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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  Awsome Car! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Maggie May - November 15 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! It is my first car and it is so cool! It is really nice to drive and looks great! Everyone loves it too and I get all kinds of compliments! I would highly recomend it!

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  First Japanese built vehicle - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Phil K - November 15 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle has been very reliable. Gas mileage (4cyl) has been as rated without A/C, one mile less with. Paint/clearcoat seems a little softer than previous vehicle(non-Toyota).

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  Im in love - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By mac0822 - November 15 - 10:00 am

  As soon as I saw the pics of the 4th generation 4Runner when it first came out, I knew that was the vehicle for me. Just its appearance was enough. Ive always been a Toyota fan, but thought the 4R was underpowered & overpriced in the past. Not anymore. WOW this truck is amazing. The looks, the power, the features, the quality. Im in love with my black beauty.

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  Toyota Finally takes me away from Honda - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By phxozzman - November 15 - 10:00 am

  I just bought the new Sienna over the weekend and it far out values the Odyssey. It is much more solid and it also has many more nice appoinments than the plain jane odyssey. Honda needs to re-do if they want to not loose market share on the Mini van market. It rides great and handles well. Nice Job Toyota !

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  great buy - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By pta - November 15 - 10:00 am

  I am a Toyota fan and have been for about 16 years. My third car is the 2005 Corolla. I was more than pleasantly surprised when I test drove it. Its handling, power and 38 mpg are more than adequate. I commute about 100 miles a day. With this purchase, I cant wait to hit the road.

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  great car!! - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By s obrien - November 15 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased my first new car a 2005 Corolla S. So far I love just about everything about it. I love the color (Indigo Ink Pearl), I think this color stands out among all the other colors offered in the Corolla. The ride is very smooth and very responsive. Fuel economy is great. The interior is very sharp, clean, and comfortable. There is also a good amount of room in the backseat and trunk for a sub-compact car. Toyota definetly exceeded my expectations, I highly recommend the Corolla S.

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  I replaced the brakes 3 times! - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Oscar Sandoval - November 15 - 9:50 am

  I was wondering if anyone else had to change their brakes on their tundra. i am on my third set of front brakes. they are wearing out very very fast rate. every 5000 miles. I dont know whats wrong. the dealer says the truck weighs too much and its normal. and they blame the way i drive

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  Love it - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By John D - November 15 - 3:58 am

  Purchased the SE used with 83,000 miles and so far have loved it. Within 1 month, traveled nearly 3000 miles-1 long road trip and it drove great. Plenty of room, quiet ride and great sound on Sirius/XM. Rear camera is nice to let you know something is there but do not trust it to back into a parking spot

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  May get car of the year - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By KMurray - November 15 - 3:06 am

  Extremely quiet, great ride, enjoy the power of the 280 hp engine..it really moves,got 31.66 mpg at 78 mph,we need that kind of mileage today, I liked the car before but did not like the style ... the new look is much better ... even got two exhaust pipes at the rear, transmisson up shifts are perfect but down shifts could be improved in 1st and 2nd.

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  55,000 miles and going! - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By kevthom - November 14 - 9:26 pm

  I bought this truck in 2008 with 50,000 miles on it with faith in Toyotas reputation in longevity. So far no maintenance problems, just a battery replacement. The ride is comfortable with the TRD package, including at high speeds, and I love the full sliding rear window. The 4WD works great in snow with rare instances in which the 4WD does not engage immediately. The dashboard around the stereo and glove box squeaks irritatingly on bumps/rough roads, especially when cold. Overall a great vehicle and I plan on keeping it until it runs into the ground!