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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  Almost perfect - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Tony - March 16 - 9:26 pm

  We live up a winding country road with a 55 mph speed limit ... at the suggested tire pressures with the supplied tires the car still tends to "wallow" through the curves. Increasing the pressure to 40 front, 38 back helps. Road noise is a big disappointment ... going freeway speeds over "gravel cement" pavement creates a harmonic roar that needs to be muffled. I would have been happy with more insulation, less mileage. Ford Fusion hybrid was much quieter. Everything else is great... maybe using better tires will solve the above problems.

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  Small issues - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By king - March 16 - 2:36 pm

  Prior to purchasing a 2006 Corolla, I had a 1991 model for 15 years. I loved it so I wanted another. I have only had the 2006 for a few months, but I wanted to give a review after my first trip to the service department at 6,000+ miles. The trim on the roof was coming loose at one end. The initial prognosis by the service department technician was to replace as this occurs occasionally. They instead glue it down (something I could have done). The second issue, which is more unacceptable, is a spot protruding under the carpet on the hump in the back seat area. I noticed the carpet wearing (at 6,000+ miles) and they said the protrusion is part of the carpeting and all corollas have it.

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  great car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By aldkj - March 16 - 10:00 am

  this is a great car if you are looking for something that give you great mileage and camry size interior.

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  Nice - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By bhd - March 16 - 10:00 am

  We just drove our new SR5 on a 1500 mile vacation. The vehicle was great to drive. It was smooth, comfortable and had lots of power when passing. I couldnt wait to get back into the seat and drive it some more. I couldnt be happier with our choice of the Sequoia. I had to watch myself as I wouldnt be paying attention and I find myself doing 90 on the highway and it felt like 50. I really like this car.

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  Toy4Me - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By mycoolcar - March 16 - 10:00 am

  This car is very easy on the eyes. I chose red as my color. Wherever I go people comment on how nice my car is. Looks like a lexus, feels like a lexus, acts like a lexus, but without the price of a lexus.

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  2003 Tacoma - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By fixandrepair - March 16 - 10:00 am

  I had 86 Toy P/u and loved it but needed more work so bought a new Tacoma with just the basics. I own (have ownd) many Toyotas and they are low maint/reliable. BUT noticed this is the first one not built in Japan, but in TENN, and I can tell the diff in quality.! Windows loose/rattle, creeking sound in dash, bed liner coming "unglued", paint bubbling up both sides on door at bottom. Only complaining because I love my old TOY and still have a 4rnr Im happy with. I like my Tacoma (gave it a hi rating) but it could have been built better.

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  4 runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By soonerswagger - March 16 - 10:00 am

  best SUV weve ver owned

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  Finally.... - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Neumie2000 - March 16 - 10:00 am

  After driving American made SUVs for quite a number of years, I now know why the American manufacturers need to offer incentives to sell their vehicles. I had a 2003 Ford Explorer, with only 5000 miles on it. Sticker price was 31K, trade in value after less than a year of ownership, $17,500. The 4Runner has far more power, better gas mileage, better ride, far superior build and ride quality. I really could not be happier with the purchase.

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  FTD - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By leonf3rd - March 16 - 10:00 am

  FunToDrive. I was very surprise on it smooth handling. Family loves it. After adding a few accessories on the outside it turned out to be a very good-looking vehicle. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a small-medium SUV. Good gas mileage. I wish the fog lights were standard. Can get expensive adding few features.

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  CAMRY or ACCORD? - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By easyed87 - March 16 - 10:00 am

  We were deciding between the Camry and Accord and the deciding factor was the smoothness of the ride. The Camry is large enough for a family of 4 with plenty of trunk space for road trips. It has averaged 35 mpg on highway trips and approximately 25 mpg in city driving conditions. I would highly recommend this car to anyone in the market for a mid-sized sedan.