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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  Should have taken a test drive... - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By John byk - September 14 - 10:40 pm

  Bought this corolla last december. This corolla has a wonderful paint finish. The exterior looks good without attracting too much attention. The interior looks quite high end. The seating position for the driver is comfortable. Gas mileage average for a fairly aggressive commuter driver is 32.5 mpg. What is disturbing about this car is the handling. This car does drift quite a bit in the wind. Body roll is also unsettling. The tires do hold the pavement, but the body roll makes fairly mild turns feel like Im pushing the limit way too hard. Looking into suspension upgrades to help the handling scariness.

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  Consumers Review - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Albert L. Carroll - September 14 - 5:13 pm

  This is the first Toyota truck that I have owned. It is comfortable and handles very well. The gas mileage is not quite up to specs, however I have only 3,000 miles on vehicle and it seems to be improving more with each tank of gas. It gives a lot more interior room that previous prerunners that I have driven and a more comfortable ride.

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  The Camry SUV - 2007 Toyota Highlander
  By The Camry SUV - September 14 - 4:13 pm

  I have an 06 Camry and love the ride and gas mileage. Bought the Highlander 4 cyl hoping to get the same ride and mileage. I got the ride of a Camry but the mileage has been disappointing. It came with a tow package that I really didnt need, so Im wondering if that is influencing the gas mileage (18/21). Love the exterior appearance with the real spoiler. The sonora gold color was a change for me but Ive grown to like it. Had the dealership put a custom leather pkg on all three rows of seats, interior panels, and front seat heaters. Looks and feels great!

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  I LOVE MY FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By mike0525 - September 14 - 7:17 am

  I bought my FJ in 2011 and have not regretted it one bit. I dont have the top of the line model but, I do have the locking axles as well as an after market exhaust/intake and shocks and they just add to the level of enjoyment of this vehicle. Yes it has its draw backs but as long as you accept them youll love the FJ. Its quiet, boxy, retro and FUN.! It handles quite well in snow and ice and my gas mileage has been consistently 15/18 using premium fuel. Its a 4x4 and is meant to be an off road vehicle so anyone who buys one xpecting it to be anything else will be disappointed but, if you want a solid, reliable, sturdy 4X4 you will be happy with this one.

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  update for 2001 Tacoma xcab 4x4 auto v6 sr5 trd - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By cst010 - September 14 - 4:09 am

  300,056 miles and still going. Exterior and interior starting to show its age and looking a little rusty and worn. Truck has sat outside its entire life. Had the frame coated under recall but I did not have the frame rust problems others have reported. Gas milage has gone down. Getting about 15 city and maybe 20 highway. Still no major issues or problems Thought about trading in for 2012 model but I really dont care for the larger size of the new Tacomas. Hope to get another 100k out of this one.

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  great - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By myrna - September 14 - 2:00 am

  a great car to own,is really fun to drive and it is a very reliable car. really like my land cruiser.

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  Never Ceases to Amaze Me - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Zarvin G - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I got the loaded model (package 9). This car is an engineering marvel and an incredibly good value! Plenty of power, great handling, very roomy, numerous creature comforts, excellent craftsmanship,and many luxury & safety features not seen in cars under 40K. Being green (~45 MPG, lowest emissions of ANY car on the road) has never been this easy or fun! Leads to marital disputes over who gets to drive. Detroit: WAKE UP! OPEC: WATCH OUT!

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  Best by far, where is the US makers. - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By vpc - September 14 - 2:00 am

  Great car, runs well, 50mpg on hw at 70+ mph and only 10% of all other 2004 tail pipe polution!. Great fit and finish. Great sleek design. 18k with tax rebate. Where is Detroit, Toyotas going to eat your lunch. And coming from the Detroit area Im not happy.

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  Westchester, NY - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By lchaim2000 - September 14 - 2:00 am

  We love this minivan. It is built on a camry chasis, and rides more like a car.

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  2x4, 4dr, V6 prerunner, Limited, TRD - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By camroc - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I did tons of research before purchasing this truck. Ive read almost every article I could find and I settled with this truck.. I test drove the Frontier but it didnt come close.. Got the truck almost 1200 dollars less than the TMV report at around 500 below invoice!!! I only have 100 miles on it and Im loving this truck so far