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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  I like my Corolla. - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Dave - December 31 - 7:10 pm

  This car does just what I bought it for. It gets good mileage and is quite comfortable. I get 41 miles to the gallon. It is a stick shift. The only thing I would like is to have it somewhat heavier. It gets taken away in strong wind. I would buy it again gladly.

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  our first hybrid car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Vic Lockwood - December 31 - 3:46 pm

  We think this the best small car that we have ever owned a great car to drive anywhere you want to go. Would recomend this car to the worst critic.

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  Love my Avalon with iPod adapter - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By akrika - December 31 - 2:46 pm

  This is my second Avalon. I went from Avalon to E320. The E320 was major disappointment, so I went back to Avalon. I have had this car for over two years. I have not had any problems with. It ride fine. The only problem is the cheap bridgestones tires that come with it. I just changed all four tires to MXV4 and it rides fine. I the dealer install the iPod adapter and it works fine. Great car.

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  Great car for tall people - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By HL - December 31 - 6:50 am

  Have 90,000 miles on this car and love it. Drove cross-country with 65" husband and had plenty of space for us and other large items. Mileage more than 36 mi/gal. Thanks.

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  Like the 2011 Sienna - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By SV - December 31 - 5:56 am

  Looked at several vehicles (CX9, Enclave, and Traverse) before buying Sienna because none of them offered the room I was looking for. Just drove the first 2500 miles around various places from Chicago to DC in the 2011 Sienna. Everyone in the family felt that the ride was very comfortable. I drove all the 2500 miles and the van handled like a car with no body roll even in the mountains of Virginia. We got 22.5 MPG on the freeway which less than advertised 24 but we hope it might improve. IPod connectivity is great and was able to control songs on the steering wheel. Love the cup holders and trunk space.

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  Built Toyota Tough - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By 1EarthMother - December 30 - 4:26 pm

  This is one exceptional vehicle. Fuel economy is one minor drawback (17 mpg), but the rest of the pluses outweigh the slight fuel economy problem. Anyone who gets a higher number must have 60 lbs. of air in the tires and driving with a 75 mph tailwind. My truck is almost 10 yrs old and I still feel confident to drive it cross-country and back again. I honestly feel this truck will last forever.

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  One of a kind - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Justin - December 30 - 4:16 pm

  Toyota outdid itsself with this vehicle - it is safe and fun to drive. It is more capable, functional, and reliable than Jeep or Hummer.

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  Transmission - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By delbar - December 30 - 3:12 pm

  the worst car I have ever driven and I owned an 05 for 6 years. The transmission "jerks" the brakes bind the engine whines and overall the performance is terrible. Toyota claims there is nothing wrong with it but I say the 6 speed transmission is very bad.

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  Like it more every day - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Greg - December 30 - 9:53 am

  Ive driven 51000 mi. with only oil changes and nothing else needed so far. The interior has superior fit and finish, and in the Michigan winters it makes not a peep, and is a testament to the build quality. Great styling turns heads, and I still get compliments after 4+yrs. With half city and half hwy driving I get 17.5mpg in the winter and 20.8mpg in the summer. Nothing has ever failed to work, and it climbs like a billy goat off-road. When I push the accelerator-it moves like all get out; feels like a V8 (a powerful V8).

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  Not good on snow or ice - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By deloreto - December 30 - 5:41 am

  Ive had the Camry for 14 months now. With the exception of needing a front end alignment while weeks old, Ive been pretty happy with its performance. That was until I drove on a snowy street! The Camry was all over the road with the hazard light flashing.....duh. I didnt need a flashing light to tell me the conditions. What is the purpose of having a hazard light if the car does nothing to correct the condition? If youre driving on snow, slush or ice take your time so the car doesnt lock up on you.gnment almost