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:

• 

  Best Truck on The Market - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Craig - September 7 - 3:33 am

  First truck I have owned. I needed a truck to assist in the rebuilding of my property in New Orleans. Great price and incentives from the factory. Should have gotten the four door model for $1000.00 more. Well you live and learn. Truck came with front bench seat. Captains chairs with center console would have been a better choice.

• 

  2010 tundra - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By K - September 7 - 1:50 am

  Tires, brakes and oil change is all she has needed for 150000 miles

• 

  Im in love with my Prius - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By PumpkinsMom - September 6 - 2:16 pm

  "Everything about the 2008 Prius is great! I ordered mine and have had it now for 3 months. It just keeps getting better. I am averaging 52.6 - 53.4 miles a gallon, "WOW" did I say that loud enough "WOW"!!! I have package # 6. Before I ordered my 2008 Prius I read many reviews, what surprised me was how folks said the break in the back window bothered them. I am 5 9 and in no way is it in my way. They also spoke about the back up signal beeping. Its no big deal, I do kinda wonder why they made the sound inside versus on the outside. I have been so pleased with the car over all. I have told my family and friends all about my new 2008 Prius, they have ALL been impressed.

• 

  The Last Car Ill Ever Own - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By LMBwillbeaPhD - September 6 - 2:00 am

  My husband and I both drive a 2002 Prius and will never own a different make or model. Its evenly weighted, easy to drive, and really does get 50+ miles to the gallon. The gas crunch has not been a concern for us! It has a smooth, quite ride with a huge interior. Four adults really can be comfortable inside. Weve had nothing more than routine maintainence since their purchase. Even here in the mountains we have found no problems with power. It is the families car of choice for long trips. Its a great car even for people who arent conservation minded.

• 

  untitled - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By G. Pond - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Great lettle SUV. I love it

• 

  so much better then my ford was - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Rcoll2 - September 6 - 2:00 am

  04 Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab SR5 4 Cyl. 2.7l inline. Best truck for the money.

• 

  03 Highlander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Palmer2345356 - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Highlander is okay. Seats feel kind of hard, and sometimes you can hear the engine. Drive is comfortable though, and, it is a Toyota so you know your gas mileage is up there. I would have rather gotten a Jeep Grand Cherokee, or a Chevrolet Tahoe, but this was the way that the majority of the family wanted to go.

• 

  best minivan available - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By benthere - September 6 - 2:00 am

  The Sienna got us all of the features we wanted/needed on the base model for a great price. Tumble-under 3rd row seat, the bucket seat 2nd row that swing forward for easy access to the back (great for getting kids in and out of car seats), and engines power (I think its the most powerful base engine out there) in combination with the good gas mileage. We thought we got a good deal by getting our CE for $22,400 on the last Saturday of the month. Great standard features and awesome passing acceleration on the free way (better than our Camry) and the turning radius is superb which makes U-turns easy.

• 

  Great Minivan - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By veggierique - September 6 - 2:00 am

  This car was definitely worth the 6 week waiting period. Its easy to drive and rides very smooth. I thought it might be too big to drive moving from a compact car to a minivan but the Sienna is very comfortable, definitely not too big.

• 

  I love this vehicle - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By reggie1906 - September 6 - 1:33 am

  This is my first SUV and I have test driven plenty of them. The design of this vehicle is awesome. Although the mileage is not that great it does very well on the highway. If you havent purchased one yet get out and get one.