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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  My Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Mary Lou - November 8 - 1:43 am

  After a nine month wait, I picked up my 2004 Prius in August of 2004. It was all that I expected and more. The gas mileage is the greatest. Its better in warmer weather than cold. There are little features that Im constantly finding out about, such as all the hidden compartments. I love the environmental features. I found out the dashboard is made of bio plastic (from plant products) rather than petro plasic (made from oil products). I love all those environmental features such as the fact that the cars aluminum body, batteries etc. are recycleable. The batteries are not hazardous waste, they are NiMH batteries. It also has PZEV emmisions.

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  RAV = Really Agile & Very fast - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By M McCurdy - November 8 - 1:36 am

  Owner for a couple months now. Handles great and the performance is amazing. High lease rate is a drawback. Performance makes up for it?

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  Station Car - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Jim - November 7 - 4:43 pm

  We have the XLS with "mandatory" options VSC/traction control, JBL & heated seats. Have owned for two months, 1600 miles. Very good overall. 3 kids fit comfortably in the rear seat. No hump in the floor is a big advantage. Good acceleration, tight handling. No snow yet, thus jury is still out on VSC.

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  I love my FJ! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Sue Emmons - November 7 - 3:10 pm

  Weve only owned it for a week, but we are just thrilled with it. It had its first off-road trip 2 days ago and did extremely well. Its ride is much smoother than we would have expected from such a rugged vehicle. And its cute as all get-out!

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  Driven Hard! - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By trdecho1 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Mine is actually a 2000 5-speed sedan. Selection list did not go back past 2003. But I love mine, it has 64,000 miles and has not skipped a beat. It has been driven hard due to my lead foot! I run synthetic oil in engine and tranny. 0w-30 in the engine,and 75w-90 in the tranny. Helped alot with pickup and dealer put it in for me. I also run a aftermarket air filter, and took out the baffle in the air box. Put on different muffler, but not a cannon like all other imports, still quiet. I love out running hondas and fords and getting better gas milage in the process. Would keep this car even if I won the lottery!

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  best tall wagon bargin - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By littledude30542 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I liked the matrix form the first time I saw it. It had more features than other cars that I had been looking at. The car handles great and even thought its 123hp it doesnt feel like it. I like having the massive cargo space and the security of AWD .I only paid 18,442 and thats fully loaded .Im glad I got a 2004 b/c the 2005 is a little uglier. The car has also gotten its share of compliments. i havent had 1 problem

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  Very Nimble - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By San Diego Rav 4 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I traded in a 96 BMW 318is and love the RAV 4. It is very nimble and responsive, Has enough get up and go for city driving, and is more fun to drive than I thought it would be. Not a luxury car or as solid as a BMW, but it is a great vehicle for the money. It is so easy and comfortable to drive.

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  Everything you would want bundled up. - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Don Noble - November 7 - 10:00 am

  The Camry has not changed its reputation over the years. It is a vehicle that gives you a quiet, silky smooth ride, plenty of pep on the road, while maintaining a compact car like gas mileage. 33 MPG on the highway. The 4 cylinder engine, at 160 hp, would fool most people as they would think they were driving a 6 cylinder. Rear seating provides adequate space for a family of 4. The dash functions are simple and well laid out. When I look at the new sticker prices of some of the less dependable vehicles on the market today . . . the Toyota Camry is an absolute bargain with its price, comfort, style and overall dependability.

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  Very Satisfied - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Bpa49 - November 7 - 9:13 am

  Before buying I researched and read reviews about every brand of truck in this class. The Tundra was by far the most vehicle for the money especially after the rebates that were going on in July, 08. The SR5 trim level has all the most common standard features that you would not have on a similar priced Ford or Chevy. Has plenty of power with the 5.7, very comfortable to drive, quiet, and even the gas mileage isnt bad for a 6000 lb 381 hp vehicle. I travel 42 miles per day on the hilly interstates of western PA and average 15.6 mpg. On a 600 mile trip I averaged 18+. Only complaint is sometimes the transmission downshifts a little too easily even going down a moderate hill.

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  Glad I Chose It - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Rob - November 7 - 7:40 am

  This car rides just as well as the familys Benz sedan or Infiniti suv. Its been great in stop and go, as well as on the highway. The cloth seats feel both durable and comfy. Real world fuel economy has been more along the lines of 22.5/25 vs. 23/28 advertised, par for the course if not better. The 4cyl can chase down your normal traffic without even punching it. This car deserves a look for cargo space alone, which even includes an extra few cubic feet buried beneath the mats. Take a seat in the back and youll immediately notice how far away the front seats really are. Passengers have plenty of leg room and can even recline if need be. It gets a lot of looks for its exterior too.