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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  Love the car - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By rstimm - February 22 - 9:36 pm

  I seriously dont get the professional car reviewers. Personally I wouldnt want to drive one of the so-called fun cars in my everyday 140 mile commute. Obviously the Corolla is not intended for the MG crowd. In the 18 months I have had the car I have averaged 34-40 MPG, and that is not when I am babying it. That is driving full speed, hell-bent to get home at the end of the day. That alone has made the car worth it. Coming from a fully loaded 4Runner the steering was a bit weird at first, but easy to learn. Comfy ride, well built, great reliability, really great MPG. Hated having to go to dealer for scheduled maintenance first months. Parts now plenty, can go elsewhere.

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  Not that Bad - 2009 Toyota Sienna
  By Jibs - February 22 - 6:10 pm

  We just recently bought this vehicle. It only has about 500+ plus mile so far. The van is spacious and comfortable. Like the lumbar support for the seat. Interior design is so perfect. MPG is avg compared to its peers.

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  Need more mpgs - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By george - February 21 - 7:36 pm

  Replaced 2006 civic with HB IV love Prius, averaging 52 mpg. Love the leather seats very comfortable. I really like XM Sirius radio, very clear reception.

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  Its a Toyota - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By tfan - February 21 - 7:00 pm

  This is my third Sienna and my kids are grown! It hauls people comfortably and safely. It hauls bicycles and is a changing room at ski resorts. I keep the middle row of seats out and its convenient for loading everything. I fold the back seats down and load my 4 x 8 foot sheets of plywood for my workshop. Basically there is nothing this thing cant do well. People need to get over the soccer mom stigma of mini vans and the Sienna in particular. This is the most versatile, comfortable, reliable vehicle I have ever owned.

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  Great Truck! - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Scott - February 21 - 3:03 pm

  I bought this truck in January 2008 from a guy who did not drive it much due to his job. He had it for 3 1/2 years and only had 9100 miles on it. It still has powertrain warranty until June 09. I know have 13000 miles and I love this truck. It is V6, auto. trans., power mirror, locks, windows. TRD package is awesome. It is fun to drive and very capable off-road. The truck looks great and my friends are jealous that I found this truck with such low miles. I have had many offers from people to buy this truck. It is not for sale as I plan on driving it until the wheels fall off. I pull a trailer that weights 2400 lbs. all the time and this truck handles the job without a problem.

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  2006 Toyota Sequoia - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By the doc - February 21 - 8:36 am

  I bought my 2006 Sequoia new. I have owned it over 2 years and driven it almost 30000 miles. I have to say that it has been a great vehicle. The quality has been exceptional. It is a large SUV with a V 8, so gas mileage is what it is. The vehicle is very quiet at high or low speeds. The vehicle has been very reliable and only been to the shop for regular maintenance.

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  Definitely worth the money - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By MARKXLS - February 20 - 9:36 pm

  Only 2000 miles on the car (XLS) thus far, but Im extremely happy with it. Even the standard XLS stereo (not the JBL) w/nine speakers sounds VERY good - NO distortion. Comfortable drivers seat. LOTS of room for rear-seat passengers. Smooth, quiet ride. Feels like Im going 60 MPH on the freeway, but when I look at the speedometer, Im surprised to see 80 MPH on the dial. This car flies on the freeway.

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  Great Truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By David Moody - February 20 - 9:26 pm

  This is our 1st full size truck and we could not be happier. It is as much a pleasure to drive as our Avalon.

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  FINALLY - A GREAT TRUCK - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jack Germain - February 20 - 3:36 pm

  In Feb 2006 I bought the Toyota access cab 2 wheel drive 2.7 with auto tranny. After three months of owning a "want to be truck" I went back to the dealer and got a 4x4 with the V6. Finally got a truck. Plenty of power, almost the same MPG, and the suspension is a ton better. It also looks a whole lot better because of the added height. Learn from my mistake, dont go for the 2 wheel drive version. Youll end up kicking yourself.

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  Still good - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Raja - February 20 - 3:26 pm

  I bought this 10 days back with 110k on the odometer. I was reluctant since it is already 11 years old but surprised to see it runs great! The noise is very less when compared to other cars. Mileage is excellent. I think it gives around 25 per gallon still on city roads.