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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  I love my ECHO!!!! - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By catoesgirl420 - October 13 - 10:00 am

  this is a fun little car to drive. My parents helped me purchise mine as a "going to college" car.

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  2008 Toyota Avalon XLS - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Tim Phillips - October 13 - 7:12 am

  Still a Great dependable car

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  Type S - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Sleddog - October 12 - 2:33 pm

  Good little car. Mileage around 33mpg on a combination city/highway driving

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  Smooth Ride - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By VAMan - October 12 - 10:50 am

  Ive had the car for more than a year and have enjoyed everything about it.

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  I Love This Car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By M Boury - October 12 - 6:43 am

  This is my first Toyota, let alone a hybrid. I read everything I could to see if I would even consider it and decided to take the plunge. Am I ever glad I did! The man who went over the cars features explained that speeding up and coasting would be the best way to save fuel. Well see about that, but in the meantime I am having the time of my life in my new "Toy."

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  Great reliable vehicle with a good price - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By mshw777 - October 12 - 6:00 am

  This is the 2nd Toyota Ive purchased in 7 years because of my wonderful experience with our 98 4Runner (which we stil own). Reliability and value drove us to buy another Toyota - glad we did! The 05 Highlander w/4cyl is very smooth and responsive. Gas mileage is a bit off (20/25) as compared to the sticker (22/27) but its still new. Comfort is outstanding; 3rd row is very nice to have. Overall, a smooth and reliable vehicle... no regrets. Pricing was very good for what I got...

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  LOVE w Blue Truck - 2017 TRD SPORT Tacoma - 2017 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bryan- da hawaiian - October 10 - 2:35 am

  Traded in my 2011 Trd Sport Tacoma for one reason and one reason only the ride was rough I loved this truck. Then came the 3rd gen. Tacoma in 2016 saw it and heard about all the trans problems of 5th and 6th gear confused so I waited for this BLAZING BLUE 2017. Get looks from everyone and everyone comes up to me saying beutiful truck...which I think is absulotely true. Now the ride is like riding in a big F-150 or a Lexus it is so queit and comfortable. It get better: Averaging 24 mpg in the city. I drove it on a 33 mile freeway drive the other day with about 3 stop lights got 29 mpg... I am so so stoked. Open the door w/o pushing key button then push start the start button and your off to a smooth quiet comfortable ride luxury all the way. Is so so easy to start and go. Look forward to driving this luxury truck and easy to park. Cant wait for my next drive.....get one for yourself.

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  Rides like Butta - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By shab1 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Couln"t be more pleased with a vehicle. Only have had 5 cars...all purchased new...all foreign...1 previous Toyota (stolen at 10 yrs old. Looked great, drove great...didn"t start once / battery). The 2002 Avalon is fantastic. Would buy again.

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  Love it! - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By L. Keeling - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Fun, peppy, turns on a dime. Pull into any spot.

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  Doesnt look like a wagon - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Kriget - October 9 - 10:00 am

  The car does it all and the all wheel drive is still zippy! Skipping the gas pump is even better!