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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  Great Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By TonkaToy - June 6 - 3:16 am

  My 05 Tacoma has been terrific so far. Its powerful, comfortable, quiet and extremely well built. Its the Lexus of mid-size trucks. The V6 Prerunner is very capable offroad in most cases and on road, its a joy. I have no problem or issue that require a return to the dealer. Its a good thing as the dealer experience was anything but pleasant. Luckily, Toyota engineered the V6 with the oil filter easily accessible on top of the engine so oil changes a breeze to do at home. Most of all, you cant go wrong with Toyota reliability and value.

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  Best choice (after the wife) - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Robert Stokes - June 5 - 10:46 pm

  I think my Prius was truly the best auto I have purchased.This car has been much better than any talk I have heard. It gets great mileage 48 to 62 regularly, is very easy to drive and handles very well on the highway such as in the back draft of large trucks. I gave my 98 Toyota to my son and park my truck most of the time. I will buy another if this one wears out. The trouble is I like the sedan and all I see now are hatchbacks? Come on Toyota more sedans. I want a trunk. Robert

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  Awesome suv - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Jonathan - June 5 - 1:10 pm

  I just got it about two weeks ago. I have previously owned a 2005 Camry and I traded in my 2007 Rav4 for this one. Oh boy this was the best decision I made, this SUV is a combination of a sedan and the styling of a Crossover. Definitely eye-catching and stunning on the road, and the ride is astounding. Toyota made a hit! Mileage is reasonable considering the size and the options. This SUV is incomparable to anything in its class.

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  Future Classic - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Bob - June 5 - 10:00 am

  My last car got totaled by an idiot. Her insurance paid $4.5 K to buy another car.I saw this pearl color Solara SLEV6 99 with 123K miles on it. It was clean inside out and was fully loaded. Tinted glass, Climatic control, leather seats, spoiler, even 3 remote garage door openers. The seller wanted 6K but sold it for 3.9K so I spent the rest of the money on a timing belt. Now the car has 160K miles on it and over this period it has had 4 new tires, break pads battery, Starter, and is trouble free touch wood. It looks nice and modern and I have no car payments. Cant be bad.

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  Best car ever had - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Lane O. - June 5 - 10:00 am

  Bought new in 2000. Ive had 15-20 vehicles over my lifetime. This is clearly the best vehicle Ive ever owned. Put 135k on it before giving it to my daughter and her husband. Theyll probably put 100k on it and sell it to someone who will get another 100k or more. Reliability is freaky good. Replaced a battery, the exhaust, etc. as expected over the long period of time owned. No quality issues whatsoever.

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  Awesome car! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By mama - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this car. I went from a 2005 camry to a 2007 camry to this 2009 venza and there are no words for this car. Pure luxury. Leather seats are well made, dust does not stick to the dash as most cars do. The rear hatch door with a push of a button opens and closes. SAT radio, seat warmers and just so many options that came with it.

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  Just got 2011 - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By nothardly - June 5 - 10:00 am

  After much study and driving vehicles all year,I ordered the 4runner. Over the years I have owned Suburbans, Jeeps,Corvette,300ZX,Chevy Pickups,Audi and more. The only time I felt this satisfied with my decision on driving off the dealers lot was the Z. No picking it apart,just a feeling of I got what I paid for. Interior in the factory sand leather with black exterior is classic. It is so easy to get in and out without running boards, the seats are positioned just right and very comfortable. The doors are solid and standing under the rear lift is superb no ducking for 62", wow. Wife is 57" and she said I can just slide right into the seat. Just buy it if you like riding up high.

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  Nice van - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By Cecil - June 5 - 10:00 am

  Weve owned this vehicle for about a month and have put 1,600 miles on the car. Although its still weird for us to acknowledge that were mini-van owners, we have come to love the van (and so have our kids) in the short time that weve had it. The car is a delight to drive. Its steering is a little light, but otherwise has excellent handling and gets decent highway mileage for a big vehicle (averaging 24-26 mpg doing about 70-75 mph). Perhaps most importantly, our young boys love their separate captains chairs, rear entertainment system, and ease of getting in and out of the car. Will update the review in several months, but right now cant say enough about this van!

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  Best car to walk the earth! - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By TexBoyMike - June 5 - 12:30 am

  This is by far the best car ever. Ive not taken one step to keep it alive, yet it sustains its own life. Ive bent it, dented it, skidded into ditches into, lost my left mirror twice, the right one one, Ive hurt curbs, driven on the beach, gotten stuck in mud . . . . . NEED I go on? Anyway, through the past 5 years, I have racked up well over 137,000 miles on it, and it still functions as it did day one. =)

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  05 trd 4x4 access cab v6 5speed auto - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By bad man - June 4 - 6:50 pm

  i have the trd off road with every availible option. i use for work and average 20mpg and have put over 40,000 miles in less than one year. every jobsite i go on people love the look of my truck! very cool truck with a great ride and lots of power. the power outlet in the bed is neat. i would like a light in the bed.