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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  Awesome Truck - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By C - September 21 - 6:36 pm

  5 years of owning this 4runner, no issues yet, everything still original except for tires, had over 30,000 miles on them. just replaced with new ones. gas mileage: consistently average 25 a gallon, some trips i get 27-30. yes youre reading this correctly, i can get over 30 a gallon with the v6. pros-everything is great cons-NONE!

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  ok by me - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By BC - September 21 - 4:16 pm

  All said I like the 4Runner. It seems to be durable and dependable. I work all over the country, often away for months at a time. Toyota has provided a vehicle that is both comfortable on the highway and rugged enough for the trails and backroads.

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  2007 Tundra - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By usvet92 - September 21 - 11:13 am

  This truck has lived up to all expectations. The 5.7 has more power than you could ever want. Its just a dream to own!

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  Love the Venza! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By KY - September 21 - 9:53 am

  I went into the dealership looking for a small 4 wheel drive SUV but Im so glad the salesman directed me to the Venza. Its perfect for my needs. It has plenty of room, is fun to drive and gets good gas mileage. I love the way it looks and the interior is really nice for the money. Great car!

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  Best Car Ever - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By opus132 - September 21 - 4:46 am

  Loved my 2001 Prius, but the new one is even better. Quiet, smooth, fast enough, roomy, comfortable, and feels good to drive knowing it sips gas so slowly.

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  Update after 18 months - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Bill - September 20 - 8:36 pm

  Currently i have about 32K miles after 18 months. The car averages between 36- 38, with 38 being the norm in warmer weather. Folks getting these lower mileage numbers perhaps need a few lessons on driving a hybrid. You glide, not stomp on the gas. Have noticed that the mileage is better when combined with around the town and highway mileage. Still a great car, despite the publicity with Toyota.

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  This really is an "all new Corolla" - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Michelle - September 20 - 2:50 am

  Looked at Corollas for 2 yrs and could not pay the price for them because of engine noise, sloppy handling and boring looks. The 2009 S that I just bought exceeds all of my expectations. It looks great, out handles my 08 Xb with 18" wheels and TRD springs, gets outstanding city mpg (29-30), the engine is quiet and there is little cabin noise when driving, ride is exceptional for a car in this class. Love the bluetooth.

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  SSSMMMMMMOOOOOOOOOOTH Ride - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By New Avy 4 Me - September 20 - 12:13 am

  I think the review title says it all. It is without a doubt the smoothest riding vehicle I have ever driven. My daily commute is 70 miles round trip, mostly highway, and this car sails. The Avy is also VERY quite, which I enjoy as I can really decompress on my commute home.

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  Best Car Ive Owned - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By SterlingVT - September 19 - 8:43 pm

  Compared to my Neon, my new Camry is a luxury car. Excellent ride and fuel economy. Good acceleration. Not one worry about it breaking down on me. Im confident that it will have many trouble free years with it. Ill never buy anything other than a Toyota from now on. (Looking forward to getting a Camry Hybrid in the future)

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  So Happy I Got The Toyota - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By mvought - September 19 - 6:23 pm

  First I have to say that this is the second Toyota truck IÂ’ve had, but the first was a 93 reg cab. This truck is a different animal all together. To start with, this beauty is as comfortable and nice inside as a luxury car. Soft seats hug you, smart gauges and dash layout are both functional and well thought out. From the outside itÂ’s as inspiring. A much larger truck than my 93. ItÂ’s nearly as large as the full size Chevy out in my parking lot. The v6 is quick, very quick. Handles like a dream. This truck just plain rocks. Just a great idea made into a great truck.