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 Car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By G. Nicklin - May 22 - 9:33 pm

  We waited 8 months to get the car and it has proven to be very worthwhile. We are approaching 15k miles and enjoying 45mpg city and 54 mpg hwy. Performance is excellent. Dash and door finishes seem to scar quite easily and should be remided to improve quality. Driving quality is near perfect.

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  Thats what Im talking about!!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jewell - May 22 - 2:56 am

  I bought a 2007 Toyota Yaris 4 days ago and could not be happier- the money Im saving on gas is fantastic. The MP3 jack is huuuge for me. The seat is comfy and the car is quite stylish for an economic vehicle. I would recommend this to anyone.

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  The Best Truck Yet! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Runningbrowndog - May 22 - 12:20 am

  I certanly give Toyata a Thumbs Up for the re-design of the Tacoma. It is roomier than any previous, has a better drive train, Has a lot more power, and the exterior and interior have better qualities and looks than any other Truck (in my opinion.

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  Quality - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bobby Aldighieri - May 21 - 6:56 pm

  At the end of the day these trucks are amazing. They provide all of the quality an auto maker should and thats why Toyota is the best selling vehicle maker in the world. The products sell themselves!

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  Amazing car for the price - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Shep - May 21 - 2:06 pm

  I love this car. It barely uses gas and saves me so much money. It looks and feels great on the highway. Very little noise.

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  class cruiser - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By vet - May 21 - 7:30 am

  Excellent SUV. Toyota put the fun back into its line of cars with this one. Getting about 22 MPH with my 2X4 auto. Runs better than it looks. And I think it looks great. Lots of room and the mirrors are excellent. You have a nice panoramic view out of front window. Quick and quiet ride.

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  My neighbor Sam got 04 camery - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Michael - May 20 - 8:12 pm

  He purchased from a doctor,with 234 mi k, runs like a dream need to get md insp, will see if it needs anything.you know how mech, are. But I think it will pass. And get state insp.

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  Toyota 4Runner vs Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Sandra Dobbins - May 20 - 4:06 pm

  Driving an SUV for 6 years and then getting in a Camry is absolute heaven. This car is easy to drive, great gas mileage and comfortable. I shopped for a month before I decided the Camry is the best for the money. Drove multiple other cars, honda accord, nissan altima, ford fusion. None gave the ride as the Camry. No transmission problems.

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  avalon - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By jpaulson - May 20 - 12:56 pm

  The avalon is comfortable, and love the amenities, cool seats, rear window shade, and the complete car!

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  A wonderful hybrid - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By priuslover - May 20 - 12:56 pm

  I have had my Prius for just under 3 months now. What a totally awesome car!! I am getting between 42-44 mpg. with no effort. I have had to fill it only 2 in 2 months and I use it every day for work. Comfortable drive, fun to drive, with an awesome navigation and bluetooth system with voice recognition. I purchased package #6, Silver Pine Mica.