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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  Will own it for life! - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jason - December 17 - 2:03 am

  Finally purchased my toy last summer, after humming and hawing for years. Ive researched the pros and cons between the Nissan Frontier and the Tacoma, and the biggest issues outstanding for each is the transmission trouble with the Taco, but the differential troubles with the Frontiers. After thinking about the cost (frontier cheaper) the size (frontier smaller) and reputation, I felt that I could live with the random gear changes of the taco, and it wouldnt cost anything in repairs, or pay less for a Nissan, then replace the differential in a year, have less cabin room, less box room, and less "look cool factor". Ive been driving in every terrain with only once stuck in a ditch! Love it!

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  I love my Taco! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By drg - December 16 - 6:26 am

  Got the Prerunner, Access, 4 cyl, manual. Ordered it. Great styling inside & out. This is my first Toyota & Im very impressed, tho I feel shafted by the dealer. The prerunner concept is great - the looks of 4WD w/o the cost. Only problem is the clutch pedal is killing my calf. The pedal throw is way too much - my heel hits the floorboard before the clutch is 1/2 way depressed so I have to point my toes to the extreme in order to shift. Shoulda got an automatic! The dealer cant tell me if the pedal is adjustable unless I bring it in. Got it for 1% over invoice but the dealer said I couldnt order VSC. Toyota should ditch the dealers and let people order straight from the factory!

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  great suv - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By b - December 15 - 12:26 pm

  the best small SUV on the market

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  Best Car - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By pumasoccer3 - December 15 - 7:36 am

  I have trusted it and it broke down once because of a starter that i did not change which is suppose to be changed every 10 years. And since then i havent had a problem great car. Going to give it to my 16 year old.

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  Pleased with pre-owned RAV4 (28K miles) - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By k5zoo - December 15 - 2:42 am

  After wanting to downsize from my minivan with the additional goal of improved gas mileage, I initially test drove a pre-owned Ford Focus and it was ok but quite compact especially the second row leg room. I happened upon the RAV4 in the same lot. I really liked how spacious the leg room was in the second row and I really liked the back storage. I am 52" so the cargo door is a plus because I had to be on my toes with the van hatchback.The full sized spare tire is also a plus; I read some neg reviews about its location but I think its much easier access. My combined gas mileage is 25.4 M-F due to hwy commuting; on the weekend which is more in town its 25.1. Overall a good value.

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  Prius 2006 - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Hue - December 15 - 12:36 am

  I thought for months about purchasing this car. Prior to finalizing the deal I experienced "buyers remorse"; however, since purchasing it, I have not regretted for a minute acquiring this fun little car. The gas and commuting time I have saved have been an added bonus.

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  Very good car/sSUV - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Linh - December 14 - 5:46 pm

  It is fun to drive this car/sSUV. The gas mileage is good. The layout of the temperature controls are good, but the control for the audio is a bit high or out of reach.

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  Bigger is Better - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By JMcKayPA - December 14 - 12:16 pm

  I had an 05 Rav 4 which was a great little SUV, but the 08 Highlander that Ive had for 3 weeks now is a lot more fun and a lot less cramped. Very quiet on the highway, quick to accelerate and a very comfortable interior. Took some getting used to with the bigger front. Love the radio with the sound adjustment feature. When the road gets loud, the radio goes up!

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  A great car for the money - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Jeff - December 14 - 4:56 am

  Ok, no surprise it has no problems its a TOYOTA. Have had it for 3 months now, great fuel economy (38 mpg on the highway last trip). The interior is high quality and nothing like an entry level domestic model. With the sunroof and 6 disc changer in the dash its a nice little car to commute to and from work, as well as a trip up the coast for vacation. My last toyota was 11 years old and had 219,00 miles on it and never went to the shop except for oil changes and a few sets of tires and brakes, I know this car will be as reliable as that, thanks toyota for building a car that is truly worry free.

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  Yellow Yaris - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Steve - December 13 - 9:10 am

  Only after a few days Im loving this Yaris! Bought for commuting so Ill be putting some miles on the car. After trying several other cars it was an easy decision to take the Yaris. Ill write again after the break-in period.