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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  THE ECONOMIC MACHINE - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By CURTIS - February 1 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for over a year now and its been a great car. Anything from fuel economy to quality. I have not put any money into it. You can go on a full tank of gas around the city for 2 to 3 weeks. I dont get my oil changes until every 5,000 miles (Toyota recommends this). The only thing I dont like about it is when you are driving on the highway when its real windy. But other than that I recommend this car, specially if you are trying to conserve you wallet.

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  Eat My Voltage - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By beant - February 1 - 2:00 am

  This is a fantastic car to own and drive! You cant beat the fuel economy (Ive been averaging 52 mpg with an even split between highway and around town driving) It is easy to operate. I highly recommend the "Smart Entry" option.

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  New to prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By bill blackwell - February 1 - 2:00 am

  I have had the car since 11/5/03, so far 430 miles. Mileage not what I had hoped, first tank must not have been full. Still learning how to get the most from this car. I am looking forward to taking a trip in this car.

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  Inexpensive Workhorse - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By euroeric - February 1 - 2:00 am

  This truck has done everything Ive asked of it- from towing over 4000 lbs to hauling engines to commuting to the hospital and back. An awesome truck all around, my next truck will be another Toyota (in about 15 years- at this rate this thing will last forever). It handled poorly on the stock tires in rain, but since I swapped them recently, it has improved greatly.

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  Review - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By jp10 - February 1 - 2:00 am

  This car has nice features and it is fun to drive. I would suggest it to anyone looking for a new car. The backseat has plenty of room. The trunk is also roomy.

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  BEST THING I EVER DID!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By ROBERT NORTON - February 1 - 2:00 am

  THE HIGHLANDER IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE MOST COMFORTABLE AND QUITE RIDING CARS. A FRIEND OF MINE THAT RODE IN IT SHORTLY AFTER I GOT IT SAID THIS CAR DOESNT DRIVE DOWN THE ROAD IT FLOATS DOWN THE ROAD. ALL THE CONTROLS ARE RIGHT WHERE YOU WOULD WANT THEM. YOU REACH FOR THEM AND YOUR HAND IS ON THEM.ITS ALSO A GREAT LOOKING SUV INSIDE AND OUT. PLENTY OF CARGO ROOM ESPECIALLY WITH THE BACK SEAT FOLDED DOWN. AND YOU HAVE TOYOTAS RELIABILITY AND REPUTATION.

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  my sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By kkf - February 1 - 2:00 am

  best all around van i have ever owned

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  Should have bought one earlier... - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Danville Mike - February 1 - 1:53 am

  With gas around $4 it was definitely time to get a more fuel efficient car. The great thing is that we dont feel were sacrificing anything in the way of comfort, ride, or handling. It is truly an enjoyable experience and we cant wait to see what the next generations of hybrids bring.

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  Fun Car - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By ferenc lokos - January 31 - 11:36 pm

  Great design and style, Sharp looking, Well priced, Nicely finished, A 5 star rated safe car, Good mpg, A fun car to drive.

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  Fun Car - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By ferenc lokos - January 31 - 11:36 pm

  Great design and style, Sharp looking, Well priced, Nicely finished, A 5 star rated safe car, Good mpg, A fun car to drive.