Compact SUV · 1996–present
RAV4
The compact crossover that started it all.
212 for salefrom $9,995
Japan · since 1937
Toyota
The world’s largest automaker, built on reliability.
Toyota grew out of a loom company’s automobile department into the world’s best-selling car brand. Its reputation for durability and resale value makes used Toyotas some of the most searched cars in America, led by the RAV4, Camry, Corolla and Tacoma.
- Founded
- 1937
- Country
- Japan
- Headquarters
- Toyota City, Aichi, Japan
- Founded by
- Kiichiro Toyoda
- Current models
- 8
Toyota models
Every model we track, sorted by how many are for sale near you.
Midsize sedan · 1983–present
Camry
America’s long-running best-selling sedan.
188 for salefrom $8,495Compact car · 1968–present
Corolla
One of the best-selling nameplates in history.
174 for salefrom $7,995Midsize pickup · 1995–present
Tacoma
The midsize truck that holds its value like no other.
143 for salefrom $12,995Midsize 3-row SUV · 2001–present
Highlander
A car-based three-row family hauler.
131 for salefrom $10,495Midsize SUV · 1984–present
4Runner
Body-on-frame toughness for trails and towing.
97 for salefrom $11,995Full-size pickup · 2000–present
Tundra
Toyota’s full-size pickup.
88 for salefrom $14,995Hybrid · 2001–present
Prius
The car that made hybrids mainstream.
64 for salefrom $6,995
Toyota history
From looms to automobiles
Toyota began as the automobile department of Toyoda Automatic Loom Works, the textile machinery company founded by Sakichi Toyoda. His son Kiichiro studied gasoline engines and steered the company toward cars, producing the Model AA sedan in 1936.
Toyota Motor Co. was spun off as its own company in 1937. The name was changed from “Toyoda” to “Toyota,” which was considered easier to say, luckier to write, and better suited to a brand.
The Toyota Production System
After the war, engineers including Taiichi Ohno developed what became the Toyota Production System: just-in-time parts delivery, built-in quality checks, and continuous improvement (kaizen). It became the most copied manufacturing philosophy in the world and underpins Toyota’s reputation for consistency.
Winning America
Toyota arrived in the U.S. in 1957 with the Toyopet Crown, which struggled on American highways. The compact Corona and then the Corolla (1966) found their footing, and the 1970s fuel crises made small, efficient Toyotas an easy sell.
In 1989 Toyota launched Lexus to compete with German luxury brands, and in 1997 it introduced the Prius, the first mass-produced hybrid. Today trucks and SUVs like the Tacoma, 4Runner and RAV4 are the backbone of its U.S. lineup.
Milestones
- 1936Model AA, the first Toyoda passenger car, enters production.
- 1937Toyota Motor Co. is founded as an independent company.
- 1957Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. opens; the Toyopet Crown goes on sale.
- 1966The Corolla debuts and goes on to become one of the best-selling cars ever.
- 1984NUMMI, a joint venture with GM in California, begins building cars.
- 1989Lexus launches with the LS 400.
- 1994The RAV4 launches in Japan, helping create the compact crossover segment.
- 1997Prius goes on sale in Japan as the first mass-market hybrid.
Classic Toyota models
Discontinued icons that collectors still search for.
Toyota 2000GT1967–1970
Japan’s first supercar; fewer than 400 built.
Land Cruiser FJ401960–1984
The rugged off-roader behind the brand’s go-anywhere reputation.
Supra (A80)1993–1998
Twin-turbo 2JZ icon of the 1990s tuner scene.
MR21985–2007
Affordable mid-engine sports car across three generations.
Watch
Further reading
- WikipediaToyotaEncyclopedic overview with production history and sources.
- WikipediaToyota Production SystemEncyclopedic overview with production history and sources.
- ToyotaToyota Automobile MuseumNagakute, Japan museum covering Toyota and world automotive history.
- NHTSARecalls lookupCheck any VIN for open safety recalls before you buy.
Toyota FAQ
Why is it called Toyota and not Toyoda?
The founding family is named Toyoda. The company switched to “Toyota” in 1937 because it was easier to pronounce, sounded cleaner, and is written in Japanese with eight strokes, a number considered lucky.
Which Toyota models are most popular used?
On RoadOtter the most-searched used Toyotas are the RAV4, Camry, Tacoma, Corolla and Highlander. Trucks and body-on-frame SUVs like the Tacoma and 4Runner hold their value especially well.
Does Toyota own Lexus?
Yes. Lexus is Toyota’s luxury division, launched in 1989. Many Lexus models share platforms and powertrains with Toyotas.