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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  I Love it! - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Scott - July 22 - 12:46 am

  Was going to get a Yaris sedan. My wife just got one and I really liked it, but there nowhere to be found. Glad I tried this baby. I traded in My 2001 Mustang that was in great shape, but the winters are getting tough for me to drive and also gas prices so it was a tough thing. But it took me 2 days of driving this car and I love it, not quite the pickup the mustang had but who cares. The steering that people are complaining about is touchy but you do get used to it, no biggie to me. I love the look both inside and out (Black pearl). MPG avg is 41 mostly highway but a little mix

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  Awesome - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By GELAM - July 22 - 12:03 am

  I have had a 2000 and a 2002 Avalon. This is by far the best yet and the most beautiful. The interior is gorgeous as well as the new exterior design. I have a white limited with light gray interior.

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  2012 Toyota Highlander (2.7L 4cyl) w/ Nav.7 17alloy wheels - 2012 Toyota Highlander
  By bigdave5 - July 21 - 3:22 am

  After researching and driving Kia, Hyundai, and Toyota, I decided on the 2012 Toyota Highlander. The Kia and Hyundai models were decent vehicles and have greatly improved in recent years, but bottom line - they are NOT equal in build quality, long-term reliability and value of a Toyota! Yes, the Highlander is more expensive (and a bit larger) than the Kia/Hyundai counterparts, but in the end its worth the extra money. I chose the 2.7L VVT i-4 engine coupled with a 6-speed automatic tr. It has plenty of pep and decent gas milage. I am 6ft 4 and it is the most comfortable vehicle I have ever driven. In the end, I am extremely happy with my decision. Toyota is the best value, hands down

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  I love it! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Leslie Solomon - July 21 - 3:06 am

  Fun to drive, fun to look at, good on gas, reliable and held up beautifully when I was rear ended.

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  Safety and Security - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Clyde - July 21 - 1:26 am

  Feel very safe and secure in this vehicle. A real pleasure to drive. MPG has increased now to 23-24 MPG in intercity driving. Have seen upper 28MPG on longer trips. Seats are comfortable and really show themselves on 8 and 10 hour trips. Rear seats have plenty of legroom for 6 footers too and are comfortable as well.

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  My Toy - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By tuff truck - July 20 - 10:00 am

  I have had my tundra for about two and a half years and absolutely love the way it performs and handles.the only problem that Iv had is when i put new tires on,i aquired a shake in the front end.I than put on another new set but a different brand and the shake was still there.My service debt. could not find any problems with in and within 2500 miles the shake was gone.Other than that it is a great truck and has served my well.

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  Space Pod - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Carolynne - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Great little car and the dogs love it. Cosmic blue is a fantastic colour. Turns alot of heads. Must have TINTED WINDOWS!

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  Versatile family vehicle - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By 40ish mom of 2 - July 20 - 6:00 am

  Love my Highlander. Very versatile. You can carry 7 people if you need to. Can also haul just about anything else you want or need to. Love the reliability of Toyota.

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  My Camry Review! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By PeterD - July 20 - 5:20 am

  My first Toyota product. I like it a lot. Great ride, engine, interior, gas mileage. Well built. The audio system is awesome, as is the Bluetooth technology.

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  Next truck will be another Tundra - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By bassman - July 20 - 5:00 am

  Just turned 10,000 miles and I am just as pleased with this truck as the day I picked it up. Had taken it in for the gas pedal recall and also had the radio replaced. Other then that, this is the best truck Ive ever owned. After 3 Chevys and Dodge Im glad I listened to my mechanic. When he said Dodge, GM and Ford make pretty good trucks. But their not a Tundra!