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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  Sequoia Nice SUV - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Tom - September 7 - 3:33 pm

  This is my third SUV and it is the best. Very comfortable and reliable. I have not had a single problem. Would buy again.

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  My only vehicle - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By John - September 7 - 12:10 pm

  I have owned dozens of vehicles, including five 4x4 trucks. Ive had Chevy, Dodge, Ford, Jeep and Land Rover, some new, some not. My 2007 Tacoma 4x4 double cab beats them all hands down. By far the best stock 4x4 I have ever driven, let alone owned. I highly recommend this truck as a primary vehicle, especially if you like to take it out into the hills frequently like I do. I put a ToyTec 3" lift in front and 1.5" add a leaf in back. This truck rocks!

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  Camry SE - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By mtaddeo - September 7 - 7:21 am

  I am so excited about my "new" Camry SE that I leased at Cityworld Toyota in the Bronx... The new look and feel of the car is amazing and my salesman Abe was wonderful and very helpful during the process...I have been driving a Toyota for many years now and highly recommend this car and model...

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  Best SUV - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Blake Rodriguez - September 7 - 2:28 am

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  Very smooth ride - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By James Ingemanson - September 6 - 12:31 pm

  I got the pearl white with the technology pkg. The blind spot monitor, radar cruise control, and auto high beams are neat. It takes a lot of reading to go through the owners manual and the premium entune manual. Overly a very nice car!

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  I had swore Never to buy an SUV!!! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Driving Enthusiast. - September 6 - 12:26 pm

  Ive always disliked SUVs from the big tub-o-lard land whales to the mini cute-utes. The RAV 4.3 (3rd generation) V6 Sport 2WD has exceeded my expectations for a fuel efficient, versatile, roomy, sporty, and cost effective vehicle.

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  I love it this much - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Lea - September 6 - 12:03 pm

  This is one of the best vehicles I have ever had. It has all the right ingredients to make it a fun and eazy to maneuver sport vehicle. An SUV that also provides a hint of luxury. It has plush interior and slick external curves. With over 200 HP it still yields great gas mileage at up to 30 miles per gallon on the freeway. I have easily towed 3000 pounds. Mechanically the vehicle is sound I have not had one single problem. It has gotten me through 2 feet of snow, black ice, and a hurricane. Through all that it has always kept me and my family safe. I love the vehicle so much that when we go to purchase another vehicle it will be a HIGHLANDER.

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  Ten Years Old...Going Strong - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By foodle - September 6 - 10:08 am

  Bought this car three months ago for a commuter to and from work. It had 107,000 at time of purchase and now has 110,000. This car is amazing. It runs great, has plenty of power and everything works. Plus Im getting 32 mpg! How many American made cars are still on the road after 10 years and look and run as good as this one?

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  The Editors got it wrong - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Dominic Papasergio - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I have had my spyder since 27/7/2001, I have not had a single problem with it, I like it so much, I bought a new 2003 model. All the mistakes, which are few, have been cleaned up in the new model.

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  These cars are peaches - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By I love my old camry - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car in 95 and my daughter just totalled it. We have been grieving every since. It was a wonderful car. Extemely reliable and considerably durable since this was her third accident. I drove it for five years before we let her use it. Never had a problem, and made many a 12 hr. trip in it, up untill she wrecked it. Would highly reccommend.