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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  Sorry I didnt buy one sooner - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By Toyo-lover - March 14 - 10:00 am

  Bought the V6-XLE used in 2000 with 88,000 mi., now has 122,000. The V6 is strong, smooth, and effortless. The ride is very comfortable & smooth. It handles just the way you want it to. This is my first Toyota, and based on my experience with this one, it wont be my last!

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  Lexus pickup... - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By doghousedub - March 14 - 10:00 am

  Like driving a luxury car with a bed. All I move around is my music gear, and the occasional trip to Lowes. This truck is perfect for me. After owning nothing but Hondas and one Ford, I think Ill stick with Toyota. Everything feels extremely solid, and the engine and transmission are smooth as silk

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  Great SUV - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By kaiserboy - March 14 - 10:00 am

  Great handling and very stable on the road. Would have liked a rear bumper, but that can be purchased aftermarket fairly cheap.

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  Tried Something New - Good and True - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Grammar Girl - March 14 - 10:00 am

  Ride is smooth and secure. Tires are huge! Road noise is minimal on highway compared to Camry I had previously. Large storage compartments up front are handy.

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  the best in its class - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By corolla2004 - March 14 - 10:00 am

  this car is one of the best to drive in its class, room, compfort, great gss mileage, better features than corollas past

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  Bang for ya Buck - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By bmurph2112 - March 14 - 10:00 am

  reliable, just could use some more engine power.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Bob - March 14 - 5:13 am

  I have had my new 4 Runner Sports Edition for a little over a month. I have put a little over 1500 mi. on it. It runs perfect in every way. I tried to find something wrong with it, but I have not been able too. Motor, electronic, stereo and ride are excellent. Im getting 19.8 mpg. average driving. The stereo is really nice, I just love the surround sound type speaker setup.

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  Great Ride - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Thomas - March 13 - 8:23 pm

  I have ony had this truck for a week, but its making me forget my beloved 10 year old F150 Lariat. I have the TRD package and I read about the "rough ride" of this trim. I suggest you check your tire pressure - mine was 6-7 lbs. over recommended. I towed my 22 foot pontoon through the city on a Friday evening and the truck handled the load like a champ. Acceleration and braking was very controlled and confidence-inspiring.

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  Seems to have been an excellent decision - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By TEEJAY - March 13 - 11:13 am

  Well with almost 16k on it now we havent had one single problem! At first I thought my wife was crazy for wanting a 5 speed, but then I drove the Matrix. I love the intial acceleration that the manual offers. I leave all of those big gas hog SUVs sitting at the stop light and pass them again sitting at the gas pumps! We are averaging high 30s overall. On a long trip you can get over 40 mpg if you set the cruise at 70 mph. I plan on driving this thing well over 200k so I use synthetic motor oil and change every 5k when the maint. light comes on. I also installed a k&n filter which gives me a little more HP! Go Toyota!

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  Fun To Drive - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Tanya - March 13 - 9:50 am

  I consistently get over 50 miles per gallon and my driving is 90% highway. Its a fun car to drive and I use the GPS system extensively. I have never had a problem with it and fill up once per week. I have tried regular gas and 87 octane and have found no difference in mileage so I returned to the use of regular. Based on my current experience, I will probably continue to buying hybrids in the future and not return to pure gasoline vehicles. Based on the difference between my old Avalon and the Prius and the number of miles I drive, Im saving $1,100 to $1,200 per year based on fluctuating gas prices plus the tax deduction. Next year, I will have my difference in price back.