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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  Very good job!!!!! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Rilke - June 14 - 2:00 am

  I have owned for 8 months. I have been fun with this black bear.

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  Its Like Driving A Cloud - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By attorneywrangler - June 14 - 2:00 am

  I went from an ergonomically incorrect 1993 Tercel to a 2003 Camry with full leather package. It is genuinely like driving a cloud. The turn signal is nearly silent, and the interior cabin, when at rest, is so quiet I can hear myself blinking. If you prefer a car wherein you like to do everything yourself - crank the window open, yank the emergency brake, twist and turn knobs, and feel like *you* are in control of the car, dont buy this model. This car drives you. If youre longing for a car that does everything for you, politely, quietly and without complaint, buy this model.

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  kayon - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By HENRY - June 14 - 2:00 am

  great car, perfect! At first i thought i wanted a big name car, and i was determined, but nobody could match toyota, there just great cars, and evry body loves them

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  kayon - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By henry - June 14 - 2:00 am

  great car, perfect! At first i thought i wanted a big name car, and i was determined, but nobody could match toyota, there just great cars, and evry body loves them

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  CoachPs Highlander - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By CoachP - June 13 - 7:13 pm

  As a man who has had 5 hip replacements and two knees, and was very happy with his two Odysseys, I was interested to look at the 08 Highlander. What scared me off the CX-9 was no Mazda store in town, and questionable reliability. I cannot be happier with the Toyota, nor with the way I was treated at the store (which I had never previously been in). The styling is outstanding, everyone knows Toyotas quality, and the mileage has been good.

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  Small but mighty! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Scott - June 13 - 4:56 pm

  The Yaris is a dream for long-haul commutes. I get over 40 mpg on the highway, and well over 30 mpg just tooling around town. Although small, I never feel cramped inside, and I love the control of the manual transmission. This car has zip when you need it and is sporty for such an inexpensive car. I commute 50 miles per weekday, and find I am filling up about once every 8-11 days. And thats a $30 fill-up! You cant beat this car for price, economy and style. I love it!

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  im getting another one!!!!...its that good!!!! - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By lori webster - June 13 - 2:34 pm

  best car you could get...money wise...safety wise....mpg wise......

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  Lotta Car For The Money!!! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Terry - June 13 - 3:43 am

  After 1 year of ownership, I have to say, I love this car! Never have I so throughly enjoyed a car before. Toyota has really made leaps and bounds in Hybrid technology. I seem to discover something new in the car every time I drive it. This car has ample space on the inside. you can actually put an 8 foot ladder in the car by folding the rear seats and the passenger seat. The voice activated control system is a little quirky to use but fun none of the less. The GPS is nice too. The Prius is a great conversation starter, whether you are at a party or at a traffic light. People are just curious about it. Im only too glad to tell them about it. You have to experience the Prius. I love mine...

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  Happyman - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Denny - June 12 - 4:16 pm

  The things I like best is that it does not have a lot of features that are difficult to use or make decisions for you. If you want to lock your doors, do it, radio knobs, manual seats - everything easy to use. It is a modern antique - it is fun to drive. I find visibility not a problem. Dealer filled with regular fuel, no pings using regular & mileage is 20 in mixed driving. Still use regular fuel. Radio is great, subwoofer is fun. Not a luxury car, a fun car. I am 60, this is a car that is fun for almost anyone. Great quality.

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  ITS LOVE - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By always9 - June 12 - 3:33 pm

  i love this car it has 225,xxx miles on it and it runs like new and the paint is still shiny! ive owned it for 3 years and all ive done is regular maitinance. It gets about 15,000 miles a year and its never failed me. I see a lot of other camrys from these years and i hate seeing them missing hubcaps or being dirty i mean come on hubcaps cost like 15 bucks buy some!! Still i love this car and im going to drive it until either it dies or i die :)