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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  Great Buy - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By valpo indiana - December 7 - 2:00 am

  We just bought this vehicle, but we love it already. It is such a smooth ride and feels solid. We dont even worry about reliability. Safety was also important so this was a great choice for us. The out the door price was $25,000 which was 1% over invoice, not too bad. The sticker was 25,817 plus we added about 350 to that cost in extras. Glad we stepped up in size from the CRV, Rav 4 class of vehicle.

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  Great car so far - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By vnguyen5 - December 7 - 2:00 am

  First of all, the car has high fuel mileage. It has beautiful partial wood interior. The new design makes it looks sporty. Its a smooth drive.

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  great family vehicle - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By bwebb - December 7 - 2:00 am

  wife wanted it for the safety features, third baby coming--nice upgrade over the 2003 so 2004 a must have, we are a Toyota only family, very roomy. We added a tow hitch and tinted windows. The CE was our favorite choice because to get the LE we figure it just has more electronic gizmos that may break. So far happy with purchase

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  Camry 04 - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By mdpick - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I have only had this vehicle for about 6 weeks. It is most reliable and fun to drive. It makes driving a long distance seem like a short distance. Trunk room is important to me and it is large. Even has a compartment for the sunglasses. Good on gas. The main thing I will say is how smooth and quiet the ride is. I have been driving since 1965 and this is the nicest car I have owned!

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  I Love my Baby Prius - 2012 Toyota Prius c
  By gemo06 - December 7 - 12:21 am

  I bought my car back in Mach. I Received the first Prius C from the dealership because I had bough the car without ever seen it in person. I am very pleased and happy with the result. This car is so fun to drive. I am averaging 51 mpg. I drive about 50% city and 50% Highway. It is true that the car could use more horsepower but that is the price I paid for the mpg. This car was meant for city driving and it does decently in highway. I dont understand why people keep complaining about the car. The car is reliable and fun to drive. I am a happy customer but if people want a car with specific expectations, then they should really test drive as many car so they can make the right decision.

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  Excellent Car - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By avy - December 6 - 5:33 pm

  After researching Acura TL, Lexus ES330, Infinity G35, I finally bought fully loaded 2006 Avalon Limited. For the price I paid, this is the best in its class - near luxury large sedan. Cabin is very carefully designed and the ride is very smooth. At some point I wanted to wait for 2007 Camry XLE V6 and 2007 Lexus ES350. I can get a fully leaded Camry XLE v6 for 30K but the camry interior quality is not so good. So I paid 5K more and got Avalon with some extra features (such as rain sensing washers, power sun shade, laser cruise control, large wheels etc)

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  A total revolution in cars! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By duke - December 6 - 12:10 pm

  We sit in traffic with the AC, radio, lights all working. The engine is off. Unless the big battery gets too low it will keep car comfortable no mater what. Then it engine will kick on and fast charge. Not happend to us in 3300 miles so far. On the road we get 55 mpg at 65. 49+ at 70. In town it tops at about 50 mpg. Display can show just how well the car is doing in the energy consumption.

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  2005 Tacoma 6 speed manual - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By tacoma_guy - December 6 - 7:40 am

  Ive had my new Tacoma 7 weeks and I love it. The 4.0 V6 with the 6 speed manual trans is awesome. This truck is super quick. It has a lot of power to spare. It will smoke just about every pickup in its class (except maybe the V8 Dodge Dakota). I have the TRD sport pack 2 with the intake scoop on the hood which is a nice touch. I love the way this truck rides and handles. I was able to get it in the Speedway metallic blue color which really attracts attention. Since Ive had it I added the aluminum tubes steps, sunshades, bug shield, and OBX shifter. Im waiting for a cab high cap and gibsen performance exhaust that is due anyday to complete my add-ons. No wonder its rated 05 truck of the year.

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  Best Truck Ever - 1998 Toyota T100
  By Dean - December 5 - 10:00 am

  I have driven this truck hard, but maintained it all times. I have done all of the work, save for the timing belt, leaving this truck out of the shop from breakdowns for its entire life. I have 105,000 miles on it and and it still runs like brand new, and of course looks brand new. This, so far, has been the best vehicle I have ever owned and still love it,...it is red. I have put Bosch Platinum +4 spark plugs and K&N air filter and it has given the truck a slight better response and power. I must have gotten a good one, because it can keep up or beat a lot of V8s, I sure it is because of the lighter truck. Griff

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  MY SIENNA - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By SAMUEL J. BARNES - December 5 - 10:00 am

  I PURCHASED THIS SIENNA BECAUSE OF TOYOTAS REPUTATION AND PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE WITH TOYOTA. IT RIDES LIKE A CAR.I LIKE THE DESIGN. THE DRIVERS ARM REST COULD BE A LITTLE LOWER AND IT COULD USE MOULDING ON THE SIDES TO PROTECT THE DOORS BUT I AM VERY PLEASED OVERALL.