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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  Awesome in so many ways! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By sconlogue - September 28 - 10:16 pm

  I am used to small cars so a Yaris Sedan is not unfamiliar territory. What amazes me every time I get in it is how it has all the things I love about small cars without feeling small. All my other cars felt cheap and cramped. Not the case here. The performance on the manual is impressive for a 1.5L! You get plenty of pep. Now is a great time to buy too, got my 2008 used for almost 2,000 below TVM and I admit, I am no negotiator. I went with base model and I dont miss anything. Nice radio, solid handling, great styling, VERY comfortable. So I have to lock the doors and roll my own windows. Big deal. What a value.

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  I love my new rav4 - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By tcane1 - September 28 - 2:06 pm

  The gas mileage is good, and it is fun to drive and I have gotten lots of compliments.

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  AWESOME ALL AROUND! - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By highaudio - September 28 - 1:10 pm

  This car is so versatile... excellent reliability -- done nothing with it but gotten oil changes.

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  Sporty 08 Corolla - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By BCTR - September 28 - 10:40 am

  I love my new Corolla. I tested the Civic, Corolla, Focus, and the Elantra. The Corolla won in a land slide. I am so happy I picked this car. I luv this car!

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  2003 Solara - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By jvoelzow - September 28 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car for the money. i would recommend it to anyone and intend to buy a new one.

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  Toyota XLS 2004 - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Warren M. Jones - September 28 - 10:00 am

  Very comfortable. Good performance. I bought based on size and Toyota record for reliability. If you can get past the exterior design, its a great car.

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  Angela s review - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By bapdj - September 28 - 10:00 am

  My Highlander is family friendly and reliable.

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  Quick, efficient & comfortable car - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By M. J. McCloskey - September 27 - 5:33 pm

  Ive had my HH Limited w/nav for about a month. Very good build quality, comfortable, quiet and quick w/good MPG. Getting nearly 30 mpg combined. Like that the ICE runs only when necessary saving fuel. The stealth styling blends in but surprises other drivers when I press the go pedal - car moves out very smartly!

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  2005 Toyota Matrix - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Daniel Royle - September 27 - 9:23 am

  Purchased this vehicle for my wife who did not need her Dodge Minivan anymore. The Matrix is well made and is fun to drive. She loves it. We bought the base model which did not come with mudflaps or cruise control so those items were added. Only complaint is that the base model does not have power mirrors.

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  This van is da best - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By haupagirl5 - September 27 - 6:23 am

  Im so glad that my husband and I purchased this van. We had a 2001 Sienna and weve never had any problems. Weve driven this van everywhere and have no complaints. We got all of the upgrades for our van... the kids love the dvd headrests and as some have commented, I love the fact that the kids can watch their movie and I can hear my music. There are so many things we love about this van... too many to mention. We are just very pleased... of course, its a Toyota. :-)