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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  I would never give up my Rav - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Roxy82 - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I love my car, thats all there is to it, its the best car or SUV Ive ever owned.

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  Great toyota - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Lenny456h - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I really love my toyota it is very fun to drive alot of people love it i feel really safe in it and its a awsome truck

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  Quality/Sporty Ride - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By SusanE. - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car with several issues at hand, quallity, reliablity, comfort, and able to fit the "kids" in. But yet still have a sporty look. Well, this car far exceeds my wants and needs. For this single mom, this is a great pic. Hands down!!

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  Pumped about the New Highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Hlanderowner - September 20 - 2:00 am

  We just purchased one of these cars. We could not be happier with our decision. We were looking for a 2002 or 2003 used Highlander, but they were scarce. That alone should say something about the quality. We are looking forward to many years with our new ride.

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  Toyota Fun - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Esteban Chabolla - September 20 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is built great and right the first time. There are NO problems with anything in or out of this vehicle. Body panels fit tight and equal in all area of the car. Fit and finish of the interior are better than most other cars on the road today

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  corolla - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By deeskee88 - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I am 23 year old and I was looking for my first new car, I had gotten my first "real job" and I make about $40,000 a year. I did not want to use all of my paycheck to pay for a car but on the otherhand I did want a car i would love that had really great features. The Toyota Corolla was the one for me!

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  Unbelievable - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bobo - September 19 - 8:10 pm

  260000 miles It still runs as good as the day I bought it. No oil leaks. 5000 miles between oil changes, oil is on the stick mark. No squeaks. Original clutch still very strong. Manual trans, all boxes very tight. No whines or noises. Steering box is perfect, The paint is still an (8+) This truck has taken me through more crap than any vehicle I can ever remember. Ive gone through 4 sets of front brakes, rear are originals, 1 starter, 2 batteries. I still have the second set of spark plugs in it and the second timing belt which I think I better change real soon. Dont let your wife use it or youll never get it back.

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  Reliable Maintenance Free - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By 2001 Toyota Highland - September 19 - 7:20 pm

  This is a very sharp looking excellent riding and so far has been very maintenance free. Just dont forget to change your oil and youre in business. Excellent visibility when driving. This is just a 4 cycl and I find that has been more than sufficient for me. Great get up and go, no one usually beats me at the red lights. Excellent gas mpg for a vehicle that looks like an suv. I have gotten as high as 30 mpg. Usually get from 24 to 27 mpg. Love It. Well I had two or three specks of paint that just seemed to pop off when I 1st got it. Had fixed and everything else excellent.

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  Great Car!! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Erica3737 - September 19 - 7:00 pm

  I love this car. The only down side is the storage space on the dash. The cup holders are right in front of the vents so it melts a cold drink when the heater is on and there is only a center console and golve box but no other storage space available. Other than that I LOVE IT!

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  2013 S Special Edition - 2013 Toyota Corolla
  By shuhratpopal@gmail.com - September 19 - 5:50 am

  I bought my car brand new in December 2013 for 21000. Never had any problem with this car before this I had a 328 xi which gave me a lot of problems. The car is small the back seats are not very comfortable but I love the driver seat. It is very comfortable. Navigation is excellent. MPG is excellent. For its class I will give it an A.