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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  love my car! - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By tracyshomes - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I love my new sporty car, the reliabilty of a toyota, the beautiful color, the handling and safety...its quick, cute,and turns heads. You can put the top up or down in 3 seconds flat at a stop light.

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  Love this Car! - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By NatalieCallista - June 7 - 10:00 am

  We ended up getting this car during our hunt for an economical vehicle. Style and dependability won out and we ended up with the 4runner. Now we are still going to buy a hybrid, but we love this car. It drives great and I still feel in control. My last car was a Mercedes 560 SL, so I am used to a lot of power, but this car works like a dream, and will keep on kicking for many years to come.

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  Damn good truck! - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Texas Mike - June 7 - 10:00 am

  After 5 Ford F150/250s since 93 I decided to try Tundra.Couldnt be more pleased. Many reviews complain re gas mileage, but what does one expect from a 245 hp V-8? I get 16 city 19+ hwy. Last F150 (2001 V-6) was about the same. Ive had this truck 3+ months and 9800 miles. Id give it all 10s; but those are reserved for my wife.

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  Pleased With my RAV4 - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By RAV4_owner - June 7 - 10:00 am

  My RAV4 has been good to me since I bought it in June. I traded in my 2001 Honda Civic (which I liked) for maintenance and utility reasons. I do my own basic maintenance so being able to get under the vehicle is key. Now Im also able to haul larger objects in the back and I am able to tow a jet ski which wasnt possible with the Civic. With the RAV4, Im able to have a better gas mileage (relative to other SUVs).

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  new4runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By gatorbone - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I love the power in the 4 runner now. Itraded a 2oo2 4 runner on the 2003 and willenjoy the extra power and comfort. I told my wife that the 2003 rides like the Lincoln Town Car of the 70s . that is a real compliment in my opinion .I am proud of my new vehicle and plan to show it to all my friends . Thanks, Toyota !!!!!!

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  Buy this car! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Sarpen - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this car 3 days ago. The steering is tight. Visibility is really good. A lot comes standard with even the ce: ac, power door locks, cd player, cup holders... I was looking at echos and found I could get a corolla for basically the same price once i added everything that doesnt come standard with the echo. Really fun to drive. Handles well in rainy windy weather. Very spacious.

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  Get one if you can!!! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By toysrnez - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle-just some minor changes need to done--rear doors stay locked when car is turned off-back seats dont fold forward unless you have the seat upright to start with--other than that its the best van weve had!!!

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  The offroad machine - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By xtremefjc - June 7 - 8:00 am

  The FJ is by far the funnest vehicle I ever owned. I have driven toyotas my whole life and never had a problem. If youre looking to buy one, test drive it before you make a decision. This SUV is awesome! Its like being in a Hummer without paying an outrageous amount.

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  Very solid automobile - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By KM - June 6 - 12:43 pm

  Ive had the car for about 4 months now and Im not disappointed. It looks sharp, is quiet, and smooth. The car has handled any quick turns Ive ever taken and once you get into the middle gears it can, if pushed, take off. At 75-80 mph, it rides at amount 3000-3200 rpm (not significantly higher than an Avalon Ive driven) and Ive gotten about 38 MPG on long freeway drives. My city driving only gets about 25 MPG, but thats probably because I drive very short distances and usually let it warm up for a few minutes before I get going. I bet itd be closer to 30 if my city driving was a more typical commute. The interior feels solid and the doors shut and seal nicely.

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  Great vehicle - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By cferl - June 6 - 5:26 am

  This is great!! Its a car with excellent space, performance, style. I bought it for my wife and she loves it. Have a 3 year old with car seat in the back and it is huge in the rear seat. Also very safe for kids and wife. Nicest riding car Ive ever owned. At night the auto high beams and hid lights make for the best night driving experience Ive ever had. I found myself saying that quite a bit the best. 20inch wheels are awesome, and the ride does not suffer.