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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  Cant go wrong - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By tim - September 25 - 10:20 pm

  I owned 1989 Toyota pickup, 20 years later Toyota still out does it. Interior lights sharp color orange, all controls easy to see. Timberland ica new color for 2009, show stopping color, style is sharp to look at. Windshield nice and large to see road.

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  Love it - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By love it - September 25 - 3:16 pm

  Love this Tacoma! Thinking now of selling in order to get better fuel economy (steady 20 mpg now) great, reliable vehicle - only negatives are placement of the clock (behind the steering wheel basically) and interior picked up scratches on plastic too easily. Wish gas mileage was better and I could keep it!

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  Toyota could improve - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By nnelgb - September 25 - 2:36 pm

  Things I dont like. When the engine starts cold it immediately hits 1800 RPM instead of a reasonable 1200 RPM. The bright light indicator is too bright. The gas & engine temperature gauge is down in a tube and in the daytime you cant read it part of the time. With a topper on the bed the dirt pours into the bed on dirt roads. This may be the topper installer problem but there is a 1/2" space between the tailgate and the bed. Lots of storage space-peppy engine(4.6) - rides good for a truck (I have the tow package) with the cruise control on it will down shift going down a grade to help keep the right speed. (first Toyota) Dealer is excellent to me. I havent been back to dealer yet.

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  Would buy it again in a heart beat! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By lance hunter - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Good value...should be able to get a limted for $37,500 if you are a patient buyer and shop around (use the web).

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  Too many problems! - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By discgem - September 25 - 2:00 am

  While I expected alot from Toyota, I did not expect to have the constant noisy brakes. I have replaced the brake pads at 60,000 and had one rotor turned at a cost of $400. I had to replace a fuel oxygen valve-=$200. And now I have to replace bad front shock block pads, as well as turning rod axles and boots at a cost of $1500!! This car is turning out to be a lemon.

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  I love my AVALON - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By logan clark - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I love this car and would have to say that bringing it home reminds me of when my father brought home his ultimate car- a 1962 Cadillac(the one with the big fins)- he was so thrilled and excited and so am I. It is stylish, posh, and comfortable as well as practical and fun to drive. The ride is like floating on a cloud with no sound. It drives like a dream and all you hear inside is the great sound system. This is my ultimate car and will probably be my last car as I plan on keeping it for a long time.

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  I love my Marklar! - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By Clarg - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Celica last summer and I love it. It is fun to drive and handles really well. I couldnt believe it when I realized I could take corners and not have to slow down! Warning: if you are used to driving a Celica, and have to drive another car (i.e. a rental on vacation), drive safely, because I nearly killed myself when I drove a Corolla for a few days and forgot that a Corolla doesnt handle like a Celica!

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  I love this truck - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By elbrokin - September 25 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car brank new in 1997 and have 75K miles, still drives like brand new. Never had any problems, just routine maintanance. I hate to get a new car but I need a third seat! I wish the new 4runner had a third seat.

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  LOVE IT!!!! - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By BBB - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Tacoma for nearly two year. It is WONDERFUL. I have NEVER had ANY problem with it other than needing an oil change..Offroad it has been perfect. I was in a MAJOR accident with no injury thanks to this truck, although the airbags did no deploy..hmmmm. I have been forced to sell it and am HEARTBROKEN. When I can again afford a truck, IT WILL BE A TACOMA!!!!

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  Awesome - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By KarenP - September 25 - 2:00 am

  My first Toyota ever owned an it is just awesome. THis vehicle will be able to move my family around with great ease.