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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  Tims FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Tims FJ - February 20 - 3:30 am

  With less than 1000 miles I had this vehicle off the road on the beach and in the dunes. Ride and handling were excellent. Cornering on hard surfaced roadway was flat with good feel. The suspension can seem a bit stiff but, the vehicle is intended for off-road use. The fit and finish is excellent and the use of non-metallic paints is a nice touch - easy care. My overall experience has been well worth the investment. I compared the FJ to several vehicles. In the end, the famous toyota quality won me over. No regrets. Its excellent build quality, fit and finish, and available accessories are more than enought for any individual desire.

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  Perfect Truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By WLC - February 19 - 8:56 pm

  This truck is just about perfect. Great power, handling, comfort. The gas mileage could be better (averaging 16 mpg in mixed highway). Has a high fun factor, throw it into corners and punch it merging on the freeway. I bought the sports package with stereo upgrade, and had the Snugtop shell installed by the factory. All well worth the money in my opinion.

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  Lovin My Camry - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Amy - February 19 - 6:33 pm

  I traded in an 2004 Expedition for this Camry & I am TOTALLY loving this car. It was time to downsize with gas prices steadily on the rise. We test drove Fusions, Malibus, Accords, Altimas & when we came to the Camry, we were sold on it. It looks great, is a wonderfully smooth ride, and the gas mileage is great. I average about 26 miles per gallon (we live in the country & have to drive 10 miles into town every day). We didnt want all the extras of the higher priced models, and the LE fits us just perfect. Its very quiet inside the cabin, too. In a month Ive put about 1200 miles on it. I cant wait to go on vacation in my Camry!!

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  Code Red! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Audrey - February 19 - 2:46 am

  I have been researching the Prius for 4 months and decided it was time to move on it. Its fun to drive and quiet. The controls are easily accessible and Im getting 46-48+ miles per gallon. My previous car was averaging 16 mpg. Im getting 3 times my moneys worth. Its an awesome car and Ive never been happier with an auto purchase before.

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  First time buyer - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By celicaluvr08 - February 18 - 7:33 am

  This car is awesome, Im 19 and this is my second car, I used to have a Honda civic. I got in it at the dealership and knew I was driving away in it. Its not really fast, but with the action package that Toyota introduced in 2002, it looks fast and with gas prices now a days, going fast is irrelevant =) The interior is very spacious, well the front seats are. I wouldnt recommend taking more than one person at a time. There is so much more i could type about this car, I love driving it, it turns soooo many heads... I love it!

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  Love My Car - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Linda - February 18 - 4:30 am

  Ive had my Highlander for 3 months and absolutely love it. The comfort and drive are superior. Ive test drove a number of vehicles and by far this was the best suited for me in size, comfort and driveability. Cant say enough - I love driving my vehicle.

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  Where Luxury Meets Fuel Economy - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Ignacio - February 17 - 4:40 pm

  Excellent fuel economy. I am averaging 30 to 32 MPG in city driving on the streets of South Florida. The 1.8L engine is just right for the car and the interior details are top of the line. Overall the car has been an excellent choice!

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  Great Buy, Great Value - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Christi - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Incredible horsepower, great family interior layout, comfortable seating, plenty of leg room, easy to remove and hange seating, economical fuel. Most comfortable vehicle I have ever owned, I made a great choice.

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  Great Truck - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Sniper - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Very fun truck to drive. Has a lot of pickup of the start with the 5 speed . Looks great and you feel good knowing in will last.

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  awesome - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By geezer - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Traded a 02 highlander ltd! More stable, better handling, more standard features. Averaging 19-20 mpg, and I drive it fast!My dog loves the power back window-the best feature! I am very analytical and research oriented, and could not find a comparable vehicle without spending many, many thousands more! The v-8 is silky smooth! In Colorado, awd will do most of the time.