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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  You gotta get one - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By RAV4Lover - January 6 - 10:00 am

  NO REGRETS @ ALL! The engine is great dont listen to all that crap that its not, I HAVE ONE AND IT ROCKS!

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  great so far - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By afrantom - January 6 - 10:00 am

  The overall quality and design is almost perfect. Although the options can be a little pricy, there really is no comparison to any other make. After testing several other imports and domestics, this is by far the superior vehicle. Already having over 4000 miles in just a month and a half, the ride is quite comfortable, especially for someone of my size (64" and 250lbs). One of the downfalls is the lack of room in the Xcab. I dont even think my 11 year old nephew was comfortable on a 5 mile drive. definitely need a re-design for the Xcab in the near future. Other than that, the truck is quite capable.

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  Follow up review - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Bob - January 6 - 9:56 am

  After putting on over 20000 miles since purchase, I wanted to state that this vehicle is still enjoyable to operate. The vehicle still "feels" new and has not given us any problems. We use it to travel extensively around the country attending basketball tournaments that my granddaughter plays in. Always comfortable for the occupants and plenty of room for the gear.

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  Awesome car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Duke Chowdhury - January 6 - 2:16 am

  I have driven many cars from BMW to Mercedes but this is the only car that ran flawlessly even though it was much older than BMW 3 2.8 and Mercedes E320. It is fun to drive, comfortable and gets great gas mileage while being immaculately reliable no wonder Toyota will become the largest car manufacturer in the world in few years. The Detroit boys have a lot of work to do. Recommend to anyone.

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  Great Car - Great Mileage - Happy Camper - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Rob - January 5 - 8:50 pm

  Love the car, the switch from battery to gas isnt noisy, but a little jerky at first, but as you drive you forget it. Rides well, and handles great. A little soft on power but its only a 4 banger. If driven right, the mileage will be 40 highway and 45 city. You cant beat that for the size of the vehicle. I love it.

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  1st Day - GREAT! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By So-Cal Driver - January 5 - 7:50 pm

  My wife and I have only had our Prius for exactly 1 day! We did a TON of research and car shopping before we bought this car and I was skeptical at first, but it has definitely lived up to the hype. 46.7 mph on the first drive to work, clean, I love the silence when you stop at a light and during parking and backing up, acceleration is not a problem AT ALL! Coming from 93 Honda Accord this thing is a beauty. Enjoy your vehicle!

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  Fj - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Cliff Wheeler - January 5 - 4:32 pm

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  its the car in pakistan - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By zuhair - January 4 - 4:43 pm

  u can say that toyota corolla is the car in pakistan here every 4 person have toyota corolla

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  My Short Bus - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Tegeras - January 4 - 2:26 am

  Handles a lot better than I expected. Acceleration is super nice for a SUV. Love the head room and the look of the interior. Gas mileage is nice and should not be an issue with anyone. You want good gas mileage then go buy a subcompact! I mean seriously, this is a 4300lb suv.

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  Good Car For The Money - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Jon - January 3 - 4:30 pm

  This car give you everything from good fuel economy, good space for cargo, great style, very reliable, fun to drive with the six speed manual and it is quick when its RPMs are in the 8,000 range. Good car over all and would buy another one with no hesitation.