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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  A Step into Heaven - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Cathy - August 19 - 3:30 pm

  This car is a smart car. I have always known to not accelerate quickly or slam on the brakes abruptly, but this car teaches me how to drive in order to maximize miles per gallon. In fact, I have vastly improved gas mileage on my 97 4runner as a result. Could not decide between Lexus RX 350 & this car. I have not regretted my choice . . . Lexus, who? :-) If you are looking for a luxury car for at least 10-15k less, Toyota Camry Hybrid is it! Way to go Toyota!

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  Overall Great With a Few Questions Marks - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Trying to Decide - August 19 - 11:43 am

  I purchased in 2007 with under 30,000 mi. Now at 95,000 mi curious if itll start needing repairs. Until now, virtually maintenance free. Snatches a little at take off or low speeds; hope no transmission issue. Love the height and lumbar support for my aching back. Its really easy to park and handling is good. Miss the handling of my sporty Acura coupe, but love the fact I can make the long trips without constant stops to stretch my back. Sometimes wish I had AWD, but we get snow once or twice a year, so I just park up the hill on level ground. Spoiled with the cargo space-I dont want a car! Great vehicle overall, but a little overpriced purchased new. Happy I made this purchase.

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  Toyota In NH - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Toyota in NH - August 19 - 5:33 am

  I bought this tundra after owning 4 other Toyota. Traded my 97 Tacoma with 200,000. Great truck goes good and with my exhaust, she really pumps out the ponies. Towing two snowmobiles and a 4 wheeler and I cant tell theyre behind me. My friends own Chevys and this truck smokes them with the trailer hooked to it! Buy one youll love it!!!

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  Couldnt be more pleased - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Jkuhn - August 18 - 10:30 am

  After much consideration and research we took delivery of a new Prius a week ago. Were delighted with the car after just the past week. We have gotten 53.7 mpg on the first fill up and havent really fully learned how best to manage the gas pedal! We chose a package #2 vehicle and had it sent out to be fitted with the leather interior. We have spent most of the past 25 years driving european cars, many which were BMW and Volvos. No one would confuse the Prius with the aforementioned but the build quality, materials, ride, design and technology are exceptional. We couldnt be happier.

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  Buy a Sienna - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By WES - August 18 - 10:00 am

  December 9, 2002 we traded our Camry in on a 2003 Toyota Sienna. We have driven the van for 8,400 miles so far. When we received the van, someone had filled the gas tank with bad gas so it was stalling out. We took it back to the dealer and they drained the tank and changed out the fuel injector. We also had problems with the headliner, which rattled at low speeds. The dealer had to use an adapter kit to fix the headliner. In addition the passenger side sliding door lock sending unit was defective. The dealer took care of this matter as well. Since these problems were dealt with the van is fine.

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  Fun to Drive/Great MPG - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By 5-speedXR - August 18 - 10:00 am

  The Matrix XR 5-Speed is a wonderful car: fun to drive, excellent gas mileage (35 mpg average so far), comfortable, lots of storage.

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  I love the venza!! (:>) - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Cathy - August 18 - 7:46 am

  I love the Venza and would recommend it to everyone. My husband and I just came from a 200 mile trip and it was great!! The weather was BAD --but the Venza didnt mind it at all, no problems and the navagations was sooo very helpful, over all I have a lot of faith in the Venza. I only have it for 1 and half months. I cant think it would give me any problems. In the next 6 months I will let you know if I have any problems --I have a lot of faith in it and dont think I will.

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  I will always drive a 4Runner! - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Matt - August 18 - 6:13 am

  With my third 4Runner I have found that they continue to make it better. I have had a 99, 04 and now an 05 and every year they make the small changes that you dont even notice you would like changed. I will always own a 4Runner as I would never question its reliability or quality.

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  From Ford to Reality - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By PhillyBoy - August 18 - 2:00 am

  After 5 years of driving a Ford XLT, i couldnt take it any more any moved on up to a Sequoia SR% (fully loaded). What an experience. I have seen the light! Although the leather quality is by no means Lexus standard, it is comfortable and classy enough. Please dont complain about the gas mileage - we know the deal going in. The JBL rocks and the CD player is in play. Overall, I should have made the move sooner.

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  1997 Toyota Avalon - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By bawe - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding value Huge interior and trunk Lots of gadgets