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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  2004 4runner SE - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By ggroot - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Styling took some time to get used to. The towing capacity is great and you cannot beat the engine. Compare the interior quality fit & finish to most other comparable suvs (save the MDX) and you understand the price tag.

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  Highlander Limited - 2004 - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Chuck in Illinois - November 11 - 10:00 am

  We worked with a dealer located 90 miles from our house. After 8 days of emailing back and forth, we agreed upon a price that was $500 below Edmunds TMV. This dealer understood the importance of customer service and honesty. Side curtain airbags, 6CD changer, Leather, Heated seats 3.3L V6...wow. We were looking at the Pilot and the Highlander in the home stretch. The reach distance for the driver to the radio/climate controls was more comfortable in the Highlander. The front seats are more comfortable than the Pilots.

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  I made the right decision!!! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By lifeisgood76 - November 11 - 10:00 am

  I realy like this car. It was between this, the civic and the Hyundai Sonata. I chose this one because the inviting interior, the sporty look, and the whole price/package. I am enjoying this after the first week!

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  Great Car - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By unsuk - November 11 - 10:00 am

  A Great Car, would not have another kind.

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  Nice ride - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By NICE RIDE - November 11 - 6:16 am

  Ive owned this car for 2 years now bought it with 120,000 miles, now has 150,000 and still running great routine tune-ups and the car just keeps going better than non imported brands

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  Best Toyota yet - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By geronia - November 11 - 1:33 am

  It drives as good as my 2000 Tundra

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  Major defects - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Cgoodrich - November 10 - 8:59 pm

  Had to take it in 2 weeks after I got it gir a faulty rear differential. There were 3 other brand new ones there as well for major fixes.

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  Im a Toyota Man Now! - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By unb10 - November 10 - 7:26 pm

  Ive owned a lot of cars, but this one takes the cake. The handling is awe inspiring, even if the horsepower isnt. Still, a 6.5 second 0-60 mph time is enough for me, and I enjoy getting 30+ mpg. For those who said the interior looks "cheap" and "plastic", get the leather interior. It is reminiscent of higher priced performance cars. I love the look and feel of the interior, very comfortable, and Im a large guy. Everywhere I go, people stop and stare. And you may not need more HP. Ive had two sports cars back down from a race (05 Mustang, 03 Firebird). Reason? They thought it was a Porsche. I was a Chevy lover before, but Im a Toyota man now.

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  Things fall off - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By lb - November 10 - 5:40 pm

  Bought used in 2002 with 30,000 miles. As for reliability couldnt be better. At 100,000 miles replaced belts, hoses, & water pump. Thats it!! but the interior seems cheaply made. At 135,000 miles there is a leak that we cant find and back window has come off track Cover for fuse box on side keeps coming off and carpet is coming from under the door. Front seat broke. But at 32 mpg Ill keep it til the doors fall off. Fairly good on brakes and tires. My daughter will get in when she gets her license. May buy something a little more exciting then.

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  As Expected - Reliable Vehicle - 2015 Toyota Corolla
  By tinar0926 - November 10 - 2:55 pm

  Bought my 2015 Carolla, December 2015. I had not purchased a vehicle in 10 years. Was looking for something reliable, updated, fuel efficient, fun to drive and looked good. The Carolla has come a long way since its inception. The styling and design is 21st Century. Its comfortable, drives smooth and looks good. It has everything I wanted in a new car. Was also very pleased with the Dealership I went to and their staff, very helpful. Was able to get what I wanted for the price I wanted!