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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  2006 XR, stick shift - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Steve_Price - January 24 - 8:46 pm

  Fun to drive, holds an unbelievable amount of stuff, sips gasoline. I havent liked a new car this much since my 1965 Dodge Dart GT.

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  Well Thought out Cross over - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Perfect Balance - January 24 - 6:50 am

  Purchased my Venza almost a year ago replacing a Honda Odyssey and no longer needing a mini van. This vehicle has ample cargo space with a easy fold down back seat, lots of leg room in the back seat, comfy leather bucket front seats, and easy access without the need to bend or jump up into the vehicle. The front windshield allows good visibility and the backup camera is an added feature providing confidence in backing, It is fun to drive and comfortable, easy to maneuver. Mine came with great Michelin tires. Gas mileage is acceptable for a car this size but wished it came as a hybrid, then it would be about perfect! Two tone interior is nice and leather luxurious. A bit pricey, but nice!

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  Camry the best in the West n East.Next to my horse! - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By talong_sayote - January 24 - 3:32 am

  My 2013 SE V6 Camry is perfect!Better than my X5 BMW that sucks a lot of gas.

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  Greatly improved mileage over 2014 Prius 2 - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Stephen Vear - January 23 - 7:46 pm

  New design greatly improves Fuel mpg, averaged 48 on 2014 Prius 2, have gotten almost 70 mpg non highway, frequently over 60mpg driving 100 miles to work, combo rural and interstate, current average is 58.6 for all miles driven a 20% improvement over the 2014 Prius 2 I owned. Advanced Technology package well worth it, Active cruise control, collision avoidance, lane departure correction. AND the only way to get a moon-roof which I hope will improve resell value as it is only offered on model 3 and 4 !

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  Too Cute for Words - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By tempron - January 23 - 7:46 am

  Having weathered the past 3 years in an expensive German car lease (including $4.75 unleaded premium), I am a good example of the change in trend of consumer behavior. Bought my Yaris after a quick test drive and am in love with this cute little car. I obviously wanted (and needed) a car that was both inexpensive to own and operate, but also stylishly quirky and fun to drive.

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  Great teen fun to drive truck - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Great Teen Car - January 23 - 1:00 am

  When I turned 18 I bought the FJ. I loved it for its cool design on the outside and the inside. The 4 wheel drive system is great in the snow because every wheel senses when thye are slipping and transfers more power to it, also the tight ride is great for handling at high speeds.

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  Superb Economy Car - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By Stephen - January 22 - 10:16 am

  My 2008 Yaris recently totaled in accident. Did what it was supposed to, protect my wife and me while taking the damage. Four days later I had a 2010 identical Yaris with even better safety features. I cannot tell you how peppy, compact, fun to drive and SAFE this small car can be. Gas mileage is great, interior and exterior features and looks are sleek and very Euro style, and the cargo room is outstanding for what basically looks like a cute Tinkertoy. Small wife (411")loves the view driving it. Great choice for many reasons.

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  It has Detroit Engineers thinking!!! - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By hhseguras - January 22 - 6:03 am

  First truck I own, second Ive driven (F-150 @ work). Great improvement from the 2006 model: Looks stylish and bold, quiet and roomy interior and of course, Toyota quality built and dependability. I have the 4.7 V8 which can handle more than adequate the loads, nice power for merging quickly on highways (loaded) and excellent braking system. I guess Toyota is going to make a big hole on the sales for the big three. No doubt that the new drive trains performance comes as a result of Toyotas research and investment on its Formula 1 team. That is something that only Ford can possibly match; but by that time the Tundra will have a well earned name in the segment, difficult to beat.

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  Great vehicle - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By pier - January 22 - 3:53 am

  I love high quality cars. My Toyota Tundra is a high quality pickup truck. Im very impressed about the power of this engine, as well as my driving experience, it is so smooth and comfortable. I owned a Ford F-150 before this one, but the Toyota is very far ahead in technology. Im not tired anymore when I drive back from work. Driving with this truck is fun became my passion.

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  Excellent truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Joey - January 21 - 7:26 pm

  This is an awesome truck and very stylish. My truck the 4 door, "limited", leather, TRD, 4WD, and the color is metallic black, with black luggage rack and black nerf bars... all stock. I get so many compliments on this vehicle - even though the body style is smaller than the new Tacomas that are out at the dealerships today. To me, this is the perfect size truck for off-road and run around the town.