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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  2005 Toyota Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By LuvMyPrius - August 5 - 5:40 am

  We knew going in that we would not get the MSRP mileage but we do get 45-55 mpg on our normal weekly driving. Just having a display showing constant and historical mpg has improved our driving methods - thus saving us even more gas. The lay-out of the controls on the steering wheel is awesome. The night mirror and 6-cd changer are wonderful editions that we love. We cannot say enough good things about this vehicle other than we wish we had two more!

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  What a Great Car - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Rich Taylor - August 4 - 11:56 pm

  Love it, havent been this excited about a car since my 79 320i. People stop by and ask to see it. Stereo good, feels safe, like the flat windshield, surprised at the comfortable ride, first road trip was 1/1/07 on Hwy 60 Phoenix to Amarillo (drove around Road Closed signs East of Albuquerque and drove past fishtailed semis and cars in ditches from snowstorm). Not bad gas mileage either.

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  Good Car - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Bob Whalen - August 4 - 5:30 pm

  This car is simply unstoppable off road. Mountain Peaks, Trailblazing, Water fording, and anything else off the beaten path the car can do without breaking a sweat.

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  Conservative style, but still a beautiful car inside/out - 2011 Toyota Corolla
  By dchev - August 4 - 2:04 pm

  I was pleasantly surprised when I saw redesigned 2011 Toyota Corolla S. You might think that it looks like 2009-2010 Corolla, but with small cosmetic and mechanical changes they did on 2011 model, the car looks very refined. Interior is simple and elegant, with comfortable seats. Also, Blue-tooth radio works very well. Driving 70/30 city/highway gives me 30-32MPG with A/C running all the time. Overall, this a great ride!

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  I love my 2005 XLE V6 Camry!! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By inflightslave - August 4 - 3:23 am

  This car just ROCKS! another winner!

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  Perfect dad truck! - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By rayrn87 - August 3 - 1:37 pm

  I love this truck!! Legendary reliability and resale value is ridiculously high! I have a v6 tx edition pre runner double cab so it has a tough rugged look. Cant even count how many compliments Ive gotten on how badass the truck looks, I had a crewmax tundra and the taco is much easier to maneuver and more comfortable to drive daily, although the interior is smaller, my 2 kids and the wife fit comfortably. My only regret is not getting the 4x4 but Im not much of an offroader. I mainly use the vehicle to drive to work , plenty of stop n go lights but gas mileage is decent and you dont notice the meter move unlike full size trucks.

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  Great Vehicle - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Dave - August 3 - 9:13 am

  Truck has been totally trouble free. Everything is very well thought out. It drives almost exactly the same as when I drove it off the lot. The engine is quiet and very smooth and the suspension is awesome: it drives the same whether the bed is empty or filled to its capacity. Its become an old friend.

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  Sporty Camry SE - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By lynn thomas - August 2 - 1:14 pm

  Love this car. I previously owned a 1997 Camry CE. Moving up to a 2010 SE felt like heaven. Lots of extras that I had never experienced but have been around for a while. Great price point and it was smooth working with the dealership. Hopefully my last car since it only had 35K miles.

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  Sporty Camry SE - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By lynn thomas - August 2 - 1:14 pm

  Love this car. I previously owned a 1997 Camry CE. Moving up to a 2010 SE felt like heaven. Lots of extras that I had never experienced but have been around for a while. Great price point and it was smooth working with the dealership. Hopefully my last car since it only had 35K miles.

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  XLE V6 w/Navigation - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Bucci - August 2 - 12:50 pm

  WOW! I bought an 07 Camry XLE loaded with Navigation, quick start button & have nothing but compliements. Heads turn everywhere you go, people are always commenting how nice the car is etc. It has excellent acceleration. The navigation works flawlessly, comfortable seats. Would definitely recommend this model to anyone.