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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  LC Applause! - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By joecrawley - May 26 - 10:00 am

  This is the SUV I always wanted. My dreams came true when I finally had the where-with-all to purchase. They say you cant have your cake and eat it too... with the Land Cruiser you can.The LC is an automotive dessert in a auto-world of chopped liver.

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  review - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Sofashack - May 26 - 10:00 am

  EXCELLENT! AFTER 123000 MILES IT STILL DRIVES LIKE THE DAY IT WAS BORN!

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  Awesome car! Needs minor improvements - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By GT-S happy - May 26 - 10:00 am

  What an awesome car! If I get to decide again, will buy the exact same car! Own since 03/2000. Regularly receive lots of compliments. No major problems. Handling, performance, reliability and looks cant be beaten.

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  Cool car - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By `Rebecca - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I chose this car over a toyota spyder. I have not been disappointed yet.

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  Like a Rock! - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By GWHunter - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Vrreeeeep!!! Thats the sound it makes with a supercharger!! Truck is a blast to drive. I had to retard the timing a little for the supercharger (TRD says you dont need to, but you do to avoid pinging). Anyway, the truck has more punch than anything Ive driven. I can outrun any truck on the road and still maintain better average gas mileage. Ive put 17000 miles on it since I bought it and I have no complaints. GET ONE!!!! Supercharge it!!

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  pinch me - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By Double J - May 26 - 10:00 am

  This truck is the one! Its fun to drive and the quality is TOPS! I do alot of travel (40,000) and this truck is awesome! Previous owner of a few 4- runners and thought the added room would come in handy. The resale on toyota product is great if you take care of your vehicle. Cant say enough good things about the sequoia. Go out and drive one today..........

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  Good car, no V6 - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Kre - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I have had a good experience with the Matrix thus far. I wish it came in a V6 though. But other than that, it is comfortable, reliable and affordable.

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  Thump in rear suspension - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Sfiega - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I love this car except for the thumping sound in the rear suspension on bumps. Its been to the dealership 3 times for this. The claim they hear nothing. Its always there on bumpy roads. I think they hear it but dont know of a fix. It is very annoying on bumpy roads or tar strips on the freeways.

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  Amazing Vehicle!!! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By carcrrrazy214 - May 25 - 4:56 pm

  First off, I am 18 year-old guy, and I have no shame driving this. It looks great for a minivan, and can take off when you put your foot down! My friend said "I thought this was a minivan" when I got on the highway. Yet it still gets over 20 mpg hauling 6 people every day to school. No other minivan has a factory woofer in the back. Drove on an 11 hour road trip, and it was perfectly comfortable and returned 27 mpg doing a steady 70 mph with a full load. Dream vehicle for a road trip! I highly recommend to anyone needing a versatile reliable family vehicle.

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  Yaris Rocks - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Cincy2 - May 25 - 4:40 pm

  I picked up a metallic blue hatchback this weekend. Toyotas quality and this vehicles gas mileage (39 hwy) were what attracted me to this model. I was shocked to find I actually enjoyed driving it! I know vehicle quality. My other cars are a MB CL500 and Lexus Rx300. This little car is well made, peppy and has a lot of character. Highly recommended.