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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  Fun Drive - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Door County - March 30 - 8:36 am

  Ive had my Limited 2WD Rav for about 8 wks. Traded in Nissan Quest & am more than thrilled w/car. Great mileage (only fill up every 12 days or so), holds a ton of stuff w/seats down. Just moved daughter into 2nd apt. It holds a boatload of stuff! Discovered another site that mentioned cupholder "flaps." I also hated them because all cans, bottles flopped around in them. By pulling up on the "flap," the can or bottle becomes tight & no longer falls over when turning. Why this info wasnt in owners manual, I dont know!

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  2007 Tundra, Double Cab 4.7L V8 - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Colorado Driver - March 29 - 9:56 pm

  I test drove both the 5.7 V8 and the 4.7L V8 and decided on the 4.7L because I didnt need the towing capacity and wanted a truck that had more options for the price (instead of the the bigger engine). The 270hp/313lb-ft 4.7L is more than adequate for my commute and the occasional tow. Coupled with the 5 speed it is surprisingly nimble in traffic (I must compliment the 5.7L V8 though - the test drive ALMOST had it sold. That truck moves effortlessly.) The truck bed is huge and its difficult to reach over the side to get anything (Im 511"). The ride is comfortable, but the interior isnt as nice as the Silverado (as expected). Overall its great - no buyers remorse here!

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  Excellent overall value - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tren - March 29 - 6:46 pm

  Having owned Ford long beds, this truck is far superior in every way except power on hills. I chose the I4 Prerun for value reasons and its lived up its name. Hauling a motorcycle on a hill with the manual tran at 70 was not a problem nor has getting 22-27 (26-7 if you drive speed limit; my overall avg. is 23.5) on the highway for my daily commute. Ive driven 8 hours straight (one stop for gas) and enjoyed comfort comparable to the Accord; cruise control is a must! Also, the midrange power from 70-85 has been surprisingly responsive for those days when youre in a rush. IMO, this truck is a long term keeper.

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  Cheap to own - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By BK - March 29 - 3:13 am

  Bought this car new in April 01. I have only 46,000 on it but am amazed that nothing has gone wrong with this car in 9 years. Just basic maintenance and 1 new set of tires. I just had the state inspection done and I was waiting for a large bill. I figured after 9 years I was due for some repairs even though it still drives like the day I got it. They told me it didnt need a thing. Would recommend these cars to everybody. I could not imagine a quieter smoother ride.

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  So Happy - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Harley Sexton - March 28 - 1:16 am

  We just completed a 4500 mile trip to Vegas and back. Average mileage was 52.4mpg. Every aspect of the car was a joy. Especially in 108 degree weather, when we could leave the air conditioning on while we were away from the car. Coming back to a cool car was such a delight. Catch up, American manufacturers!!!! I would like to buy American.

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  Drive the rest, then buy the best - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Kevin - March 27 - 11:33 pm

  This is my first Toyota, and what a difference in quality, reliability, and workmanship than the Big 3. If you are considering a 4 door truck, go and drive the rest and then buy the best. This truck is awesome, it is like a luxury sedan in every way except it has a lot more cargo room and the ability to tow heavy payloads if needed. It also gets about the same gas mileage as my Honda Passport and it has a bigger engine.

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  Great Car for the Price - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Daniel - March 27 - 5:50 pm

  Have owned this car since 03. Bought it as an off lease car w/24K miles. Now has 72K miles and have never been to the shop. I maintain the car myself and find it very easy to service. We drive the car normally and get 28-30 MPG city and have seen almost 40 MPG with the cruise set to 70-75 mph. Not very inspiring to drive, but what a great car for the everyday commute and plenty of room. Paint is starting to peel on rear quarter pannel, but its now 6 years old and stays outside. Installed aftermarket 17" rims w/performance tires and instantly felt like a different auto!! Overall I am a Toyota customer for good.

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  Great car!! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Lenny - March 27 - 1:20 pm

  Owned a Jetta before. This Corolla is a beauty!! Not much to complain, except for that dashboard gap above the radio/CD, occassional dashboard rattling noise & occasional brake noise when backing up in the morning. Other than that, its a terrific car!!!

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  My little truck - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Moved from GM - March 27 - 12:56 pm

  The truck has done well for me. It has met my expectations to date. The only draw back is the dealer installed cruise control.

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  great toy - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Mia Andrews - March 27 - 11:30 am

  Its a great car. so much fun. the only thing i would change on it is the suspension. needs to be tighter. i guess it would be a lot more fun too if it had a little more ponies in the "trunk" if you will.