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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  Timeless Gem - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Adam - July 18 - 3:41 am

  Purchased my 2004 Sequoia in 2006 with 25k miles. Maintained over the years inside and out per dealer specs. 265k miles currently and still runs and looks like new! No major repairs or replacements. Consistently complimented by friends, strangers and dealer service techs on its current overall condition. Best and most reliable vehicle Ive ever owned. Super dissatisfied with my prior vehicles which included Volvo, Jaguar, and Lincoln. Toyota/Lexus family (my wife drives a Lexus GX) for life!

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  One heck of a SUV - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By PRL - July 17 - 11:53 pm

  Ive had mine 3 months and love it. Very comfortable, good 4 wheel drive, great AC, good gas milage (17 1/2 and 22 actual).

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  Excellent Truck - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By TD200669 - July 17 - 9:16 pm

  This is our fourth Tacoma since introducing Toyota to our "Ford" fleet some years ago. The Toyotas are making the Fords look really bad. I replaced a 2005 SR5 Longbed Doublecab with a new 2007 of the same. The 2005 went 60k with no dealership visits, just normal maintenance. This is a great all around truck. Mileage is good for a 4x4, comfort is very good, power is good, and has plenty of pulling power for most drivers.

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  Real Nice Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Rogers - July 17 - 10:30 am

  Went from a Dodge Quad-Cab to the Tacoma Double Cab, nice change up. The Tacomas V6 has as much HP as the Dodges V8 (5.9L). I like the overall quality and the ride quality plus the various conveniences. I welcome the extra interior room over last years model. Very nice truck, good job Toyota.

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  Great Convertible - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By paulapi - July 17 - 1:16 am

  I am 55 and this is the most fun car that I have ever owned. The quietness on the road is remarkable. There is no wind noise and the car rides as well as any sedan I have owned. Tight feel and great ride!!

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  Toyotas best truck ever - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Steven - July 16 - 3:36 pm

  I have already towed on a 16 hour trip and it was like I was driving without a trailer.

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  Mostly Pleased After 6 Months - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By LN - July 16 - 3:13 pm

  Always a rush to see my cars exterior. Quick acceleration; excellent stopping; super traction in rain; exhilarating drives with sport mode transmission. Overexposure to hard plastic: interior needs makeover on door panels, dash and console. Replace hard plastics on doors with soft vinyl & carpet. Charcoal color doesnt hide scuffs, dirt. Use metal on door/console panels where simulated aluminum is placed. Poor fit/finish where tilt/telescope wheel merges with dashboard. Easily damaged vinyl cladding around gauges & speedometer. Awkward wiper controls. Detached 12v outlet in console when using car vacuum. A/c slow to cool hot interior. Amazingly silent engine when idling.

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  Picked a Winner - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By GEB - July 15 - 9:03 pm

  Cant say enough good stuff about this automobile. Broke it in according to the manual (1000 mls) then took it to Niagara Falls and the hills of NY Finger Lake region, about 1800 miles. Great ride, great room, great comfort, great gas mileage. Consistent 20 city/26 highway (with air on at 65-75mph) plus lots of get-up-and-go when needed (love those 266 horses). For me the proof will be in this cars longevity. Our family buys a car and squeezes evry bit of usefulness out before "donating" it to the junkyard (usually about 12-15 years). With this recent jaunt, I have high expectations until that time.

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  Awesome 2 door 94 Camry - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Tricia - July 15 - 3:23 pm

  I Love the car, its great, nothing is wrong with it. Not really sure why Im even looking for a new car. I bought this car used when it was 4 yrs old. Never had one problem with it, just normal maintenance I would not hesitate to buy another camry without a doubt

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  Its almost perfect - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By Todd - July 15 - 3:13 pm

  My parents bought this car in 2004 with about 45,000 miles on it. The truck is smooth, powerful, quiet, confidence inspiring. We have been averaging 19 mpg in town and about 21 on the freeway w/out 4 wheel drive. Pretty good for a V8 and heavy truck. The only problem is the transmission...It works wonderfully until you have to tow your heavy trailer! 6500 pounds down hill broke the weaker parts in the Tranny, atleast it was safe enough to drive the rest of the way home! Otherwise, great truck...does that kill the point of having a truck? I tend to think so.