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:

• 

  Sister Salvation - Lil Blue - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Sister Salvation - April 15 - 5:40 am

  My second RAV4! I liked my 2003 RAV4, but was ready to upgrade from the standard model. I love my new 2007 RAV4. After much debating and shopping around, I felt this had more bang for the buck and better gas mileage. The V6/4WD makes a HUGE difference as far as handling. The dealer also told me about making sure you are in D for drive vs 4th and I have not had an issue with mileage (21-23/27-30 depending on ac usage) I have driven/owned other competing models over the years and felt they didnt and still dont measure up to the RAV4. Most small SUVs still had that gocart feel. This is a solid, dependable car. I also really like the darker nautical blue color that is not that common.

• 

  Love my Camry - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Edith McGlynn - April 14 - 5:23 pm

  I am a Realtor a previous Cadillac prior to buying my Camry. I love the way my Camry handles, comfort, quiet running and affordable ownership. The price of gas is even more reason to own the wonderful automobile. This is the first time I have ever owned a smaller vehicle. Thank you Toyota for your superior service.

• 

  Celica GT - So far, so great - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By escapevelocity - April 14 - 2:53 pm

  I purchased this car with almost all of the options, and I now have a lot of miles on this car since then. I cant praise it enough, it has performed admirably for my commuting needs. After 24000 miles, it has only required regular scheduled maintenance. Two problems I do have are the rear view (need careful mirror adjustment and good neck muscles) and the stock 1-CD stereo deck w/ limited equalizer adjustment. The earlier 90s models had better equalizers.

• 

  Best car i have ever had - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By Norm Atwater - April 14 - 1:06 pm

  This car was on a lease that a friend of mine turned in he bought a new Avalon. It had about 30,000 mi on it and i now have 207,000 and it is still a great car. Have only put on tires, R&l CV joints and new struts. Have done routine maintenance change transmission oil and eng oil every 4,000 and still get almost 30 MPG. I have no intention of buying a new car and would take it on a long trip today. I have had this car in Drive so much the bulb has burned out on the dash

• 

  I CANT BELIEVE IT!!! - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By lsharkey90868 - April 14 - 10:00 am

  This car is incredible!! I am a full time college student and waitress and my old car broke down, so I got my Camry. I was worried becuase it had 200,000 miles on it....a year and 30,000 miles later its still running great. All I have had done is basic maintenance, and I cant believe how great the car runs. I just love it!!!

• 

  Hot Futuristic Look - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By Rafael Rodriguez II - April 14 - 10:00 am

  I was just breathless from the moment I saw The Celica GT 2003. It has a beautiful front design, and a unique hood. Its is well grounded and has great traction. It also has great gas milage as suppose to my 6 cylinder SUV that is just a gas guzzler.

• 

  Excellent - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Derun - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Great car, fun to drive

• 

  Fun Machine !! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By vinod - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Man, what a truck !! This is the best vehicle I have ever driven. Beats all those SUVs out there - ride, handling, comfort, performance. Minus the infamous rear-window-open problem and the average music system, this vehicle is the best ! With JD Powers most appealing mid-size SUV award, the highlander adds another feather to its cap.

• 

  Fun Machine !! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Vinod - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Man, what a truck !! This is the best vehicle I have ever driven. Beats all those SUVs out there - ride, handling, comfort, performance. Minus the infamous rear-window-open problem and the average music system, this vehicle is the best ! With JD Powers most appealing mid-size SUV award, the highlander adds another feather to its cap.

• 

  THE BEST - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By DADDI - April 14 - 10:00 am

  AWESOME DESIGN AND AWESOME CAR MAKER GO GO TOYOTA