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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  Long time owner, still a fan - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By ME1 - January 3 - 4:50 pm

  I have owned this car for almost a decade now. Ive had it stolen, the rims were stolen while I was in Basic Training, and crashed it at least 5 times (once for over 10,000 dollars worth of damage, lol) I still love this car. I finally bought it three years ago, and am now finally finishing a lot of the projects I thought, my meager budget could handle (stereo, performance parts, etc.). It was rough on clutches, 2 in the last 100,000 miles, or maybe I was rough on clutches. Great brakes, only changed twice. Tires normally go out about every two years, but you cant have everything. (I blame the stopping power.) Im having trouble finding what to replace.

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  Toyota Avalon Limited 2005 - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Sharron Zeisman - January 3 - 10:53 am

  This is my second lease of an Avalon. It is a dream to drive as I have arthritus, and It is so comfortable. It drives as though it it the top of the Lexus Brand. Most of the high-end extras that the Lexus has comes standard on the Limited. It has items that I never would have thought I needed. Its keyless entry is great as are all of its other extras. This truly drives like a car that starts at $50,000. I have driven "luxury cars" for years. There is not much difference.

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  My 2008 Camry - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Katie - January 3 - 7:30 am

  I just recently purchased a 2008 Camry LE. I love it so far. I like the brightness of the dashboard and the exterior design. It rides smoothly and I am still on the same tank of gas that the care came with and I purchased it 2 weeks ago. I would highly recommend this car to anyone!

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  Bought to sell, but decided to keep. - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Ben Hubby - January 3 - 12:51 am

  Great acceleration, sports suspension for cornering, mileage on premium gas is 33 MPG. How do you beat that with a 268 HP engine?

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  best car on the road - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By wa blevins - January 2 - 10:00 am

  this is my 5th landcruiser and my next car will be a landcruiser.

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  My Rav4 - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By John Schwarz - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Up to now I have driven only 1900 miles on my new Rav4 2004. The reading of the clock is hard to see from the driving position. It is too bad that there is no rear bumper, I worry that somebody may hit the rear door. So far I have not had a mileage reading of 23 mpg. per the window sticker. I have had a reading of under 22 mpg., but mostly 19 mpg.

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  19 years of tacoma - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By sn00py1680 - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I started rideing in the tacoma series of from 1985, and started to drive that same truck in 2000, and recently purchased the 04 Tacoma. What is most surprizing is that both trucks drive exactly the same, even with the 19 year differnce in age.... Good job Toyota

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  Sienna Ride - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Andy Anderson - January 2 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Sienna. This is the best van I have ever owned. The ride and handeling are excellent. The ease of changing the seats is great. You no longe have to remove the rear seats. I was supprised when I was able to put 10 foot lumber in the van and close the tail gate. The fit and finish is excellent. Im looking forward to many years of trouble free driving.

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  First minivan - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Roderick - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Terrible intown mileage. Has 1800 miles on it now - hope better later. It gets around 13to14mpg. Hope for 17 on highway. Like to drive in traffic because sits higher and large windows. Has bigger tires, so running board helps getting in. Three adults have sit in the back, but wouldnt want to take a long trip. Sitting like this is ok just going around town. Still getting used to the satillite cruse control. Think will be better when feel more confident using it. Like having the regular cruise to choose when want.

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  I love it - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By reallynervous - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I love the ride and the 2.4L V4 engine is decent. The standard equipment is great and it is very comfortable. The steering feels great and reponse is good. The lines are clean and it has a very aerodynamic look. I cant get over the awesome gas mileage. I am very happy with the car.