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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  Excellent - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By mark04 - September 6 - 2:00 am

  The car is phenomenal. The ride is flawless. Very Lexus-like. Quality is impeccible. For a 4 cylinder it is very peppy. Interior is very comfortable.

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  What more could you ask for?! - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By Princess Jenny - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I love just driving this car. I came from a dodge shadow and there is no comparison. this car kicks some good stuff.

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  AwW! what? Too fast? - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By BurnOUt - September 6 - 2:00 am

  OK! to make one thing clear, this is the best corolla ever! period! For one thing the entire ride is nice, when i first borrowed it from my sister and drove around the block, people was turning heads. I love the Corolla i only with they came out with a V6 or a VVTL-i for the sport version. I wish they did so bad cause i hate honda! Why do they think honda equals speed? they didnt say then when i corollaed em out!

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  Black SE V6!!!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By rtcinc - September 5 - 10:50 pm

  Purchased 2 weeks ago. Orderded in early March and took about 6 weeks. Nice fast and stable. My 17 year old wanted a Civic Si but since I was buying, I chose the SE V6 and he is just as happy.

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  Love it - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Teresa - September 5 - 9:50 pm

  Ive owned other small SUVs and this one is the best yet. Great handling, good gas mileage and Toyota is great when it comes to customer service. Ill purchase another when the time comes.

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  LOVE my Solara!!! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By solara - September 5 - 4:03 pm

  Absolutely love my convertible, interior is beautiful, runs smooth, looks great. One thing I dont like is where the clock is, cant see it if it is a sunny day. Another thing it would be nice if the seats raised up with a lever, I have had short people that sit in the front that can barely see out the side window. And I like to lean my elbow on the door while I drive. Other than that ..oh yeah one more thing the antenna, I have had to replace it ..on the 3rd time, be nice if it were in windshield. It is the funnest car to drive, my husband and I look for excuses to drive it on a nice day!!!

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  T Force, none better - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By Guy W - September 5 - 2:26 pm

  Might as well get all the bells and whistles on this unique, tricked out version of the Tacoma. Almost 4 years later and still turning heads everywhere we go.

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  The Perfect Solution - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By SHINDIG - September 5 - 1:20 pm

  The Matrix is quite possibly the best compromise in size, comfort, fuel economy, and good looks. A quiet and smooth drive, with "peppy" acceleration I did not expect from the horsepower ratings. Great fuel economy (28.5 mpg in 80/20 city/hwy driving), and spacious interior. This was my SUV "alternative," and so far, so great. Im personally a big fan of the exterior styling, although the interior dash could use a "refreshing" a la the new Camry. Toyota quality is excellent - the doors close with a solid "thwump" - not that empty, hollow-door feeling.

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  Another Excellent Car - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Thomcin - September 5 - 5:53 am

  Great motor. Great 5 speed trans. Roomy. Lots of air bags and safety. Handles well. Good value.

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  I think I like it! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By pruischick - September 4 - 9:00 am

  I bought my Prius a couple of weeks ago. Actually my husband convinced me to buy one. I wasnt sure about it at first, but I think I like it. We are getting about 54 miles to the gallon which is fantastic. The ride is smoother and much quieter than I anticipated but it doesnt handle curves in the road as well as I thought it would. The new body style is cute and it has fun accessories. Yah, I like it. I wish they offered a Prius coupe though. A two door would be really awesome.