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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  Best vehicle I have ever had in my life - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Daisy Munoz - August 3 - 8:30 am

  I was looking for an economic gas car, the dealer show me the Hybrid Prius Toyota and I have to be honest I was a little bit afraid to buy it because I did not know anything about it.I found now I did a very good selection and I am more than happy with my excellent car

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  Gayles Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Gayles Prius - August 3 - 1:30 am

  Fabulous car....I am amazed at the smoothness of this car. It has incedible power and the gas mileage is fantastic. I commute 40 miles each way every day and still average between 44 and 48 mpg. I also love what I am doing for our earth and the environment driving this vehicle. It is a PZEV..Partical Zero Emission Vehicle.

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  2006 Toyota Matrix - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Joyce - August 2 - 7:40 pm

  Great car. Not my first Toyota and wont be my last. A little over a year after purchase the computer had to be replaced, but Toyota knew about the problem and the work was done free. This car has all the conveniences of a station wagon but its small and easy to maneuver.

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  they got it 99.98% right - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By George - August 2 - 10:53 am

  compared features against Honda. Several items stood out in Toyota such as: split 3rd row seat with integrated head rests (easier to fold down and no head rests to store), 2nd row seat does not un-hinge itself when tipped out of the way to gain access to the 3rd row, integrated sun shades, 3 power doors, sliding doors have operable windows, excellent turning radius, quieter ride

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  Love My Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Papa Bear - August 2 - 9:26 am

  The Prius is fun to drive. I love the technology of the brake regenerating electric power. I get a kick out of fighting my own personal war on terror by limiting the money I send to the oil to the fascist terror masters on Iran and Saudi Arabia.

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  Cant match it.... - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Dr Val - August 2 - 7:03 am

  Loving it all the way!!!

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  #NICENEWRIDE - 2018 Toyota 4Runner
  By Ted Stewart - August 1 - 8:31 am

  Get you one,you wont be sorry! My wife loves it! Its all shell drive.

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  3 years later and still in love - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Sam - July 31 - 2:53 am

  Ive had a great experience in the time ive spent with my Tundra. Its a tad smaller than the "Big 3" trucks, but im willing to sacrifice a little space for insanely superior build quality. The interior has picked up a few rattles, but ones that are easily located and silenced. The engine butter- smooth and is holding up well, although I dont have many miles on it. It also has surprising pep with "only" 245 Horsepower. The ride is near luxo-car smooth also. My friends always comment on how smooth the truck is. If you need to haul heavy loads however, look elsewhere. But for weekend trips to home depot, or for pulling a small boat, (under 7,000 .lbs) this truck does its job and then some.

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  So far, so good - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Surfdog - July 30 - 7:43 pm

  I have had my Camry SE (4 cyl.) for almost two years, and have put a lot of miles on it. Absolutely no problems with it. I had always known the Toyota Camry to be a very dependable car. I had always thought it to be an ordinary, "family"-looking sedan though. When I saw the 2005 though my opinion changed. It seemed to have a sleeker presence to it. Since adding my new surfboard rack and front-end bra to the car, I have friends commenting on how sporty it looks. Have to admit, the new 2007 Camry is an awesome, very stylish car. I will likely make that my next car. Until then though, very happy with the 2005. Im sold on Toyota. The car, the dealer, the company, the service.

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  Good handling auto - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Bobbi - July 30 - 7:36 pm

  I had 4 Mercury Sables (I lease autos for 3 years) and when I heard that Ford/Mercury wasnt making them anymore I leased the Camry and immediately liked its handling, performance and comfortability. The car is very quiet and you cant even hear the motor go on when you start it. Hopefully my satisfaction will continue. If not, youll hear from me. Good luck to all that are also getting one.