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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  Tacoma Access Cab SR5 2.7L 4 cylinder, automatic - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Terry - January 24 - 3:32 am

  2006 Tacoma Access Cab SR5 2.7L automatic tranny. Mine is used for light hauling and trailering my 16 foot Boston Whaler boat. It trailers the boat just fine . It launches and pulls the boat up the boat ramps with ease. I added the bolt on trailer receiver right to the bumper in the supplied holes and added the plug and play trailer light kit. Love this truck. I only wish that it had aux jack for the stereo( iPhone connect). It is too old to have Bluetooth ( even better). The other stereo issue is that FM/AM radio mode doesnt show text( ie- song name, artist) CD mode does. Great value and plenty of power from the 2.7L four banger. Plan to keep it a long time. Currently has 57000 miles. Only repair was battery replaced. I installed red top Optima( should last a while in this South Florida heat).

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  4Runners for life! - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By pinksapphire23 - January 23 - 6:21 pm

  I wrote a review about my current Runner about 2 years ago, right after I purchased it used with 42k miles on it, so I thought Id do a little update. Now with 62k miles, this Runner has been nothing but wonderful! I drove my Runner from the East to West Coast carrying my family, two dogs and a Jetta right after I got her, and she ran beautifully, without a single complaint. I took her up to the mountains last winter and drove through heavy snow and black ice, with no chains, even though it is not 4x4, and she still handled like a dream. Wish I could write more, this vehicle is solid. If you are debating if its the right one for you, look no further!

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  Great car - 2007 Toyota Sequoia
  By mrsanky - January 23 - 11:56 am

  This car has everything, a little rough on off road, but would not change a thing.

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  Love my car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By LINDA - January 22 - 8:53 pm

  This is my third Toyota, 2 Camrys before and I have loved them all. My new Toyota Corolla is a dream to drive. I spend approx 2 hrs a day in traffic and with the great sound system and comfort it makes the trip so much easier. When my husband is ready to buy a new car again he is convinced it will be a Toyota.

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  Great car - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Abbas Ebrahim - January 22 - 12:50 pm

  Solid, Comfortable and will go anywhere

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  Awesome Car!! - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Timothy - January 22 - 4:53 am

  I just purchased this car 3 days ago and already put on 500 miles in those days. Quiet ride, comfort, cruise control, these are all things that sold me on this car!

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  Clam shell doors, Bah! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By SlyK9 - January 21 - 10:06 pm

  FJ Rox! Having owned a couple of international scouts, an fj40, various jeeps and a 4runner, I believe the FJ comes as close to perfect as we can get without a custom design. I purchased my 2007 FJ in Dec of 2006. I have taken the family across country and off road. This vehicle is comfortable and affordable. One minor complaint is the clam shell doors. I have spent many awkward moments attempting to get the kids from the back seat. First opening the front stepping out opening the back closing the front then letting the kids out squeezing by and the opening the front, closing the back then closing the front. Tight parking is tuff with these doors. Worth it? Oh yes. Thumbs up!

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  Hot hybrid - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By James Pruitt - January 21 - 4:10 am

  With adjustments to driving style, Im routinely getting about 55 mpg. Interior more roomy than most sedans and with split back seat and hatchback, it can carry quite a load.

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  Worthy Truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By KB2 - January 21 - 2:03 am

  I recently purchased the 07 Tundra. Ive had it about 3 weeks now. Its the Limited, DoubleCab, 6.5 bed, 5.7 V8, 4x4. This truck is amazing. Ive only ever owned F150s ever since I learned to drive. What a change this truck is. The power and handling is amazing. Not only does it corner like a sports sedan, but it will stop shorter than any truck Ive ever driven. The engine and transmission are smooth and quiet. When you want the power though, it does come to life and lets you know it. Good thing for the traction control or the tires would only spin. Gas mileage isnt bad. Im getting 18.5 mpg on the highway and 14.5 mpg in the city. Thats driving sensibly though.

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  Best overall value hands down! - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Corolla lover - January 20 - 5:53 am

  I bought my 2009 Toyota Corolla LE just two days ago after test driving other subcompact names on my list such as the Honda Civic, the Mazda3 and the Hyundai Elantra. The Toyota delivered everything I expect in a sub-compact and more. I definitely got my moneys worth!