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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  Great little car! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By YarisOwner - September 16 - 9:20 am

  I have had this car two weeks and have not put gas in it yet! I really enjoy this car and think it is worth the money. I have enjoyed my little go-kart so far and look forward to driving it for a long time.

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  2007 Camry Hybrid - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By gr - September 16 - 8:43 am

  A fun car to drive. Unlike the sticker information, it gets better mileage on the highway than in the city. Using cruise control seems to boost the mileage a bit.

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  HL in Russia - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Max - September 16 - 7:53 am

  Very good car for cold climate. Very smooth ride on bumpy roads in Russia. Got it at 72K miles and run 50k more within 30 months. No problems with the car so far.

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  Succinct - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Dave Moser - September 16 - 5:24 am

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  Love my Toyota 4-Runner - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Minnie Pellum - September 15 - 10:26 pm

  This my first purchase of a Toyota. I had Lincoln Navagtor before & a Ford expedition, But I like the Quality and ride of my 4-runner.I like the way it handles in the mountains & on curves.Also the ride and quiteness on the road. My next purchase will be a toyota. Love it. M. Pellum

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  Great Little Car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Andy - September 15 - 1:43 pm

  I am amazed about this car. I wanted good gas mileage and this car delivers! Great performance for the engine it has. It maneuvers really good. The Yaris gets in places that my Dodge Caravan could never go. I got the convenience package with a great audio system and 15 inch wheels. I am very satisfied with the Yaris!!

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  Cool car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By mdahmus - September 15 - 10:00 am

  A lot of "wow" factor with this car for friends and family; extremely solid; Camry-like except newer-looking and cooler.

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  Best Buy for under 45K! - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By S. Rand - September 15 - 10:00 am

  We considered EVERY SUV on the market for 45K or less b4 buying (Tahoe, Envoy, Jeep, Yukon, etc). We took the time to dive/ride in each one b4 deciding. Ultimately Toyota held its value the longest, had the nicest feel (plushy) and reliability, and got us the most bang for our buck. Would recommend to all and would rebuy!

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  Excellent Value - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By RobbM - September 15 - 10:00 am

  The optional Navigation system is a must for anyone who travels and/or likes to have the latest gadget.

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  an underrated car - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By ed_norman - September 15 - 10:00 am

  After comparing every SUV in the same price range, ($35,000-40,000) I choose the 4runner based upon features, quality, and looks, and have not been disappointed. This is one of the best designed cars I have owned; the interior features are great. The handling with the X-reas suspension is also excellent, and will easily exceed the limits that most people feel comfortable with. The ride and handling are excellent for an off-road capable SUV.