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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  AWESOME CAR! - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By esueo - April 11 - 1:06 pm

  I love, love, love this car! Its my first car that I just bought last October for a great price of $3000. It has over 200,000 miles on it and is still going strong! It is so smooth to drive, I feel like Im just gliding down the road. I was looking dot something reliable, small, and good gas mileage, I got it all with my Camry! My dad has driven it across the state of Kentucky multiple times without a problem. I dont ever want to get rid of this car. I didnt want something that looked too "old lady like", which this car is not. Its stylish enough for me and very comfortable to go long distances in. I would trust it to take me anywhere.

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  A Perfect Combination - 2011 Toyota Corolla
  By dt100 - April 11 - 12:56 pm

  We have a 2010 Corolla LE and couldnt be happier. Traded a 2008 Camry SE and have found the Corolla more than meets our needs in comfort, gas maileage, and overall performance. Not a luxury car and perhaps a little dated, but fun to drive and with two years FREE maintainance.....a bargain to own!

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  Love my new Toyota - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Karen Brown - April 11 - 11:15 am

  Shop around for best value

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  Great Car! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Lori - April 11 - 6:10 am

  Ive had my car now for 2 months and I cant believe the great gas mileage I get. Its fun to drive, small yet roomy (NOT for big people though) so far, Im loving it! Im a bit anxious to see how it handles in the SNOW!

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  Happy owner - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Phil Goveia - April 10 - 4:43 pm

  This is truck has every thing I was looking for in a pick-up. Comfort to drive, looks good, and reliable.

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  8 th Month - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Patricia Sapnas - April 10 - 11:42 am

  I have had the car for 8 months and love the car

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  I Love My New Baby - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Darshan - April 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive wanted a Rav4 since 1996, but no dealer could locate a 5-speed with anti- lock brakes. I finally went with an automatic with all the safety features that became available this year: side/head airbags, traction, and stability control. No one can believe me when I tell them I traded my Audi TT roadster for a Rav4. I dont regret it one bit--well, maybe on those few days of great weather when I could throw the top back and let the breezes take me away. At least I can get more than one suitcase in the Rav!

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  Toyota Tacoma Quad Cab - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By tom Barnett - April 10 - 10:00 am

  After driving a Dodge Dakota for fours years I am proud to be back driving a Toyota. The quality is evident when you close the door.

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  Nearly perfect car w/ couple small flaws - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Vincentseye - April 10 - 10:00 am

  Primarily my wifes round-town ride, she loves it is 54" and 115 lbs. I like it very much except on our 300 mile road trips the seats are a little small for me 62" 180 lbs. Reliable, rattle free. Cant drive over 20mph with rear windows down, messes your ears up...get the kids to shut up though! I would have bought one for me if the seat was not so small. Rear seat room is excellent for kids and adults.

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  SR5 V8 4WD Winner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By glider4 - April 10 - 10:00 am

  My first drive in this great SUV was a 1,300 mile trek across Oregon, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming backroads. The V-8 delivers amazing pick-up. Handling a bit soft but acceptable. This is my 28th car in 34 years and is #2 on my list of best ever - the 1969 Camaro Z/28 is still #1.