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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  Best Car For The Money - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Toms River Door & Wi - April 25 - 2:00 am

  I have had 2 Explorers before and I got tiered of the truck like ride and feel. I didnt want a vehicle larger than what I had. The Hieghlander fit my needs perfectly. Between the craftmanship and the beautiful ride you will not fine a better car.

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  Fantastic vehicle! - 2008 Toyota Matrix
  By matrixfan - April 25 - 1:40 am

  With gas prices ever rising, my van was just too expensive to run. The Matrix was the perfect vehicle to downsize to; it still holds my gear, but gets 40% better mileage than my old MPV and its fun to drive to boot! I wish Toyota would come out with a Hybrid Matrix, but until then, this one is great!

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  One Sweet Ride! - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By nora64 - April 24 - 6:34 am

  OK, I am a Ford gal from way back but when I decided to trade my 2002 Escape (at 181,000 miles and still going strong) I thought I would test drive a couple other SUVs before buying. The moment I pulled onto the road in the RAV4 I knew I had found a new love! The interior is very modern and classy (though understated)and everything on the panels is well marked and easy to find. The seats sit high for a great view and feeling of "control". The cargo area has more room than the Escape for my 3 dogs or groceries and the rear cup holder is handier for my 8 yr old daughter to reach. It has tight, responsive steering, easy to park, and drives like an absolute dream!

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  Great car! - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Phil - April 24 - 4:06 am

  After two decades of driving SUVs I finally gave in to high gas prices and bought a vehicle with better mileage. I spent way too much time on the internet researching and then test driving different cars before choosing the Camry. After owning my Camry SE V6 for six momnths I have no regrets. I chose the SE because I liked the tighter sport suspension. The V6 provides very good power yet I get an average of 28 MPG with mostly highway driving. Another plus; Im over 6 feet tall and I fit comfortably in this car. I commute 60 miles round trip to work and truely enjoy driving this vehicle. I dont miss my SUV, if I need a larger vehicle for a day to haul more people or stuff Ill just rent one.

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  A Great Car to Own - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By kirk westrell - April 23 - 1:36 pm

  I bought the Toyota Camry for my Real Estate business. I have put on 30,000 miles in one year. The car is problem free and stands up to the highway. It is easy to drive and comfortable to ride in. The Camry is a great car for commuting or on the open highway. I only had to replace a tire which was ruined by a nail. The gas mileage has been usually 30-34mpg. On my first trip to Texas in the car, I actually got 37 mpg since I had the cruise control set. I have had the car serviced on time and have had no mechanical difficulties other than the flat tire. The 4 cyl engine packs a lot of power and the 5 speed transmission adds to the great performance of this car. It is a 10.

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  Excellent choice - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By Kisa Lee - April 23 - 7:20 am

  Before the purchase of my Avalon I drove a Nissan Sentra for about 9 1/2 years and loved that car because of the reliability. Now in the Avalon I feel the same but with extras ex. the interior, the comfortable ride, the room as well as the sound system. I am really enjoying the car even though it was used when I purchased it, I feel that I made an excellent choice.

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  Fun to drive - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By janie - April 22 - 10:16 pm

  Ive had my Prius for almost 4 months and love it more every day! Changing jobs brought a longer commute, but ability to drive in the HOV lane makes the commute almost painless. I laugh as I zoom by all those folks at a dead stop on the freeway. Gas mileage has also increased as I learned better driving techniques - now averaging about 50 mpg. Love the bluetooth and use it constantly - makes good use of the long drive and a much safer way to talk on the phone, plus its easy to use. Storage in the back is more roomy than it looks - all the junk I carried in my larger SUV fit with room to spare and the cover hides everything. Expected to like the Prius, pleasantly surprised to love it!

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  Get one while you can....! - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By kmagman - April 22 - 7:06 am

  Just bought the 2006 Tundra because the 2007 model will be HUGE and probably less economical. I bought this vehicle to take the place of a Lexus RX 300 and a Mazda B4000 pickup. It handles BETTER than the RX 300 and is just as comfortable with all the same comfort features and build quality.

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  Gotta love it! - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Jimbo - April 21 - 11:16 am

  Have only had 1 week after trading in my 2003 Rav4. What a change! Love the V6 from the old sewing machine 2 Litre. Nice layout from the dash to seats. Bravo Toyota! Even the base stereo deserves a 10 compared to the 2003. Love the moonroof, with hopes of a suntan on the ole cueball.

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  You gotta love it - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bob - April 21 - 8:10 am

  I have been driving it for a little more than 2 weeks. Handles so much better than the older Toyotas. More room, power. love the access doors, getting 26 miles to gallon. The new bed liner is great with the tye down very nice. The ride is better than most cars very smooth. New dash lay out is great very easy to see all the extras, the chrome make for a nice touch on the interior. Last is how quiet the ride is as long as the fan is off, the fan still makes too much noise.