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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  this is a great car but be careful - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By brightangel - January 20 - 10:00 am

  this was my first car and i had it for 2 and a half months before i totaled it. i loved everything about the car, but if youre thinking about getting one, make sure you get the antilock brakes. i didnt know that they were not standard and mine didnt come with any. That is why my brakes locked up in the rain, and i rear ended somebody causing $11,600 in damages. i am definatly getting another one just like it, but this time im getting the ABS system.

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  my frist 8,000 km eperience - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By sammmaasehhn - January 20 - 10:00 am

  good size, good match with fuel economy to power ignition key sticks sometimes in lock or wont turn unless steering wheel is turned to take preasure off if parked with wheels turned. everything else works as it should they should offer the 180 horsepower 1.8 engine on the "sport" model as a option. currently have 8300 km on it

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  Dust Eclipses in a 4-door - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Paul_Can - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Not only does the Corolla S look awesome, but you can dust just about any 4 banger on the road with this 1.8L 5 speed. Ive dusted Mitsubishis, Hondas and even SUVs left and right in a car that gets almost 40 MPG combined. The inside is perfect, the outside is perfect, I cant say enough about the best selling car of all time!

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  robo car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Don Lane - January 20 - 10:00 am

  A really fun car to own and drive. Previous car was a MB 350ML. We are getting 55 MPG average city and highway

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  Sienna is great!! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By mocan55 - January 20 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is well built combining functionality with many "bells and whistles." Well-thought-out design and engineering...smart placement of amenities and storage.

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  Excellent value for the price - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Escon92029 - January 20 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent car for the price. I drive both freeway and city miles and find the fuel economy excellent--at least 25 miles per gallon.

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  05 Taco 4x4 - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Cboels84 - January 20 - 3:30 am

  I have been nothing but impressed by this truck so far. It is very well built and thought out, Toyota got all the details right. It has an ample amount of power, the 6-speed shifts smoothly, it sticks to the road like its on rails, Heat/AC works very well, the stereo sounds great, and the 4-wheel capability is unmatched. Im getting 17 mpg city and 20 mpg Hwy. After comparing it to the other trucks on the market, the Tacoma is easily the best buy.

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  I love my Ladybug - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Manuela Inman - January 20 - 2:26 am

  I went to Germany to visit some relatives and they had a Yaris. I fell in love with it over there. When it came out over here I just had to have one. I love that it is roomy, and easy to handle. You can get in just about any parking space. It is very fuel efficient and good looking. People even stop and look.

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  Tacoma continues to rule - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By heymark - January 19 - 10:33 pm

  I purchased the 09 Tacoma and Toyota continues to amaze me. From the expected superior fit and finish to the rock solid reliability mechanically. Well though out ergonomic placements of dash controls. This vehicle is my 4th Toyota overall and my second Tacoma. The first three have never given me any problems outside regular maintenance. There are only slight changes on the 09 from the 08 but the focus for this year is on safety with the STAR system. 4W ABS, electronic brakeforce system, stability control and traction control and of course the 6 air bags

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  "Simon the Sienna" - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By Paul - January 19 - 3:13 pm

  My wife and I had a 2002 Chrysler Town and Country that we traded in for the Sienna. Oh what a power play move!! The Sienna rides way, way better than the Town and Country. Ours is silver shadow pearl. When we bought the Sienna home, our kids went crazy! They immediately fell in love with it. Even our dog fell in love with it. This will be our baby for a good long time. It is kid friendly, family friendly, and dog family. Its like a part of your family. No wonder why many people own these. A lot of our family members own these, and love them too! We absolutely love it. Simon is the minivans name, and he is truly loved by his family.