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:

• 

  What I Was Looking For - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Canadian - April 4 - 6:53 pm

  I live in Alberta so the roads are black ice for 8 months of the year and it handles awesome. You have to force it to slide out in 4 wheel drive. I can drive through 2 feet of snow and not even get close to stuck. Ive driven big trucks before so believe me when I say there are no blind spots, just learn to use your mirrors and you can see the whole road, your 6 feet off the ground. Good power, I would like a v8 in it but the v6 doesnt fall far behind. Havent had trouble fitting 5 guys and hockey bags in the back driving for over an hour. Light enough not to get stuck in mud all the time unlike older Toyotas. If you can drive, you will love this SUV, beats a pick up any day.

• 

  Best Purchase Decision - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Betty - April 4 - 1:40 pm

  The Prius has turned out more than I expected. It is light and swift, and its smooth transitions between electric and fuel motors makes it really fun to drive, and the energy monitor makes it interesting to see how the car works. The mileage it gets is wonderful, with my initial tank at about 48 mpg to my 3rd tank at about 57 mpg, and thats highway/surface street combo driving. With the current gas prices, this car is worth every penny. People complained about the seat, but I havent noticed it. Perhaps on longer trips? So if you are considering a hybrid at all, you wont be disappointed.

• 

  Sky Blue Toy - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By C Felder - April 3 - 11:50 pm

  Great value car . The 4 cylinder lacks torque. The light blue color is too bright for our taste, we ordered it online, our fault.

• 

  LOOKING FORWARD TO 150K - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Jeff F - April 3 - 4:23 pm

  I am enjoying the heck out out my Corolla. I had to tap the gas gauge to make sure it was working I just got over 400 miles to a tank. Wow. I have the S model with manual transmission fun to drive.

• 

  Im loving it. - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Xuser - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Matrix is the definition of CUV (Compact Utility Vehicle)

• 

  Car of the Future - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By wEndy - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I love that I am saving gasoline and helping to lower Americas dependence on foreign oil. I love that I am driving and polluting less. This car has it all! It is affordable, fun to drive, handles well, has lots of room inside and gets amazing gas mileage.

• 

  Toyota Corolla - 2000 Toyota Corolla
  By daddemac - April 3 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has gotten me the best gas mileage of any vehicle I have ever owned. Handling and performance for small car with a 1.8 liter engine has really impressed me. I drive this car daily to and from work, which is a 130 mile round trip, and maintain speeds of 75 to 80 mph. The Corolla still gets me between 37 and 40 mpg. What a money savings this car has been especially with the rising gas prises.

• 

  EXCELLENT! - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By bw1 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  No complaints!

• 

  my new Avalon - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By clubleaf - April 3 - 2:00 am

  We have been leasing Toyotas for about 8 years, and last summer, when the lease was running out, we went to the dealer, fully intending to get another Camry. They had an Avalon on the showroom floor that we really liked, and one just like it on the lot. After test driving both the Camry and the Avalon there was no question as to which car to take. We love the car. It has so many really nice extras that make a difference in the pleasure of driving. And, the service we get on this car and all of the previous Toyotas is second to none. N

• 

  Tundra 04 - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By crcaez - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Excellent Truck! Comfortable and powerful. Manuevering is responsive.