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:

• 

  LOVE IT! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Teresa - September 12 - 10:00 am

  We bought the 2004 XLE model because of the third row fold flat into the floor seats, the ability to open the center windows, the spacious interior, the leather seats that dont look cheap, power doors and liftgate, middle bench seats easily fold or move together. We had a 2002 model that did not have these features and wanted to upgrade. I am so glad we did because I am so happy with this van. We test drove the Mazda and Honda, but the ride quality could not compare. We love the reliability that all our Toyota vehicles have demonstrated.

• 

  Overall fantastic traveling vehicle - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By mary ann - September 12 - 1:36 am

  Handles very well, quiet engine.

• 

  Best car on the planet! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Marc - September 12 - 12:33 am

  Terrific car, as everyone says. Writing this mostly to contest the editors comment that on the highway, when the battery is not being charged, the gas engine is "anemic." This is not true - it drives great at highway speeds. The editors comment reflects a common misunderstanding of how hybrids work. The main reason fuel efficiency is so good is NOT due to regenerative braking or charging the battery at low speeds. Its because normally engines are sized for acceleration, and that wastes lots of gas when traveling at constant speed, even at 70 mph. With the Prius, the small engine cruises fine at 70 mph, and saves you lots of gas. For acceleratation, the electric motor kicks in - brilliant!

• 

  A Most Excellent Car - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By David - September 11 - 7:00 pm

  This is not only the first convertible Ive ever owned but its my first actual new car. After exhaustive research prior to buying I have to say that I am completely thrilled with the Solara. Fun to drive, hip and showy to look at and I know I can count on the Toyota quality. People mistake it for a Lexus constantly at first glance. When I drive it I can actually feel myself relaxing and unwinding on the way home from work. I couldnt have made a better choice! Black-on-black 2006 Solara Convertible SLE.

• 

  Tough, rugged truck - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Duke - September 11 - 5:16 pm

  I searched a long time for a vehicle that was right for me. I didnt like most SUVs because they either had poor gas mileage or were too small. I looked at CUVs which seemed more like a minivan alternative than a utility vehicle and not really made to go off road. The 4Runner offers good mileage (Im getting 20 mpg combined), comfort, technology - voice command, BT, Satellite radio, rear camera, USB, Nav, etc. - so it works well for my daily driving AND is built to tow, haul, go off road - so great for getaways with the family and friends.

• 

  Home Run - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Scott R. Orth - September 11 - 5:56 am

  Owned 5 Chevys and 7 Fords. In 2001 I purchased a Chevy Silverado Ext Cab 4wd. Chevy has a decent ride. That is it. In 7 years I have stuck $10,000 over and above the normal maintenance. Their cust. Service is terrible. My wife describes my Tundras ride as a limousine. Of course it isnt but for a Heavy Duty truck is is a nice ride. I cant wait to install Bridgestone Duelers on it. I have a 3" lift kit on the front and 1" on rear to level it out. Looks great!I highly recommend this truck. Plenty of performance and great braking. My fathers averages 2.5 mpg less; however, he drives aggressively ALL the time. I get 15-17 mpg. Get TRD. Not enough space to properly review this fine truck.

• 

  My Car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By mary mercer - September 11 - 4:16 am

  Exceptional response both in engine and handling categories. Very good ridability and comfort. Gas mileage not quite what was expected but all other aspects of the car more than make up for this. Workmanship is top-notch in all areas.

• 

  Love My Yaris! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Cakina - September 11 - 2:13 am

  Until I got to the dealership, I had never heard of a Yaris. 2 hours and much test driving later, I would not have bought anything else! The interior space and comfort are incredible for this size of vehicle. I love the extra room with the fold down rear seat. Better gas mileage was my ultimate goal. After feeding a Trailblazer every 5 or 6 days I am looking forward to seeing the gas pumps 2 times per month! Excellent vehicle that I have an will continue to recommend!

• 

  Best Car Ever! - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By Wood - September 10 - 5:36 pm

  We bought the HL used with 90k miles on it. I have had it for 3 years now and it is by far the best car Ive owned. It now has about 140,000 miles on it and still runs like new. I LOVE it! We just recently bought a 2008 HL because we loved it so much.

• 

  Highly Recommend Buying The FJ40 Cruiser - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Kimo from Hawaii - September 10 - 9:30 am

  I bought a new Landcruiser in the 70s. That vehicle was a brute. It was built like a tank, heavy and real solid thick metal. It could crawl and go where only goats could roam. I was very happy with it. So I thought of buying the new version. Whoa, is this a refined 4X4 compared to the 70s model. It is so cool in looks and in performance. After purchasing it, I found out that there was a tire recall. I just brought it to the local dealer and they will replace them (5) for free. I am surprised that the previous two owners did not know about this recall. I also owned 4X4 Jeeps. They are okay for kids and adult kids who like the "old school" looks, ride, engineering, and performance. Switch.