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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  2000 Toyota Sienna - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By carperson2 - June 3 - 12:08 pm

  We got this van new in the year 2000. Right now the cars has 213,000 miles on it, no problems, only oil change and timing belt. Weve used this car in all kinds of conditions, in snow, dirt, and heavy rain. This van has never let us down. We are looking forward to buy a 2011 Toyota Sienna. Thank you Toyota for a reliable mini-van.

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  Awesome Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By My Camry - June 3 - 9:13 am

  This car is fantastic. Very comfortable, quite and smooth ride. Adequate power and good MPG. I am really happy I decided on the Camry over the Accord and Sonata

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  07 Tundra - Was Worth The Wait - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By geets - June 3 - 5:03 am

  The 2007 Tundra 5.7L V8 Limited is by far the best truck I have ever owned, and I have owned my fair share. The 5.7L delivers in every way, great pick up and acceleration, quiet and comfortable for the family. The dual exhaust adds a little something for me. I love this truck and I look forward to driving it everyday. Thank you Toyota, Ive waited 3 years for this truck - you got a real winner here.

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  Best money ever spent! - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By william1969 - June 3 - 1:50 am

  I purchased my 1997 Toyota Tacoma LX V6 Extra Cab in 99 with 67,000 miles on it. Today, it has 272,000 miles. Ive only replaced the radiator, O2 sensor, a ball bearing joint, and the starter, as well as, the normal required maintenance such as timing belts. It is a true work horse, and a remarkable automobile for reliability and function considering the other vehicles Ive witnessed. Ive been offered by three different individuals on separate occasions to buy it from me. Its not going to happen.

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  Awsome car! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Lisa - June 2 - 3:00 pm

  Just bought it a week ago and love it! Fun to drive...still waiting to see on the fuel economy, doesnt seem like im getting 24 mpg. Very peppy even though its the 4 cylinder limited. Glad I got the side curtain airbags - pretty much got it all except leather (couldnt find it). Was a hard car to find. Dealers had a lot of 4 wheel drives and base and sport trims, not many Limiteds.

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  Maldonado Review - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Olga Maldonado - June 2 - 11:50 am

  This vehicle is by far the best Ive owned!!! It drives very well and handles well during inclement weather. Fuel usage is better than anticipated. The 4Runner is a sporty, comfortable, and safe vehicle that everyone in your family will enjoy. The 4Runner has come a long way and I am committed to continue driving a Toyota for years to come.

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  Jerry,s 2011 Sienna LE - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By bigdaddy64 - June 2 - 11:15 am

  We had a 2006 Honda EXL prior to this. Before that we had 3 Chrysler vans. This is by far the best minivan we have owned! Honda steering and brakes do not measure up to this Toyota.

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  Best Car Ever. - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Megan - June 1 - 5:50 pm

  Im on my second. Has NEVER left me high and dry. Had a power window problem with the first, (before I totalled it). It has timeless styling, so it still looks brand new. You never see them for sale b/c people have no need to sell them. It fits a full-size mattress in the back, (rear seats fold down). I get 30 mpg. Ive had 2 strangers come up to me and try to buy it. All this, and I have enough power/pick-up to burn idiots at stop lights. PLUS its invisible to cops. I love this car and have no doubt I will be able to get another 5 years out of it.

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  I love my Rav4 not ever getting rid of i - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Pamela - June 1 - 2:10 pm

  I have 2 cars, but this is the one I use to go on long trips, out of state etc. You cant beat it for bringing kids and a dog, ice chest and suit cases, not to mention I can get from Nashville,TN. to New Orleans, LA. on 1 tank of gas!! Of course I take good care of my Rav, I get all the oil changes and 60 point inspections etc. You can not beat this car for comfort and economy.

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  The Prius exceeded my expectations. - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Crewctlvr - June 1 - 1:43 pm

  Average gas mileage for 5700 miles is over 51 MPG. I keep a running total of use in my business. When you learn how to feel this car and use the onboard display you can increase your mileage and reduce green house emissions. This vehicle performs well and handles better than anticipated. My other vehicle is a Nissan 350Z so I understand performance. I would encourage everyone to consider this automobile because it is a socially responsible alternative to increased dependence on imported oil that comes from unstable sources.