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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  Glad I waited - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Mike - July 26 - 2:26 pm

  Great car. Glad I skipped the 2nd generation and waited. I sold my 1998 Avalon to my nephew and he loves it. The new model is great. Especially like how quiet it is and the 3.5 liter engine has more than enough power.

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  Fun truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By vgkiller - July 26 - 12:23 pm

  Its a fun and cool truck. The design alone is a big step forword that brings out the true meaning of a fun truck.

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  The best convertible out there - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By wcnesta - July 26 - 7:30 am

  I purchased this car when the 05s were introduced. I traded my 2000 Solara convertible for it. This 05 now has 10500 miles on it, due to a few trips to Florida from Connecticut. This car is so much better than the 2000 in almost every way, no rattles, wind noise and better handling. I feel it is the best convertible out there. The build quality is comparible to my LS400 Lexus. This car was manufactured as a convertible not chopped like the 2000.

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  Love My Prius! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By DetroitPrius - July 26 - 5:56 am

  Coming from Detroit, you can only imagine I caught all kinds of HECK purchasing a Toyota. However, when I saw the 2010 Prius; it was love at first sight. I never liked the 2nd Gen, this is a whole new vehicle. Stylish, sleek, with a lil power. I love every moment Im in my Prius, this is the best car purchase Ive ever made.

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  Wouldnt buy it again - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By CamaryDriver - July 26 - 3:06 am

  Ive had this car for 23 months. I wouldnt by this car again. The "drive by wire" transmission is un-even, unpredictable and sluggish if you try to punch it from 10 to 45 MPH. Between 35 to 45 it shifts up and down seemingly at random. The gas pedal is touchy. The driver comfort is poor. There are two unusable compartments on the console. There rear has two tiny coffee cup holders in a drop down center rest. The ride is noisy even after trying 3 sets of tires. The steering is mushy. The side and rear view mirror are magnified to make every car look like its right on top of you. There is no joy or thrill in this car. My recommendation is not to buy this car.

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  End of the Line - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By RG - July 26 - 2:26 am

  Convertible is one that actually can comfortably hold 4 - with my two active sons in the back seat. It has very nice ride, especially on the highway. Navigation system could be improved to allow adjustments while moving. Voice recognition better than others used. Overall an enjoyable car to take out on ride, especially on a nice sunny day, with enough room for the family and all the junk in the trunk.

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  A very useful Ute - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By AWS - July 25 - 11:50 pm

  Outstanding performance, will tow my boat. The Hybrid features make sense for me. I have dreamed of a system that preserves the investment I make in kinetic energy (mass times velocity squared) into potential energy to reuse. Perfect.

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  Best Mid Size Truck - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By BEST TRUCK - July 25 - 11:36 pm

  Ive owned many trucks but new 2010 TACOMA stands out in every way. I shouldnt have to say that TACOMA is one of the most reliable and comfortable drive. These trucks run forever and require little maintenance. Its a great family truck for me.

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  Rav4 06 3.5L 2WD after 3.5k miles - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Calin - July 25 - 5:06 pm

  We bought it for brand reliability, utility and looks. We use to take 10-15 hrs drive roadtrips. Mileage is 16-22 city and 26-30 freeway. It completely depends on how you drive it. If you tend to rev over 2400 rpm when accelerating and over 2000 rpm normal driving you will get low mpg, otherwise you can get the 22/30 mpg. We love it as it is fun to drive at decent mileage and has plenty of space for how it looks from outside. The antenna does not bother you too much. We found the seat cushion ergonomics not so pleasant after 10 hr driving. Seat cushion is too hard and not long enough. A long drive can be uncomfortable.

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  Toyota Sienna Rocks! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Murali - July 25 - 2:23 pm

  This is an absolutely great vehicle. I love my Toyota Sienna. I drive about 30 miles to work, this vehicle makes its so much easy. Very smooth and steering gentle unlike my VW with is sporty and tight. If you are looking to buy a new or used Sienna just buy it blind-folded, you will not go wrong. Dont expect a great interior or a car that turns head, but if you are looking for maintenance free & great ride quality, this is the one.