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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  15000 miles and going - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Judge - December 21 - 4:06 am

  My anti-Japanese car (or truck) brother in law thinks the thing rides like a caddy. A compliment in his world. It is very quiet, very smooth and surprisingly fast. My g-tech pro says it goes 0-60 in 7.85. For me the styling inside and out isnt great, but better than some and more important to me is the reliability that toyota usually has. The toyota is amazing, the only time it feels like a fullsize truck is when you are parking it, especially parallel parking.

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  My permanent car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Howie - December 21 - 1:33 am

  This is my second Prius. If anything, its better than my 01. Ive added leather interior and MX radio, because I think this is the last car Ill ever have to buy. I cant imagine a vehicle more perfect for me. The only other accessory it could use is a rooftop solar voltaic panel to charge the battery while I drive or when its parked. Im working on that one.

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  Love my Toy yoyo - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Buckeyefan- OHIO - December 20 - 10:46 pm

  When I say I test drove everything, I mean EVERYTHING. I have had my RAV4 for 3 years now and plan to drive it until the wheels fall off!. Great performance, the V6 does not mess around when you are trying to enter the freeway. I commute 60 miles a day. Did great in the Ohio Snow this year. The tire "sensor" went out a month ago. Havent had that replaced yet. I always get compliments about how shiny and clean it looks. I swaer its the paint. Always looks great. You would not believe what I have hauled in this RAV4. A 60" kitchen base cabinet and 6 foot counter top, twin mattress and box springs- its great.

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  fun little car great value for the money - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By marie - December 20 - 9:23 pm

  i love my little white car it is fun to drive and has all the bells and whistles that you need. if your a large person or tall this is probally not the car for you. this is a great 1st car for a teenager. very easy to drive and the stero system is not too bad either.

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  More Than I Expected - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Commuter - December 20 - 5:56 pm

  Im a long commuter (45 miles each way) used to an Acura and a Mercedes. The Camry surprised me with its performance and luxury. It is not quite up to my Acura in driving responsiveness, but pretty darn close, and so much more efficient. I had the dealer install an after-market woodgrain package that makes the car look as good as any luxury vehicle on the market. I highly recommend it. You will feel as if you are driving a luxury sedan on a compact budget. Two tanks so far averaging 37 miles per hour, and I usually set the cruise at 74 on the highway. I am impressed with the overall package.

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  Loving my 09 Rav4 - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Trina - December 20 - 10:06 am

  I am really enjoying my RAV4. I was torn between buying the 08 4cyl and waiting to buy the revamped 09 4cyl. I am very happy with my choice. I have no problem pulling on to the highway and passing is a breeze. The acceleration is smooth. I was also very pleased with how well it handled snowy NH roads.

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  Awesome - 2000 Toyota Corolla
  By eddie - December 20 - 1:23 am

  Had it 3 years with no problems. Just a great reliable car. It shakes a little on the highway, but no maintenance on this baby.

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  My Avalon - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Girvinia - December 19 - 11:00 pm

  Have driven Lincoln for 15 years so this was a change for us. Fun and easy to drive. I am 5; husband is 63 and accommodates either of us, lots of room in front and in back seat. Great music sounds system, including the controls on the steering wheel. Love the soft dove gray interior as compared to many cars with black interior. Easy, effortless power, just quietly and quickly surges ahead, lots of power! I think we made a great choice and I look forward to many luxury miles ahead.

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  Compare all Vehicles in the same category - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Morris - December 19 - 4:53 pm

  Seats are stiff. Stereo hard to read like trying to read your cell phone display when you are outside. Tailgate swings sideways... inconvienent if someone parks behind you. The bass in the radio vibrates when only set at a level "2". Radio sound is so so. Gas mileage is 23 mpg overall. Interior sides scuff VERY easily. I wish the passenger seat folded flat to hold an 8 ft ladder. Radio controls on the steering wheel should be standard.

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  I love my 4runner! - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jess - December 19 - 2:13 pm

  I love my 4runner. Its fun to drive, is very reliable, has had minimal problems and overall has been the best car purchase Ive ever made. Mine has almost 165K miles and still runs wonderfully. A great buy, Id reccomend a 4runner to anyone!