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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  2005 4Runner 4x4 - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By vishnan - September 23 - 1:13 am

  Great performance on paved road and offroad. Powerful, comfortable and fun. Best vehicle I ever owned.

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  Love my VENZA! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By NJMOM - September 22 - 5:36 pm

  I got my Venza after lots of research in March 2009. Being a long time Camry owner, I truly love this car. Its built like a bulldog, wide and low, great design and aerodynamics. I havent had any problems with this car so far, and I have over 20,000 miles on it now. We took it on a trip to Cooperstown, NY and it was a great, very comfy.

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  Awesome Truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Randy - September 22 - 5:26 pm

  I owned a 2001 and this one blows it out of the water. My dad has owned both Chevy and Dodge which I have driven and neither is close. You cant go wrong with a Toyota. I love everything about this truck.

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  My new hybrid - 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Tony Mergist - September 22 - 3:03 pm

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  A tool for the job - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By LouFrez - September 22 - 1:20 pm

  Im an outside sales rep, travel approx 2000 miles per month. I Always have driven BMW or Acura, great cars, However I noticed that a lot of colleagues in my industry have gone to the PRIUS especially since the 2010 model, so i decided to switch to a PRIUS. Here are some reasons, 1- lower my fuel cost from $300 per month to $120 per month, 2 - we do our part in helping the environment, our clients like that part and it shows smarts by us. 3 - by far the best Hybrid buy in the market. 4 - The tools Toyota provides are second to none, like the bluetooth, navigation, stereo, and the cockpit is cool. I got the solar panels as well and they are worth it. Great Car would recommend it!

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  What A Truck! - 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Mike Lecky - September 22 - 8:16 am

  So, I researched all the large SUVs and decided to make a good sound decision and go with the 2002 Land Cruiser. So far this machine exceeds all of my expectations. The comfort is unbelievable and the body is a timeless. If you have the pleasure of owning this car, you know the name and its history stands alone in its own class. Why buy anything else when you can own a Land Cruiser.

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  Researched Heavily - Camry #1 By Far - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By xtremeshopper - September 22 - 12:53 am

  WOW! Smooth and responsive interior is as luxurious as you can get without slapping an L on the grill. I only had to buy the CE model because it comes very well equipped. Since Ive had it Ive put 5100 miles on it and not even a hint of any problems! If any one is even considering buying a new car i highly recommend the camry over any other vehicle! Its roomy, stylish, affordable, and if estimates are true Ill get the best trade in value when im done!

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  best bang for my buck - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By steven messina - September 21 - 11:20 pm

  well were to start what a value! i love my solora i have the 3.3 liter convertible with navigation. The solora is my daily driver, the gas mileage is awesome. Ill pop the top on the way to work in the morning, or late at night. I have owned toyotas before and the quality dependablity and reliablity is what keeps me coming back. my fiance and I are planning to buy the 06 hybrid highlander..we test drove it the day i bought the convertible and boy did that drive just like a v8!...the gas mileage is better then most cars..n e ways if you dont think that toyota is right for you then try owning one.

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  Toyota does it right - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By dmatt - September 21 - 10:50 pm

  I am on my 9th Toyota and couldnt be happier with the truck. The V-6 has better acceleration and get-up, and has a better transmission than my 2004 Mustang V-6 :( The transmission is very smooth and strong. I got the TRD Off Road package and the ride is smooth. It doesnt bounce or ride hard like many other trucks. I love the overall quality, style and design. Toyota just does it right

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  Great SUV - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Donnie - September 21 - 9:06 pm

  When I decided to buy a new SUV in 2004 I did my homework.The first thing I looked at was the depreciation of the first five years I owned it. I didnt have to look any further. Aside from its outstanding dependability and manufacturing quality, the 4Runner depreciates about $7000 less than any domestic SUV comparably priced. After owning mine for nearly three years I can see why they sell so well. And two weeks after I bought it I was asked to sell it. No way!!