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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  First Toyota - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By First Corolla - December 15 - 11:20 am

  I was either going to buy a Yaris or the Corolla and when I drove up to the lot there was a Barcelona red Corolla and a red Yaris. The salesman thought I should get the Corolla because of the more roominess and other options. Best friend has a Yaris and he gloats how it gets better mileage but I dont think I have made a mistake in getting the Corolla. I put about fifty miles a day in it so I was looking for fuel economy and I love the style of this car. The color turns many heads and it drives great! I get about 31 miles a gallon in the winter and it goes up to 35 in the summer. Eighty percent of my driving is freeway. Its a great car.

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  Excellent SUV - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By ABCd - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Very nice and smooth powertrain. Inside is very nice, and comfortable. If you want to purchase Toyota backed extend warranty at the dealer, make sure you start the neg. by knocking down $400 off the price they quote you! The dealer will always try to take advantage of you first. Watch out!!You can find out the MSRP for those extended warranty on toyotas website under finance.

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  Decent SUV - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By paul02 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  This SUV fits in with others in its class. Howver, the overall construction of the vehicle can leave a sour taste in the mouth of a trendy consumer.

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  99 anderson analysis - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By robert e anderson - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vechicle after my mother passed away.I HAVE BEEN TO savannah, Charleston to visit my daughter and grandchridren the car handled and performed excellent, got alot of turned heads as we passed other drivers. Been to toronto and the car dove and performed excellent. the car maintained through the dealer, has brand new michelen tires oil changed every 3000 miles to keep performance up.

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  Great Product, but Poor Service - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By former BMW driver - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I picked the Highlander and love it. I drove around in my brothers X5 for a month, but the Highlander with its price makes it all better. As for Toyota Service.... Service guy at the dealership told me he deals with "reality while the sales guys tell me fantasy." The car is missing a part and had a scratch upon purhcase. They didnt tell me that I can only bring it in on Tuesdays to get the paint fixed. Ive been to the service department 3 times now. I dont think Ill ever buy another car from Dublin Toyota again. But the product is excellent.

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  2003 TOYOTA COROLLA - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By rleojeda - December 15 - 10:00 am

  AWESOME CAR.THE BEST IN ITS CLASS

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  Should have stayed with my Tacoma - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By sshifflett - December 15 - 8:49 am

  My Tundra has been nice, interior is very light colored and shows any dirt. I am experiencing some transmission problems with 4wd high and low, multiple service and dash lights on and issues with reverse lights on while driving fwd. Already had more than one trip to the dealership regarding 4wd issues. The stereo issues happen only in the spring when the temp in the cab goes up and down a lot in one day.

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  Love This Truck - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Pat Giles - December 15 - 4:50 am

  I have been looking at these 4Runners for a while. I purchased the sport edition and love every aspect of this truck. It rides smooth, quiet, and is everything I ever wanted in a truck. Toyota truly makes the best vehicles.

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  2005 Corolla - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By berry mathews - December 14 - 6:13 pm

  This car needs to have a smoother ride and the doors need to be easier to maneuver. Too much wind whistle and too much rattle.

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  Great SUV! - 2007 Toyota Highlander
  By Michael - December 14 - 4:06 pm

  I have thoroughly enjoyed my new Highlander. It has a nice smooth ride with minimal noisy and plenty of room. The design and functionality of the car make it a great buy! In addition, it looks great!