside. Its a very reliable car and works great as a commuter. Gas mileage is great. Has lots of bass in the radio, could make it a hit or miss.

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  The Best Vehicle Weve Ever Owned - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Nick - June 10 - 12:26 pm

  My grandfather purchased our 2000 Toyota Camry XLE V6 brand new in fall 1999 fully loaded with all the options and accessories: with only one option lacking: fog lights. I am happy to say no one has suffered as a result. It was effectively a Lexus ES. The 3.0L V6 engine in this car makes it the most responsive car I have ever driven. When I need to pass someone on the highway, its a snap. I cant imagine having anything less under the hood. Yet its so quiet at idle that I can barely hear it. This car can barrel down the highway at 80 miles per hour as smooth as silk. I will drive this car forever, or until it dies, which doesnt seem possible anytime soon. Its 100% reliable.

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  AWD sienna review - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Matt - June 10 - 5:20 am

  Overall the best minivan available. Odyssey drives/handles better and has better mileage but is not available with AWD (helpful for MN winters). Very happy with fit/finish and build quality however cabin noise is excessive at highway speeds (70+) and chassis rumbles over rough surfaces. No rattles yet but seems likely well get some down the road.

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  Awesome Truck! - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By Slvrado03 - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 1997 Toyota Tacoma used. It only had 46,000 miles on it. I have never owned such a great vehicle. This is my first used vehicle, and I have had not one single problem with it. Even after 72,200 miles. I would recommend a Toyota to anyone looking for a vehicle.

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  What Toyata Quality - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Sad - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I dont recomend the Matrix. Its expensive for a car that is put together so cheaply. Push on the front fender panels and watch them wabble back an fourth. The console under the shifter will not stay shut if you put anything in it. The car is really underpowered.

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  my 4runner - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By jtate - June 10 - 2:00 am

  Excellent suv with low depreciation

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  Love my Toyota - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Be - June 10 - 2:00 am

  Great compact SUV - Handles great in snow.

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  Great value, super car for commuting! - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By dmbourgeois - June 10 - 2:00 am

  EXCELLENT CAR!! This is the BEST by far I have ever owned. I drive 110 miles RT every day to my job, and I wanted something that was comfortable, good on gas and reliable. The Toyota RAV4 has proved to be all of this and more....it was very reasonably priced. The RAV4 drives like a 6 cylinder, is comfortable and roomy and has a great stereo/CD/tape deck. Excellent handling in the winter weather and rain. I would recommend this car to anyone, but especially to those who commute any distance. I get the room and comfort of an SUV with the gas mileage of a much smaller car.

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  Great Vechile - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By JJCC - June 10 - 2:00 am

  Purchased to replace a Ford windstar that could not handle are growing family and pulling our tent trailer. Does everything well. Quiet and powerful. Was considering the Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer/Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe. After many test drives and much research I purchased the Sequoia. We are very happy. This will not leave are family for a long time.

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  tundra double cab limited - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By rocklan - June 10 - 2:00 am

  Awesome truck. Drives like a sports car. Needs bigger armrest and more comfy front seats. Other than that this truck is top notch. Dont skimp with the SR5 package, the Limited package transforms the vehicle from a Toyota to a Lexus