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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  Kansan loves the Prius - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Jerry N. - April 16 - 10:30 am

  After four and a half years of Prius ownership we have sold ours to our son and bought a new one. The only real failure we had with the 2002 model was a computer failure that was repaired under warranty. We really love the way the Prius educates you to be a more economical driver. Would I buy another? Already have!!

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  Great Running - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Victoria Valencia - April 16 - 4:00 am

  The best vehicle I have ever driven. It has great pick-up. Very comfortable to drive. Taken on a few long trips handles great going over passes. Getting great gas mileage for an SUV. Holds 5 adults and 2 children. I think it is the best looking SUV on the road

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  Surprisingly good - 2010 Toyota Sienna
  By RCR - April 16 - 2:30 am

  This vehicle is much better than I expected. I was hoping for a reliable utility vehicle, but it is that and much more. After 7000 miles, the car has been not only reliable but extremely comfortable and quiet; actually luxurious. Mileage has been much better than expected and much better than reported by many other reviewers. I have never checked the mileage on just highway driving or just city driving but I have never been below 25mpg combined, and usually closer to 27mpg.

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  Fun Car - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By carfreak - April 16 - 2:00 am

  Plenty of performance, easy to operate GPS navigation, very comfortable seats, and pretty good cargo holding. Vehicle came with Bridgestone Tires that have some road noise due to tread pattern. Vehicle has typical excellent Toyota fit and finish.

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  Amazing car! - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By smooth operator - April 16 - 2:00 am

  I have been driving around in my new Camry LE 2011 and cant believe how smooth the drive is and how little road noise. My wife and I love this car.I was originally going to by the SE but decided to go with the less priced LE. It has pretty much everything the SE has but cheaper. I feel safe in this car where I never did in my Honda Civic...I still love Hondas. It has a sporty look and some pretty good power to back it up. And to top it off, pretty economical.

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  No Surprises, Quality and Reliability - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By Fabio - April 15 - 12:46 pm

  My wife drives it 90% of the times, and get this...no complains! Usually with most of anything else, its, too big, too small, not confortable enough, bla bla. The 4Runner is a hit. Sometimes I drive it on weekends, and find it quite enjoyable, good response, and confortable. At times, I use it to tow my quad or commercial mower with a good size trailer...plenty of torque for a V6. Have had it for about 4 yrs, and its just like when we got it, just a litte older. My wife did get in an accident about 6 month ago, some moron decided to come in the wrong lane to avoid my wife carring 3 children, 7 to 15. Snapped the rear axel in half, spun 180 deg, caused $7K of damage, everyone safe.

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  Best Suv Ever - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Sodhi - April 15 - 8:06 am

  By far this is the best SUV on the market not just for the buck but for the features. So much interior room. The platinum edition feels like owning a Lexus with out the huge payment.

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  Great truck so far - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By great truck - April 15 - 7:13 am

  The Tundras interior materials arent as nice as the Tacomas, but it is still as good as any other domestic. Could have used better interior materials but in a truck meant for work it is a very nice interior. This truck is a beast. Limo sized back seat, quiet beast under the hood, a mile away between driver and passenger, and very comfortable. Awesome truck. I also test drove a Ford and a Silverado.

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  Samson (his name) Review - 2009 Toyota Tundra
  By mwildman - April 15 - 12:03 am

  Just love the truck. Had it for a number of months now and have driven short and long distances with it. The FFV is great although you do lose a few miles to the gallon but its still cheaper to run on. Havent noticed any ride/performance issues with E85. Had a Dodge truck before and like the Tundra much better. Plan on buying boat and camper in the future so now Im ready.

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  Not Surprisingly Surprising - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Nerl - April 14 - 4:30 am

  I have owned Toyota trucks in the past and will only buy Toyota. This truck has great power with the VVT-I engine. The new 5 speed tranny works great. I have over 6000 miles on my truck. We use it as our family vehicle so I had leather installed and it really made this truck a fine piece of machinery. The ride is surprisingly smooth and quiet. I get a combined driving mpg of 19. I am happy with that. I know 22 mpg will be no problem on a trip. I have experienced no axle wrap on this truck. I am not surprised by how good this truck really is because I didnt just stumble upon Toyota. I want a return for my hard earned money and Toyota delivers with its durability, reliability and residual value.