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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  Great Buy!!! - 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Bill Kibble - December 11 - 10:55 pm

  Theyre getting a great car!

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  Going, Going, Still going - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By bill knab - December 11 - 8:20 pm

  Toyota means reliability, not flash or gadgets. Do you want a dependable, efficient, safe car or a home entertainment system on wheels with ignition systems that can take your life like GM?

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  Best owned Vehicle to date! - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By shodon_main - December 11 - 5:52 pm

  I currently own the 2005 Toyota Tundra Limited 4dr 4x4 and it is the best vehicle that I have owned yet! I bought the truck with 50,000 miles on it and have since put 30,000 more miles onto it and it hasnt even had a hicup. I have driven the truck from Colorado to the tip of texas and back, hauled a packed full 6x12 trailer from Colorado to New York and then from New York to Oklahoma and havent had a single problem or gripe with this truck. I currently use it as a daily driver and occasionally to haul the 4 wheeler to the sand dunes for a fun weekend.

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  Its good But - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By flodog - December 11 - 5:36 pm

  Fuel mileage is GREAT comfortable ride, BUT That new gas pedal and the 6 speed transmission will drive you crazy while driving around town. Feels like the brakes are locking up when slowing down

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  Nice Little Car - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By crocksan - December 11 - 4:20 pm

  It is my first Toyota car. I really like it the ride is good the economy is great. The only thing I do not like is the position of the driver seat in relation to the steering wheel with the seat back it is uncomfortable to reach the wheel. It definitely needs a telescoping steering wheel. ABS and four wheel disc brakes should be standard. Beyond that great car.

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  For the $$$$ - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Wytpny1 - December 11 - 12:10 pm

  Just cant beat the $$$ to the quality and performance. If you want a smooth ride with plenty of performance for a family car, GET A CAMRY!!!

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  Best car I have ever driven - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Michael - December 11 - 7:03 am

  This is the first foreign car I have had, and I couldnt be more impressed without a hybrid engine. Once you learn the responsiveness of the gas pedal, you can get either the performance or mileage you want out of a 2.4L 4-cylinder. I get a consistent 22mpg in suburb driving and have hit 26+ on nothing but freeway at speeds of 70-75ish. The steering and controls are awesome. The sound system looks great and sounds great, plus it has a hidden power and audio in jack for iPods or satellite radio. The folding back seats allow extra room when needed (help a friend move). The climate controls are very simple yet adjustable. I like them more than my moms Avalon. Overall, an awesome car.

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  First Toyota Truck - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Kevin - December 10 - 9:23 pm

  This is the first Toyota truck I have ever owned. Ive only had it a few weeks but could not be happier. Plenty of power for passing and a very comfortable ride for a pick-up truck. The interior of the truck was set up very nicely with no gauges being blocked from your view with the steering wheel. Ive seen several reviews from professional websites that claim the seating position is too low. Im 62" and I say the seating position is too high. Other than that an overall exceptional truck.

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  What a Great Car - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Katherine - December 10 - 11:06 am

  I bought my car new in 2005. I am six feet tall and the car is very comfortable front and back. I get between 46 and 52 MPG. I watch the consumption level which changed my driving habits. No jackrabbit starts and I drive a with my cruise control a lot. We have mountainous uphills and Ive never had trouble passing on them - lots of get up and go! Have had no problems with it. You can stuff a lot of stuff into this car. I have always owned Toyotas and this is my favorite.

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  Tundranator - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By SonyAbyss - December 10 - 10:53 am

  I have owned my Tundra SR5 for about 3 months and I love it. Mostly every one that I know agrees the Tundra has a better external apearence than the Titain and gets better gas milage while having the power and reliability of a Toyota. I can pull my 20 ft camper trailer with out any problems and the interior makes the long rides between vacations enjoyable.