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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  After one year of Yarising - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By OKJoe - February 23 - 9:30 pm

  Pros: mileage still great at 37mph highway though I lost 2-3 mph when ethanol is added. Easy to park, and get in/out of. Adequate storage. A/C excellent. Dash layout excellent. Cons: seats are uncomfortable for long haul. Door arm rests are VERY hard! Also no standard middle console arm rest. Repairs: Rear view mirror disengaged from window. Cruise control disengaged two times for unknown reasons. Overall: We both still love the car and would buy again.

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  So far, the perfect car for me - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Dan Abbott - February 23 - 9:06 pm

  I like this car for every kind of driving, and would improve only its handling in strong cross-winds. We have over 30,000 miles on it, and have gotten mileage that has varied from a low of 39 (20 below zero, entirely short-trip driving) to 56 (twice, in the summer on Maine back roads). I have never enjoyed owning a car more. Because it has the potential to appeal to a wide spectrum of people, this car could point the way to reducing dramatically our dependence on foreign sources of energy, and a recuction in harmful emissions. I hope we get soon get a large number of hybrids, including pick-up trucks, to chose from -- WITH the ability to plug-in at night for all-electric driving.

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  Best truck I ever owned - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Cody - February 23 - 5:46 pm

  I got this truck about a week ago after being on deployment in Afghanistan for around 7 months and am loving every second with it. Its fun to drive, and surprisingly good on gas. Its a gorgeous truck, and I have gotten many compliments on it. I got the TRD Sport Package, and the added hood scoop gives the truck a tough, offroad look. The 4 wheel drive is more than capable, and it rides really well on the street. The included Bilstein Suspension, makes potholes and bumps feel pretty much non existent. I dont think I could be more pleased with it, and look forward to driving it for 10 or more years, since of course it is a Toyota.

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  excellent ride - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By CINDY KLOS - February 23 - 3:40 pm

  We love our new Sienna. It was taken on 2 long road trips last summer and both trips were a dream. It was a very comfortable ride both times. We traveled from Pittsburgh, PA to 2 different areas in North Carolina. It is a pleasure to drive. You can turn on a dime. I do not care what the testers say I would never buy another make. I will always stick with the Sienna as long as it is being made.

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  A rally good car! - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By raku - February 23 - 10:00 am

  Is a good car in off-road and for city streets!

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  After 3 months - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By dbs - February 23 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven around town, 250 miles uphill to Reno, 485 miles down I-5. Its fun to drive all the time. The Sierra mountain range did not phase it. The grapevine? No biggie. Its even fun to see if I can hit 50 miles per gallon average on a full tank. The cruise control is perfectly integrated with the control computer. It can smootly handle driving at exactly 25 or exactly 65. Id buy one again.

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  1999 camry - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By toonervilletrolly - February 23 - 10:00 am

  My Toyota Camry impresses me as I have owned many vehicles in my 72 years. This car is probably the best of those I have owned. I am very pleased with the reliablity and comfort of the Car.

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  The finest automobile ever! - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By JHB - February 23 - 3:03 am

  This vehicle has given me everything I wanted, including: dependability, low maintenance costs, phenomenal gas mileage, and an extremely low monthly payment!

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  Great value for money - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By sk - February 23 - 2:56 am

  I had a 2003 Toyota corolla. Excellent car. Drove over 170k miles before i sold it. Never had problem with it. Bought the 2010 Camry but was shocked to learn about the faulty acceleration soon after the purchase. Took it to the dealer and got it fixed. Never had any problem so far. I like everything in my new car except for the quality of plastic and fabric used to make the door pockets and the manual seat adjustment for front passenger seat.

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  Great SUV - 2007 Toyota Sequoia
  By stuka - February 23 - 1:50 am

  Have had this SUV since 2001 when they first came out. Have 116,000 miles on her. Hope for another 116,000. Great styling. Now I see so many of them on the road. Cant wait to see the new styling.