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:

• 

  True Believer - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By only drivin tundras - August 2 - 4:16 pm

  I bought my Tundra in mid 2002 with 44K miles. Drove it approx 35K per year pushing oil changes to every 10K. Replaced one set of front rotors, one fuel pump (it was blowing the EFI 1 fuse) and one set of spark plugs. It was an outstanding truck. I say was because it was totaled in an accident with 206K. Had it not met an early demise I believe it would have easily rolled 300K plus. I missed it so much I replaced it with another one with a young 148K on it.

• 

  Excellent vehicle - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Christine - August 2 - 5:00 am

  I have been pleased with my Rav4 since buying it in May. The gas mileage is very reasonable and I am certian that having a 4WD vehicle will come in handy for New York winters.

• 

  Best sub-compact car on the market - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Joan - August 1 - 4:30 pm

  We love our Yaris! It consistently gets between 37-42 mpg. It is comfortable on long trips and has plenty of zip going up and down hills and for passing. Both of us are tall and have plenty of space inside with the automatic transmission. Back-seat passengers are surprised with the comfort and leg room. With the hatchback, were able to carry large items with no difficulty. Our Yaris is our favorite all-time car!

• 

  Nothing But Quality - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Jake Benn - August 1 - 9:23 am

  My dad bought this car with 10,000 on it back in 2003 and then put 212,000 miles on it. We took care of the basics and it still runs exactly like new maybe better. I got it and put some performance parts on (cold air intake, racing plugs, new struts etc.) This car has never let either of us down and if the odometer did not say it had 218,000 miles on it, no one driving it or riding in it would think any thing else but it was a new car.

• 

  Toyota Gets It Right - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By 1972ck - July 31 - 8:20 pm

  This will be Tundra #3 for me. While I enjoyed my last Tundras this one is by far the most capable. Excellent acceleration, braking. Cant wait to hook it up to my travel trailer and see how she tows! Like the comfort and conv. items in the interior. Turning radius is awesome! Special ordered mine took a bit to get but worth the wait. If youre in the market for a full sized p/u, youve got to give the all new Tundra a look. I drove the others and found the Tundra to be superior. The Dodge was cheap looking int., the Ford rode terribly. The Chevy was a close second but reliability scared me away. The Titan is a joke, no payload.

• 

  Great Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By huey - July 31 - 6:13 pm

  4x4 TRD Sport DCab LB in silver. This truck is awesome and so surprise that my mom actually likes it too(she hates trucks) but since its so smooth/quiet, she loves it. Lots of power and handles great.

• 

  We Love our Avalon - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Donna - July 31 - 4:10 am

  We love our new Avalon! It drives and handles beautifully. It is extremely quiet inside the vehicle and there is plenty of room for my three children in the backseat.

• 

  Great Ride! - 2007 Toyota Highlander
  By Roderick M. Martin - July 30 - 7:33 pm

  Bought this demo from the dealer with 2300 miles on it. After driving Camrys all our lives we wanted a SUV for the winters in Michigan. Twice we have been in snowstorms and one blizzard and felt very comfortable driving in the snow. We barely felt the shifting when it went into all wheel drive. The only complaint we have is that somehow the sides of the front seats are beginning to wear and when I have checked out other Highlanders I notice the same weathering. I like the fact that I can sit higher and see better out any window and the gas mileage for this 4cyl SUV is closer to 30 on the highway. We will be looking for another Highlander when its time for a new car as we love it!

• 

  Silver beautiful - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By TONY23 - July 30 - 7:16 pm

  The Matrix is an owners delight to own. It handles great, fuel mileage is wonderful, my wife just wont let me have it. Guess I gotta get another one lol. Great job Toyota. Highly recommend this car for anyone on the car market looking for room and fun.

• 

  3 door Yaris review - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By roger olson - July 30 - 6:46 pm

  I like my Yaris and dont regret buying it for a second. As gas prices go up I feel good everytime I fill up my tank. I am glad that Toyota decided to bring this to the USA.