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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  "S" - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Robert - March 14 - 12:50 am

  As of yet... this car has been all it should be... a Toyota. Its build is solid; mileage is great, and fun to drive as a daily commuter. The interior styling is a bit plain/simple, but at the same time a welcome sight to the complexity of some of todays rides. For what it is, a daily commuter/first car/mileage queen, the Corolla fits the bill.

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  4Runner - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Erick Blue - March 13 - 11:43 pm

  The 4Runner is a terrific SUV to own and drive, very useful and plenty of power for the needs of the driver who feels like going off-road every once in a while.Very comfortable and fun to drive, great radio system plenty of clearance and the look with the hood scoop and all is awesome.

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  The Cruising Vessle - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Jkf - March 13 - 3:33 am

  Sweet ride for a minivan. Turns out minivans are cool. Who knew?

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  2003 Matrix - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By chw649 - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Wanted to downsize from a SUV, and to buy "greener". Looked for the best combination of reliability, reasonable price, fuel economy and generous cargo space. I have found it.

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  My new 4 Runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By mike387 - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Love it.Great SUV with excellent acceleration and handling, the most comfortable for me(66), lots of room.

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  Ravioli Returns - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By Tab - March 12 - 5:13 pm

  This is my 2nd Rav, first was 5 speed, I sold it and regretted so I bought an auto. Stick shift needs another gear for sure, tachs at about 3k at 60 mph, but hey it never let me down the 3 years I owned it. Now the auto is better but for a 4 cylinder and its get up it should do better ( 23 city ). I love it, awesome in the snow, rain any weather. Would buy another, I am a Honda lover also. Auto shifts so smooth you almost dont feel it.

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  Great car - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Angela - March 12 - 1:50 pm

  V6 gets 29 mpg on hwy - fantastic! Gets less than 20 in city traffic. Doesnt live up to the 22 mpg city listed, and I drive like a grandma. Nice upgraded stereo sound, but Im on my 3rd unit - it has a known defect/short that JBL cant seem to fix. Im hoping 3 is a charm. A very comfortable, powerful car. Bluetooth option is nice for hands free cell phone use.

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  Best of 2007 - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Legends - March 11 - 9:03 pm

  The FJ lives up to all the press. One top tester said it was the best of 2007. The FJ drives like a $35,000 sedan on the highway and performs off road like a $30,000 jeep. And it looks like a $40,000 SUV. The 4x2 gets good (21-24) MPG.

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  a great SUV - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By brian - March 11 - 4:56 pm

  This 4Runner is much more sound than the 01 Yukon I had previously. It is quiet, and reliable.

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  Love it - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By dalmar - March 10 - 7:56 pm

  We bought a Honda crv first and in our opinion the 2008 Honda CRV can not compare with the Toyota. It has a great comfortable interior and has extras the Honda does not. Roof rack, hands free dialing and a unbelievable comfortable seat. Leg room is excellent and even the back seat has lots of leg room.