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:

• 

  Awesome - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Kamen Dimitrov - April 1 - 9:00 pm

  I live in Bulgaria and my father and I have been looking for some months to import an American style truck. Obviously we were focused on the Ford F-150 and the Chevy Silverado and Avalanche, when one day we saw a Tundra CrewMax sitting in a used car dealership in Bulgaria. It had 500 miles on it. Well, that has become our truck in Bulgaria. It is huge, and in Bulgaria it look particularly huge. The 5.7 V8 has awesome power and makes it fun to drive. Also, we went to the mountain with it - there isnt an obstacle for the Tundra.

• 

  Like a dream! - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By Red Devil - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Very fun to drive and very comterable. Good handling and sporty look which is uncomparable.Doesnt leave you with anempty pocket.Doesnt leave you with an empty pocket.I only waste 15 to 10 for almost two weeks!I can always count on my GT-S I cant image were I would be if I didnt have one.

• 

  2002 celica GT - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By silverceli2002 - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car, handles exceptionally.Looks great and the gas mileage on the GT is wonderful. This car is a lot of fun, youll love it!

• 

  considering one? - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By mang - April 1 - 2:00 am

  If you are considering this vehicle stop here. I went to Chicago Auto show and sat in all Suvs and can tell you this is the best! The seating and capacity will blow all competitors away. My neighbors bought a Denali and said they wish they wouldve bought a Sequoia after seeing mine. Just remember. It may be a little more $ but you get what you pay for!

• 

  From 2 time Quest owner - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By Mike Murphy - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Visibility is excellent while driving the Sienna as should be expected. The comfort of the overall ride and the fit and finish of the interior is excellent. The controls are all user friendly with one exception. The radio control on the steering wheel is easily engaged accidently and changes your radio station on you or your song on CD or tape by the way you hold the steering wheel. You must be conscience of where you place your hand on the left side of the wheel. The stereo system in the LE is just acceptable, nothing supreme really. I have owned two Nissan Quests in years past. The Sienna is a full level of comfort and safety above the Quest in my opinion.

• 

  The Matrix - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By zokari5 - April 1 - 2:00 am

  My Toyota Matrix and all Toyota Matrixs are the best fun to drive vehicle(s) in its class. It is realiable and very fun to drive.

• 

  Why did I wait so long to buy an Avalon? - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Oldsergeant - April 1 - 2:00 am

  I have owned many automobiles over the past 70 years of my life including: 39 Ford Coupe, hot-rod Plymouth (yes, there were such things, Fords, Pontiac and Oldsmobile big engine daddys, Cadillacs, Camrys, and finally, the most pleasing automobile of all: My Avalon XLS. Wow!

• 

  New Hotness - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By New Hotness - April 1 - 2:00 am

  I have always heard how dependable Camrys are and I drive a 93 Celica myself. So I have seen first hand at how great Toyotas are. Then once they changed the body style of the Camry and came out with the sporty addition (SE)I knew I had to have one. I just bought one and it is everything I wanted. This car is quite, stylish and comfortable. Not to mention a very good product from Toyota. And as always dependable!

• 

  FJ Cruiser - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Dan Bridges - April 1 - 1:06 am

  the FJ Cruiser handles well on the road. It has good response when you step on the gas. Also holds the road well around turns. It does not give you the feel that you are going to roll over or lose control.

• 

  Love My Venza!! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By LOVE IT!!!!!! : ) - March 31 - 8:13 pm

  Love my Venza!!! My husband is a big guy and we spent a whole day going from dealership to dealership to find a car with comfort and room size. Everything is made so compact these days but when we sat in the Venza we could not believe the room and comfort of this classy looking vehicle!! Just took a trip to New Jersey 6 hrs each way. We have made that trip many times in Lincolns and Grand Marques yet never enjoyed it like we did our Venza!!! We get 23 miles City and 28 Highway!! Just took friends out with us yesterday for a trip to the Cape and they were amazed at the comfort of the ride and the room in the back seat, one of them is very tall and said he has never been so comfy in any car.