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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  Toyota Fan - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Hamboner - September 21 - 5:20 pm

  After my 2004 TL, This Avalon is a dream to drive. Plenty of power, great gas mileage, and just fun to drive. 1st Toyota fro me, but I may be a fan for life.

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  09 Yaris - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Rob - September 21 - 3:16 pm

  I recently purchased my 09 Yaris. Dealer can, VERY LOW MILEAGE. I was lucky to find one with the 5 speed man. trans. With a combination of city/highway driving and I am able to get 47.8 mpg CONSISTENTLY. I am very impressed with the cars quality and the quietness of the engine even at highway speeds. As far as the center mounted instruments are concerned. At first I found them to be very awkward, but after just a few days I am very comfortable with the center location..

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  Mom of 3 - 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By lisa - September 21 - 2:46 pm

  I have owned this truck for 1.5 years and it had 67,000 miles on it. This SUV is awesome! We test drove all comparable SUVs this size. The Navigator, Expedition and Sequoia. We were close to buying a newer Sequoia (2001), however we chose an older Land Cruiser (1998). The Luxury and ride of the Land Cruiser sold us. The 3rd seat is a little tighter than we would like, but is great to have when we are carpooling friends (seats 8). I drive this SUV everywhere and have never been disappointed in its performance.

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  Perfect SUV - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By Perfect SUV - September 21 - 1:06 pm

  Owned Highlander now for few months and I cannot be any happier with it. Perfect combination of power and smooth ride, secure handling but not sporty as I expected. But for family with kids more than enough room and quiet ride. Brakes are strong and gas mileage is excellent for its size. Towed a 3000 lbs boat no issues.

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  Tacomas are a great little truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Joy Orton - September 21 - 9:20 am

  These little Toyota 4X4s with a V6 are powerful fun little trucks to drive. They are reliable and frugal on gas. I only have two complaints. #1 They have a LOUSY turning radius. (I think Toyata did this to lower the rollover chance as the vehicle is slightly topheavy and thin... I like the metrics just not having them protect me.) #2 They dont have sufficient leg room for big people. My future wife and I are both over 6 I am longer in the torso and she longer in the legs. She cannot even fit her legs with the seats all the way back. This might not be as bad in the non King cab versions.

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  I like it! - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By flbntz - September 21 - 1:24 am

  Bought a 2010 Prius, and liked it, but after the newness, and coolness wore off, it was boring to drive. Not solid feeling, tinny, and hollow. Bought a 2010 Golf, and liked it, but something told me to drive a Camry after a year, and a half with the Golf, so I did, and although I have some of the same concerns as others here, ie, trans shifts a bit rough sometimes, overall, I really like the car. Surprises me. Always thought Id like an Accord better, but this is very peaceful to drive. Isolates you from some of the crap that goes on on the roads, rude drivers. etc. Can get lost in this car, and dont mind. 32.09mpg, first tank. Really look forward to driving it. Very nice on trips.

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  New 4runners, NOT as good as the last, v6 weak.. - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By scratchgolfer2 - September 20 - 11:52 pm

  I have had the last few 4runners now, the Limited 1997, then the amazing 2007 V8 Limited. I love the cars, performance and Toyota quality. I really didnt want to trade in my 2007 but I hit 100K so figured I would check them out, not too crazy about the new style but it is okay and thought the new higher HP V6 might be okay at 270HP, however it is NOT, it is WAY underpowered for this size vehicle. It also doesnt have the same solid feel that my previous 4runners always had that others never had. Makes me wonder if they really changed some things here....engine just doesnt feel right.....way to slow, with the Tundra 5.7 v8 as an option this might be a great truck

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  Great SUV - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jim Broker - September 20 - 7:56 pm

  I own a SR5 V6 FWD 4Runner fully loaded. The very first thing I noticed when I drove the Toyota 4Runner for the first time was its quite and smooth ride, (my sister owns a Lexus GX470) and it rides exactly like her Lexus. It is power full, great gas mileage 21 in town, 26 hwy, great off road it will climb any thing and I love the down hill assit control. It is the first FWD that I owned that is so smart this FWD REALLY helps you from getting into trouble by all the safety features, also great in the snow and ice again it helps you from getting into trouble. The interior is also well put together very comfortable seating for the driver and passenger and all the controls are well placed.

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  Practically, the best value! - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By Frederick Jamison - September 20 - 6:43 pm

  The gas mileage is as advertised: it is extraordinary.

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  Bad Investment - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Malissa - September 20 - 2:33 pm

  Initially, I thought that I was making a good investment as I was the owner of a 1994 Camry in the past. My 1994 Camry was worth every penny I paid for it. My 2007 Camry is NOT worth the money Ive invested in it. I paid for quality & all Ive gotten thus far is NOT quality . The paint job is terrible. Ive gotten too many chippings and scratches. You cant even touch the car unless it will get scratched. I just recently had an accident & now after reading the reviews, It appears the skidding was due to the tires. Tires dont go bad in less than 2 years. I dont feel safe in this car at all. Toyota is saving a lot of money on our expense. I used to believe in the Toyota but NO MORE!