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 Truck!!! - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By stevo_043 - March 28 - 3:33 am

  I recently purchased a Tundra and I love it!!! I got the 5.7 V8 and it hauls!!! I know it doesnt get the best gas mileage, but for a truck its not bad. Ive only had it for less than a week, but its great! Its roomy and definitely a great buy! Toyota is known for reliability and I know this truck will last a long time! Definitely get running boards, youll need them! The only complaint that I have is the bounciness that it has on the highway... It made my wife and I slightly queasy on the highway, but its expected of a truck. Other than that it rides great, has a great stereo (which has bluetooth - COOL) and is very comfortable and will be able to fit a new car seat for our new baby!

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  What a great SUV - 2015 Toyota 4Runner
  By trdpro - March 27 - 2:44 pm

  I drove a 14 Lexus GX460 and the rear barn door drove me crazy but I loved the KDSS suspension on it so I moved to the 15 limited 4runner for three days and switched to the 15 4runner trail edition for the KDSS. I love this SUV the interior volume of storage is huge. I can put 4 bicycles vertically without the front wheels on fork mounts no problems. I love the flat folding second row seats which make the cargo floor flat. The truck corners pretty flat on road and rides exactly like my Lexus GX 460. It does have more nose dive than the limited and GX. Brakes are grabby. I put the TRD Pro front grill and wheels on it and it is one of the best looking suvs I have bought.

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  2005 Taco - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By aj44mc - March 27 - 10:13 am

  this truck is amazing. After having a 92 toyota pick-up and trading it in for a car, i really missed the feeling of a truck. This truck is everything I missed and more than I could have hoped for.

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  Sporty and Reliability Here... - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By ASUMirage15 - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I love my 2002 Toyota 4Runner. It is extremely reliable, comfortable, and great looking. The only problem I have with the vehicle is the power. If you intend on buying one of these vehicles, I urge you to have a TRD Supercharger installed by your local dealer. I will carry the same powertrain warranty as the engine and pumps up horsepower from a dismal 183 bhp to 265 bhp.

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  Good Car - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Kyle Cooney - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I recently purchased my Camery in May of 2002. It has had no problems what so ever. It has 150000 and still runs and looks new except for the front 3 or 4 inches of the hood has a great deal of rock chips on it. I have since installed a bra to prevent any more damage. My only complaints about this car are nickel and dime things on the inside. The glides for my trash tray have broken so the tray moves in and out on its own and I had to manipulate the trunk mechanism (this may have been from over filling it).

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  An Affordable Luxury Car - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Stefanie - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I love the Solara! When I was looking for cars, I stumbled across the "sporty Camry" and I was sold. What attracted me to the car was its sleek design, but Im constantly impressed by its handling. Its quick and surprisingly quiet. Until I can afford a Lexus or an Audi, this is definitely the car for me.

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  Best Bang for Buck on The Market - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By Hugh James - March 27 - 12:18 am

  Gives great power, reliability, comfort, interior space, fuel economy what else can you ask for in a large sedan. Plus with Limited Trim I have wood grain interior, Navigation, push button start, rear sun shade, and more.

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  Good choice - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By dericy - March 26 - 11:46 pm

  This was what I was looking for. Good looks, good mileage, Toyota is its name. The 1989 Civic hatchback almost made it to 300k and you will certainly hear about it if this doesnt. I got a great basic car. No radio, 14" wheels, roll up windows, exactly like I am used to. I threw in an aftermarket Pioneer 6900ub with direct usb link to the iPod and I have a great commuter, even for those times when I have to sit in Seattle area traffic.

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  2010 Camry LE - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Dom - March 26 - 6:33 pm

  Cant go wrong with this car. Quiet, ride is great, gas mileage is outstanding (29 mpg first tank), all latest safety features (knee airbag, ESC, Traction Control, ABS). The new 2.5 liter engine and 6 speed transmission is a significant improvement. It behaves like a V6 and the power doesnt poop out at high speeds. I have a Lexus GS series also and this Camry is not much different (ride, quiet) for thousands less.

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  Good Buy. - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By VictorV. - March 26 - 3:46 pm

  Bought with 73k.great vehicle to haul the kids around.I chose the V8 due to its power.The gas mileage with a V6 was just 2mpg less.Go with the V8.Drove from Las Vegas to San Francisco,what an awesome ride.Eats up potholes.I liked the 4runner so much, I bought my wife a 2007 4runner sport.