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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  WAY TOO MUCH FUN - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By JENNIFER - December 27 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS THE MOST FUN I COULD HAVE IMAGINED. IVE ALWAYS LOVED TOYOTA QUALITY, BUT THIS BREAKS ALL OF THE RULES. ITS GUTSY, IT FITS THE SPORT BIKES.....AND THE PRICE IS RIGHT. i WOULD RECOMMEND THIS TRUCK TO ANYONE.

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  Get the feeling - true SUV - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By MikeB - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I have driven everything from the BMW X5 to the Honda Pilot and VW Toreag. The 4Runner was the best of the bunch for the $$$. Great ride, handeling and excellent build quality. A true SUV not like these car based suvs built for soccer moms. Got mine as a 2003 leftover for 12K less than sticker.

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  Toyota 2003 Camry - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By JoWho - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Im not very happy with this car. The seatbelt locks up even when brake isnt used, ABS kicks in when not needed, veers to the left even after 6 times at dealership.

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  V6 Camry- a no brainer - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Jersey Camry - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Very sharp car... performance in the V6 is key, as the 4 cylinder we test drove was a little sluggish in acceleration. Ride is smooth and leather interior is quite luxurious. Trunk space is great, along with a large backseat. Youll pay up for the V6 with leather, but I believe it is worth it. This car reminds me of a Lexus for thousands less.

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  Best SUV period - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By spcledtnta - December 26 - 9:46 pm

  I have had a 2K 4Runner and am now on my 2nd 4Runner. The style, ride, space, comfort, sound, MPG, and the back window that fully rolls down are unbeatable. Love everything about this SUV except for 1 minor detail - power outlet. The location of the power outlet in the front of the vehicle right beside the shifter is not in the best location. If you are trying to power three items such as GPS, Cell Phone and DVD Player for the kids in the back seat then the location gets in the way. Would have been better served on the dash, next to the in dash storage compartment. Would definitely purchase another Toyota 4Runner.

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  Great car - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By George Alston - December 26 - 7:47 pm

  does not have Apple carplay

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  2011 camry problems - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By ctrev - December 26 - 2:18 pm

  At 2600 miles the following problems occured. Transmission-slips going from 2 to 3 Catalytic converter is in the consol and heats up so badly you could fry an egg on the consol. Do not know if the plastic there can stand the heat or gases will be emitted from the same location. Gas mileage fell like a stone to 32 hywy and 21 city

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  Super Quiet and Comfortable - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By RussB - December 26 - 10:00 am

  This car is a pleasure to drive. Its so quiet at 65 mph, I can still hear soft musical passages on the well performing sound system. The quick acceleration allows me to get around the slow traffic even in short passing zones. Handling around curves is not like a sports car, but very good for a car this size. The only service required (other than scheduled) is repairing a small paint problem on the front bumper. The last 2 other new cars purchased required numerous dealer trips to get the kinks out.

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  2001 avalon - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By Harris - December 26 - 10:00 am

  i purchased my avalon on a feb 2001, recently owning a tercel. this car is plain ugly such as the poor imatation of a 95 s class tail lights, the grill which is too big with such bad looking fake chrome and the 15 inch rims with have no style, and also the boxy styling on the top it looks like a tall box on wheels far away. on the other hand avalons v6 has great acceration for a boat but steering a little off which is to light. it has a extremly quiet cabin, and offers gernous leg room in the back. the sound system is GREAT in this car, this 6 inch wroofer sounds like a 15 inch when turned loud. what should i call this car....hmmm its just like a old man lexus es300.

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  AWESOME - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By TheProfessor - December 26 - 10:00 am

  This thing ROCKS! I dont know what I enjoy most: The incredible handling, the 30+ miles per gallon, or getting more attention than the Ferraris and Boxters out there! After 1 year of ownership, no problems yet.