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:

• 

  Undisputed Champion - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By VEGA - January 24 - 11:30 pm

  I drove the new Silverado, Ford F-150, Nissan Titan, and the Dodge Ram with the 5.7. The new 2007 Tundra with the 5.7 destroys the competition. Handling, power, acceleration, braking, and looks, plus resale value and reliability of Toyota.

• 

  My Dream Car - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By Tomika - January 24 - 11:13 pm

  For the last couple of years I have longed for the Sequoia. I got a great deal on the SR5. I do wish the steering wheel had radio controls on it though. I also wish it came with backup sensors, but other than that i as so pleased. I only hope that as the years pass i will still be as happy.

• 

  We love this car! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Barbara - January 24 - 7:30 pm

  I bought this car without ever driving it as there were none in the showrooms. It has exceeded my expectations in every way. Coming back from Buena Vista, CO to eastern Iowa, we averaged 50.8. It has plenty of zip and we are easily able to pass slower traffic even ascending on mtn. passes. I have a back injury and the seats are plenty comfortable. With lots of room in the back we can transport fishing equipment,instruments, & plenty of luggage. Good leg room. There are many nice amenities such as two glove boxes and other places to stash glasses,etc. Being able to observe the gas mileage every five minutes has turned me into a more conscious driver. And with near zero emissions its a no brainer.

• 

  Best 4cyl ever driven - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By JScev - January 23 - 6:43 pm

  I have had this car for over a yr and i love it. i have had minimal problems. i got back and forth to college and i get around 40 mpg. i do have exhaust, header and intake to help but it is still very good. My parents have an 04 civic ex and my celica GT blows it away, as does it smoke the 02 cavy my bro has.

• 

  High on the Highlander - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Austin Six - January 23 - 5:12 pm

  This is a solid buy. Comfy, adequately powerful, good road manners. Steering is a little vague with too much assistance, but not numb like domestic competitors. This Limited model has virtually all the bells and whistles. Recommended without question.

• 

  15000 Trouble-free miles and counting... - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Pondhockey5 - January 23 - 3:40 pm

  Smoother ride than several cars we have owned. Handles well for an SUV. Excellent safety features.

• 

  Avalon - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By Dan - January 23 - 3:06 pm

  You know how you get the feeling that I bought this car new and after 3 or 4 years, you kind of get the itch to buy a new car; well with this car and it is the fifth new car I have purchased, I have no desire. This is a car I can imaginge driving 15 or 20 years from now and that never happened with the previous four.

• 

  My GT300 - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By gt300 - January 23 - 10:00 am

  So much aftermarket high-performance products that will tremendously transform your car from a stocky-stock machine to a fast and the furious type of vehicle, name it carbon fibers, intakes, suspensions, body kits, rear spoilers, 19 inch rims and high- performance race tires, wow simply amazing. Get the Absolute Red and feel like your driving a 360 Ferrari Modena. The Toyota Celica is very stylish, especially when you install toyota certified TRD parts. Great car, I love it so much, fuel economy and the price is unbeatable.

• 

  Prius -- Its time has come! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By jane b. - January 23 - 10:00 am

  Have had my Prius only 2 months, but have already taken a long driving trip, not to mention in-city driving. This is a great car. Comfortable, fun to drive, and the gas mileage is truly amazing. Were long overdue for an economical, affordable, and attractive automobile...and this 2004 Prius fills the bill beautifully. Im a former SUV owner and used to roominess...and surprisingly, the Prius has plenty of storage room and more than enough leg room for my passengers (even my six- foot-plus nephew). A thoughtfully designed car...and a true "gas-sipper." I heartily recommend the Prius to you folks interested in an ecology- friendly, zippy car.

• 

  Prius forever - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By My second Prius - January 23 - 10:00 am

  I took delivery of my 2004 Prius, package 7, in April and continue to be amazed with the mileage I can squeeze out of each tank. My best so far has been 524 miles averaging 59 mpg. To get the best efficiency out of the hybrid engine you definitely need to change your driving habits and allow the car to coast by easing off the throttle. The ride is exceptional especially when it kicks into electric mode, eerily quiet. I still look forward to each drive and only wished I had ordered the NAV system.