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 like the SE! - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By pure_hp - December 12 - 10:30 am

  Its not the sportiest of the midsize vehicles but I do like the ground effects package on it with the 5 spoke alloys. Im constantly stuck in Atlanta traffic, yet, fairly comfortable with enough acceleration to keep up and pass whenever I feel the urge or get the chance. Just sitting in traffic isnt so bad either as the base sound system is above average. The car soaks up bumps well also. Its not an exhilirating vehicle but certainly a safe pick with a hint of "entertainment" with the SE model

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  Big Step Forward & Worth The Wait - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By billbo4 - December 12 - 10:04 am

  As a long time Toyota fan, I was delighted that the Corolla was seriously upgraded for 2014. I have always been impressed with the Corollas build quality and reliability but it was in danger of being left behind in the compact car segment due to a lack of style and current technology. After trading in my 2010 S model for a new LE Plus, I could not be happier. The styling, ride, technology and interior room are greatly improved. Granted this is no sports car, but this has the quietest ride in the compact class and is as smooth as glass on the interstate at 80 mph. The CVT shifts smoothly and fuel economy is noticeably better. All of this at a better price than either Honda Civic or Mazda 3.

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  Outstanding - 2009 Toyota Sienna
  By bobsienna - December 12 - 4:53 am

  This is the best vehicle that I have ever had. It is very comfortable and a joy to drive. There is plenty of room to carry things. I wish I had it when my kids were in college to haul many pairs of shoes. It gets good mileage on the highway but not so good in town, however I drove a PT Cruiser for a few days and only got 2 MPG better mileage.

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  Excellent SUV - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Ryan - December 12 - 12:50 am

  Toyota has made me very happy, The 4 Runner is the best vehicle I have ever driven, So many standard features without a large price tag. So many wonderful uses for the 4 Runner, Rugged yet very nice and elegant at the same time. Thank you Toyota for making my decision easy when purchasing a new SUV, the choice was very clear!

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  Great Buy!!! - 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Bill Kibble - December 11 - 10:55 pm

  Theyre getting a great car!

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  Going, Going, Still going - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By bill knab - December 11 - 8:20 pm

  Toyota means reliability, not flash or gadgets. Do you want a dependable, efficient, safe car or a home entertainment system on wheels with ignition systems that can take your life like GM?

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  Best owned Vehicle to date! - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By shodon_main - December 11 - 5:52 pm

  I currently own the 2005 Toyota Tundra Limited 4dr 4x4 and it is the best vehicle that I have owned yet! I bought the truck with 50,000 miles on it and have since put 30,000 more miles onto it and it hasnt even had a hicup. I have driven the truck from Colorado to the tip of texas and back, hauled a packed full 6x12 trailer from Colorado to New York and then from New York to Oklahoma and havent had a single problem or gripe with this truck. I currently use it as a daily driver and occasionally to haul the 4 wheeler to the sand dunes for a fun weekend.

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  Its good But - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By flodog - December 11 - 5:36 pm

  Fuel mileage is GREAT comfortable ride, BUT That new gas pedal and the 6 speed transmission will drive you crazy while driving around town. Feels like the brakes are locking up when slowing down

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  Nice Little Car - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By crocksan - December 11 - 4:20 pm

  It is my first Toyota car. I really like it the ride is good the economy is great. The only thing I do not like is the position of the driver seat in relation to the steering wheel with the seat back it is uncomfortable to reach the wheel. It definitely needs a telescoping steering wheel. ABS and four wheel disc brakes should be standard. Beyond that great car.

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  For the $$$$ - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Wytpny1 - December 11 - 12:10 pm

  Just cant beat the $$$ to the quality and performance. If you want a smooth ride with plenty of performance for a family car, GET A CAMRY!!!