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:

• 

  A great family car! - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Anna - March 1 - 10:23 pm

  I was looking for a combination of best gas mileage, reliability, cargo space, practicality and a sporty look. I have to be able to see myself still driving this vehicle over 8 years from now since this is a long term investment for me. I had a great purchase experience from the dealer, which is sometimes hard to believe from experience, but they were very helpful. I am 52 and the flexibility of moving the driver seat higher is a plus. Its easy to maneuver and getting the kids in and out of the car is so easy. Plenty of cargo space for a stroller, grocery bags and kids sport stuff. I am so proud of this cars practicality mixed with sportiness appeal. Thank you Toyota

• 

  One Word AWESOME!! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By rholley84 - March 1 - 6:33 pm

  Every aspect of this truck is unbelievable, the amount of power is endless, every redesigned inch of this truck is improved, cannot go wrong with this purchase for this price. Pulls a full trailer with no hesitation and no lack of power.

• 

  Love it! - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By Art Adams - March 1 - 3:03 pm

  I have only owned this car for 3 weeks so I cannot comment on reliability but I have driven a friends Camry extensively and I am impressed with Toyota in general. The Yaris is a ball to drive and my only problem is that I want to be traveling all the time and that could eventually get expensive. The car is, for its size powerful, comfortable and attractive. The gas tank is only 11.1 gal and I am accustomed to a 20 gal tank but it will go twice as far on a gallon as the Cherokee I traded in so the smaller tank is OK. All in all I am delighted with it.

• 

  Loving It! - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By KarenLS1956 - March 1 - 8:50 am

  Lease was up on my 2005 Highlander V6 Limited which I enjoyed. Did a lot of homework on smaller SUVs since we are empty nesters now and always said Id never go back to a car. Test drove many SUVs then I test drove the Camry for the heck of it and I was sold. Fits me like a glove. Cant believe the smoothness and quiet cabin which is my #1 priority. Had 2 Honda Accords years ago and thought they were the best cars I ever owned but I was wrong, this Camry surpasses any vehicle Ive had. Didnt take any adjusting from driving an SUV to a car which I thought Id feel. Gas mileage is excellent compared to the Highlander. City 24.6. Highway not sure yet. Loving every aspect of this car!

• 

  Excellent car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Saqib - March 1 - 2:36 am

  I have been driving this wonderful car since past 1&1/2 years now and I want to say that this is such a fantastic, most reliable, durable and fun car to drive. Excellent quality of material thats used. Excellent and roomy interior, the best mileage and very powerful airconditioning.

• 

  Love my 4RUNNERS - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Felicia - March 1 - 2:03 am

  This is my 3rd 4RUNNER. I have had the 2003, 2007, and now the 2010 Limited 4RUNNER. I am very satisfied with this one other than the fact that the basics I just knew would be standard are not even available as options. This is the highest 4Runner Ive owned, and it has no running boards, go figure, also no wind deflectors available. Love the adjustable, reclining backs, AWESOME! Also very pleased with all the other perks. Im a Toyota Fan for LIFE!

• 

  SOLID vehicle - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By JAMMER - March 1 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy driving this vehicle for its solid ride (this is one heavy vehicle), comfortable seating, rear window operation and rugged off road capabilities

• 

  Best truck on the road - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By de Liege - March 1 - 2:00 am

  I have owned chevy c-10s, ford f-150 and f-250s and Dodge Powerwagons and this is by far the best truck i have driven. I get compliments at almost every corner and all valets love to park it.

• 

  Lovin It - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By happy go lucky - March 1 - 2:00 am

  I could not be happier with my new Solara. The drive is incredibly smooth and quiet. The interior is fancy looking. The exterior is fancy as well.I had to choose between this and the Honda Accord and I chose the Solara because it drove so much better.

• 

  My honey! - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Myothertoyhasteets - March 1 - 2:00 am

  I love this thing. it seems to be flawless!