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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  Good Car - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Elliot V - April 16 - 10:00 am

  This car never failed me in mechanical ways. The tires that they give have no grip at all. On snow and rain you slide all over the place. I wish they had ABS optional. Also traction control wil be nice. If it had two of those options this car will be perfect for the price and quality of the car.

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  First New Car - LOVE IT!! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By AnnMarie C - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased a 2004 Corolla S and its my first new car and I love it. I have had 2 used 6 cylinder cars in my life and was a little worried that a 4 would be sluggish, but its not. It drives great, is fast and sharp and feels safe and secure. As far as style is really does look like the baby Lexus. I bought the light silver with the sports package and all the works and it really is a great car. Id recommend it to anyone. Plus for the price you a get a ton for your money.

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  COROLLA - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By DANNIEL - April 16 - 10:00 am

  GREAT CAR FUN TO DRIVE FUEL EFFICIENT SPORTY STYLE.

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  XRS should be a small car contender!! - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By 94ludelvr - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Price can be too high for some but if you can afford this 4 door rocket, get it! Using the Celicas engine it is rev-happy and is extremely brisk on the street! Going up to the mountains from Denver it easily scooted up those 6% inclines with 3 people in it and A/C on! Not an easy feat for most econo- boxes!!! Comfort is great, noise a smidgen high but not terribly bad! I do, however, have one gripe...the tires...lil too much flex on the sidewall when cornering, other than that the corolla loves to be tossed into corners! Even better ABS, all disc brakes, 6-speed, cruise, etc...and with Toyota reliablility!

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  Corolla S - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Edison_Ortiz - April 16 - 8:43 am

  Toyota Corolla is a fun car to drive. Purchased the model S for the wife and she loves its design and features. Family and friends are often awed by its looks and wonder how much it cost. Wife feels like she is driving a luxury car with all the standard features this car provides. I would recommend Toyota Corolla S to anyone looking for reliable good looking car.

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  Great Car - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Ralph - April 16 - 8:00 am

  After having the car for only 2 weeks I was rear ended. Being at a stop and getting hit by a car going 20 MPH. Only $1200 in damage. Have to say it held up real well. It is not as nice to drive as my last vehicle (top of the line Chevy 1500) but good gas mileage and comfortable. Plenty of room for wife and 2 kids. Great trunk size.

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  4 cyl Solara - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By wes - April 16 - 5:13 am

  Smooth, quiet cruiser. 30+ mpg on the highway. Plenty fast, great styling, ruined in 04 models. Paint chips badly on hood - must be airflow or the hood angle - noticed on others.

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  Very Refined Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jason - April 16 - 4:16 am

  I have 2,500 miles on it so far, and have averaged 18-23 mpg. Very pleased with the torque output on such a small engine. Manuverable, and capable offroad, while still refined and quiet on the highway.

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  Tacoma - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By anthony - April 15 - 8:03 pm

  This is a great truck, I have a 18 ft toy hauler, it pulls it great even in the big hills. I get 11 miles to the gallon pulling my trailer, and I get 18 just about every where else-- very good truck!!

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  More car than I expected - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By macungiee8 - April 15 - 10:21 am

  I lease, always get 15,000 miles. Got car in Florida and full pack with 6 months of gear including 2 sets of golf clubs got 50 mpg or more. I was totally amazed. Prior to that I had a hybrid from another Japanese automaker and milking it on a trip I got 44 maybe. The Prius actually does just as good stop and go driving and with the a/c on. I maybe get a tow bar to carry bikes, I know my other car go 10 mpg less with the bikes on, really underpowered dud. I am hoping the Prius can handle them.