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:

• 

  Ditched the Wrangler - No Regrets - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Darren Burke - March 24 - 3:23 pm

  In 07 it was an FJ or a 4dr Wrangler. I went with the new Wrangler because it had the 4 dr with conv. top and it was a Jeep. Huge mistake- it was awful and the dealer service was the worst. After about 10 trips to the dealer in two years, I traded it in on the FJ. Wow! I love this car. Ive had all sorts of 4Xs - Jeeps, Land Rovers, Range Rovers, GM - Out of the box, nothing comes close. Recently followed some buddies in LR Discos into the Borrego Badlands and this car sucked it up no problem bone stock. Getting a dust snorkel put ion next week! My 11 yr. old daughter said the FJ looks menacing- she loves it and wants in in 5 years - I dont know if I can give it up.

• 

  Fun Car - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By George - March 24 - 12:20 pm

  It has been an awesome car. From the day we picked it up, the only time it went back to the dealership was for routine maintenance. Everything about the Solara is great. Comfort, ease on the road, handling, braking - its all good. When you close the door, it sounds solid. Toyota built one outstanding car.

• 

  I love this car! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Shana - March 24 - 6:03 am

  I am so happy with this purchase. After reading literally hundreds of reviews and doing my research, I finally settled on the Yaris Hatchback. I think its a great size - one individual driving to school or work fits extremely comfortably. There is so much room. The car is very tall, and fits groceries so well. The higher clearance works great for living in Fargo, ND. So far the handling has been awesome. Its been such a pleasure this winter since its so reliable, gets so warm, and is overall so much fun to drive. Im beyond happy with my purchase. Ive been raving to everyone I know.

• 

  My Pimp Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Toyota Yaris - March 24 - 12:03 am

  Very fun to drive. No other car can match the price with as much as the Yaris offers. I disagree with the reveiws of the Yaris in respect to the reveiw says and I quote "Yaris has a slow-off-the line acceleration." For there only being 106 horses under the hood the Yaris is extremely powerful for a 4-cylinder. Anyone looking for a car that is reliable, comfortable, fuel-effiecient, and last but not least a car that will last a long long time. An interesting side note: Toyota has the highest resale value of any auto manufacturer.

• 

  RAV4 built tough - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By SeanMCD - March 23 - 11:36 pm

  I have driven this car 130,000 miles in 3 yrs, had 51k when I bought it. I do on site computer service work for major computer service company. This car has never failed me, not even once! The only thing Ive had to do is oil, plugs, brakes, tires. Catalytic converter failed at 78k was covered by warranty, O2 sensors went out at 120k, those are the only mechanical issues Ive had. Ive beat this car to death and keeps going, its been across a few creeks, miles and miles of muddy dirt roads, up and down mountains, through hail, wind sheers, you name it this car can handle it ! Im sold on Toyota for life!

• 

  So Far So Good! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Quyen - March 23 - 11:00 pm

  Only had it for the weekend and 100 miles, but so far so good! Solidly put together with a reassuring thud when doors close. Car is definitely roomy enough in the back for babyseat and 2 kids. Interior ergonomics is perfect for a car of this price.

• 

  Great Truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By New Ranch Owner - March 23 - 8:10 pm

  First truck Ive owned but sure rides good. Seems very well built. Cant complain about fuel economy, but drive quite a bit of freeway miles. I did test drive all the different type trucks out there and chose this baby! Would suggest that you go buy ya one!!

• 

  Toyota Avalon - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By L Harris - March 23 - 5:20 pm

  Six years old; still looks and drives like a new car. Smooth riding and no mechanical problems. Comfortable seating for all passengers and lots of trunk room. Beautifully designed and appointed on the inside and out.

• 

  I love it! - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Paul in FL - March 23 - 8:46 am

  I purchased this vehicle under the Clunkers Program while "donating" my Ford F-150 to the government for destruction. The mpg is great with new four cylinder engine. EPA figures are either on the money or slightly low. Plenty of pep too. Very quiet even at highway speeds. Great looking interior. The V6 would have been nice, but absolutely not necessary unless youre carrying six or towing a boat. Same goes for AWD here in Florida, but in snow country I would have added AWD. This could be a more ideal car for seniors as it is easy to drive and easy to get in and out of. The swing out trunk lid is easier for seniors than the hatch. Same for getting things out of the back. No stooping.

• 

  Best taco Ive ever bought - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By slyonEI - March 23 - 6:13 am

  Drives like a car on the road most of the time. Drives like a sports car on the dirt roads. 4 seats - 9 cup holders. Very cold A/C. Surprisingly good on gas considering its size. Only real gripes are the always-on speedo lighting (fine until its dark, then you become popular with the police cuz you thought the lights were on). And wipers. I live in the northeast - there is no intermittent setting on the wipers. My 99 base model corolla had that! If its drizzling its a pain to hit that every 5 seconds. You put a/c in the thing and power windows...and 9 cup holders. Couldnt you do that Toyota?