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 Great Decision - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By B.J. from Pensacola - August 9 - 10:53 pm

  I purchased the Prius 10 days ago and it is already obvious I made a great decision; fun to drive, great fuel economy, and as another owner noted, it is giving me increased self- awareness when it comes to how I drive via the engine/mpg display. I wanted a hybrid because I am sick of high gas prices and paying big oils bonuses...while I cannot totally escape purchasing gas, its nice to know I am now purchasing as little as possible. The only downside thus far to owning a Prius? I am fighting feeling smug as I zip around all those huge SUVs!

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  Fourth Camry - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Tom - August 9 - 10:36 pm

  Based upon some reviews and minor changes on the new models I had decided to buy something else, but after comparing the field, as well as the great price, I am happy with my choice. I just hope it is as reliable as the other 3 I have owned. I really like the few changes that have been made on 10s and am glad I waited. I agree with others that interior materials are not on par with previous Camrys. If Toyota intends to remain on top they have to address this error in judgment.

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  Great for its intended purpose - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Robsis - August 9 - 3:06 pm

  The FJ is fantastic for what it is designed for: High ground clearance off-road and deep snow traversing. This is not a CR-V/Rav4Tucson or RX350. You have to give up some on road comfort for the off road abilities and, spec to spec, the FJ puts the Jeep to shame, especially when you consider the poor reliability of a Jeep. This is the perfect Zombie Apocalypse Survival vehicle. Drive it first for a while to see if you can handle the visibility and uniqueness of the cabin. If you can drive a panel van, the FJ is a piece of cake! Add the backup camera and rear sensors and its effect. For everyone? NOPE. This is not a Mall Assault Vehicle but one with a purpose. Drive it and you will see.

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  Reliable - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Ray - August 9 - 2:26 pm

  I have 60k miles and no problems except tires at ~ 25k. Great gas mileage and dependable. Love the v6 power with lots of pep!

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  RELIABLE AND FUN TO DRIVE - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Juan Salas - August 9 - 1:10 pm

  I just bought my 2007 Camry SE and I really love it. I was an Accord lover for 12 years but since I bought my first Camry last year I was hooked. I sold my 2005 Camry to make way for the new and re-styled 2007 and Im impressed. Even though I end up with the 4 cylinder it is a fun car to drive. It looks like a lexus in the outside. I love this car!

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  Nice car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By joe - August 9 - 7:43 am

  This is a nice car to own it is sporty and gets great gas mileage. it is so nice to see that toyota finally put a bigger engine in the corolla so that it is for the younger generation to enjoy.

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  2005 toyota corolla - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By dm - August 8 - 9:30 pm

  We have only had the car for 6 months but so far we have had no problems with it and my wife loves the car, she loves how it handles in the upstate new york snow she feels safer in it than she did with the jeep liberty she drove last year.

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  Its A Great Car - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By JKopmar - August 8 - 7:36 pm

  This is the second Avalon Ive had and I love the car. It makes me feel like Im a rich man when driving it. The drive is smooth, and the comfort driving this car is first-rate. The inside styling is sleek and the seats are very comfortable, including the reclining back seats. Although this is not a "luxury" car I cant imagine what could be more luxurios than this. I just love looking at it and driving it.

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  I LOVE IT - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Renata - August 8 - 4:36 pm

  I will have to say that I really enjoy the sound of that engine... it is a truly TOYOTA sound... I love my Tacoma... and havent notice the "bump" problem, but will pay attention...

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  The most underrated car on the market - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Tom Thomas - August 8 - 2:56 pm

  This vehicle performs as well as $100,000 vehicles I have driven. The comfortable ride and handling are amazing. GPS, comfortable seats, leg room in back seat, power from the fuel enjected v-6, and new type transmission give a powerful smooth ride with excellent gas economy. This car is way underrated and underpriced for comparable performance and looks.