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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  2005 4RUNNER - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By LCORLISS - June 3 - 6:40 pm

  I have been very pleased with this vehicle, Toyota certainlly lived up to their reputation on this one.

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  FJ SUV bargain, high quality construction - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By m jones - June 3 - 4:40 pm

  I finally got my FJ and it has been all I expected and more, very civilized ride and comfort, yet ruggedly constructed, and all this for under $30k, I love it!

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  Toyota at its best!!! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Maz13 - June 3 - 3:40 pm

  PreRunner 4dr Access Cab TRD Off Road, love the height of the vehicle. Great clearance, cabin space, wheels, engine. It seems like its a vehicle that will last for a very long time. Moved up from a GMC 98Jimmy and feel very happy with the change. My wife loves this new truck. I cant wait to accessorize it with all the toys for the bed and the cabin. Its a little bumpy though for the streets in Puerto Rico, although I think all pickups are (first pick-up). Got around 18mpg on my first tank, well see how it goes on.

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  All I Hoped For - 2009 Toyota Sienna
  By bucaneer - June 3 - 3:36 pm

  Purchased the 2009 LE recently and took on a 1,500 mile round trip. Highway only mileage was 26 mpg and 27 mpg on consecutive fill ups. Mixed mileage has been roughly 19-20 mpg. Seats are extremely comfortable on a long drive. No rattles, no squeaks, no blemishes on finishes or rough edges. Power doors are very easy to use as are the middle row seats to tumble and the back seats to fold into the floor. The back storage well is huge and swallows gear and upright suitcases. Gauges are easy to read with one exception. I am six foot three and cannot see the top portion of the speedometer even with a movable steering wheel. Great highway cruiser and super easy to handle, does not wander.

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  I love my car - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Robbin - June 3 - 11:03 am

  I love my new car, it is great. Looks fantastic, lots of storage and very fun to drive. It has a lot of get up and go, I tested that part too, the ride is like driving a cloud, even at higher speeds. Out of all the cars I tested I was in love with this one, the rest I liked. Most convertibles dont have trunk space for much more than the top cover, this one has a large trunk for traveling, and this is the car to do it in. Can you tell I love MY car

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  I love my Celica!! - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By SummerGirl - June 3 - 8:56 am

  I just bought this car and I love it. Its def a head turner and for me it moves..i previously drove a Madza 626 and a Nissan Maxima. This is my first sporty car. I cant get enough of it. The interior hugs you and is very comfy and the moon roof is my favorite part! Im happy the back seat is small..I never have to drive when we go out!

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  Very good - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By starpalms - June 3 - 1:30 am

  Love my venza. Stylish looks, roomy interiors and feels very solid. Was fearful that 19 inch tires will be bumpy, but after a few months dont feel that much. Highway driving smooth, love the heated seats and plenty of spaces to store small things like phones, ipods, purse, etc. Rear seat room is awesome, driving my friends they said feels like a limo at the back. Rear backup camera is very helpful, dont know how I lived without that with my previous cars. However I have the I4 FWD and city gas mileage is ~20. Expected a bit better. Highway mileage is ~30. Overall a good buy looking for something bigger than a car, but not a gas guzzler SUV.

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  Sporty fun! - 2005 Toyota Celica
  By Baz - June 2 - 8:43 pm

  My Toyota Celica is a dream come true. The car is simply a blast to drive. I own a GT (the cheaper edition) and have had plenty of fun zipping around corners and speeding through country roads. The handling is amazing, the speed is good, and the best part is the looks. The Celica looks like a race car of the 21st century. Test drive this car and Im sure youll be impressed. Its the best of the sports cars in my opinion, and Im sad to see it retire.

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  Luv It! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Luv it! - June 2 - 8:06 pm

  I was interested in the Venza prior to its availability. The Venza does not disappoint. A Driver of mini vans for several years, I was looking for a change. The Venza is a sleek design with a good performance. It has a very roomy interior and convenient rear seats that folds down at the touch of a lever for plenty of cargo space. With all the bells and whistles, Nav, Blue tooth, JBL stereo, Dual pano roof, this car is not cheap @ $35K, but it is cheaper than a lot of others that are in its class.

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  Most comfortable minivan - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Tung - June 2 - 10:26 am

  I purchased this van just 2 weeks ago. I took on the first trip to Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Texas, and almost 2000 miles on it. 6 people and some of the luggage. The handling was so smooth, there was virtually no noise as I speed up to 90mph to check this van out. The stereo sound is great. I had owned a van and SUV before but nothing compare to this van, I love the interior it is nicer than 2005 model. If you want Lexus-like luxury in your family hauler, the Sienna has your number. With tons of innovative features and even more available options.