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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  Better than expected - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Frank - January 3 - 7:13 pm

  Traded in 00 Sienna 130k mile, Comfortable ride handles great in the rain. Car grows on you the more you drive it. 3rd row is great for the kids. I wish they had split the sitting. 2nd row is spacious for adults. Cargo Mat and privacy screen are troublesome to put away with last minute seating.

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  Yuri the Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By 2007 Yaris - January 3 - 6:06 pm

  I absolutely love lil Yuri the Yaris . 61,000 miles and no problems. the light is on for abs braking system. Changed the brake pads -- guess I will need to take Yuri to the Toyota Dealer to shut off the light. there are blind spots on the post --easy to get into an accident -- but I have never been hit -- I am a careful driver. the trunk rubber seal is out whack . No big deal. this car has been fun to drive and has has excellent gas mileage since I bought it in 5/2006. When I look at other cars on the market I think yes those are cool BUT you cant beat the gas mileage

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  Solid - 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Handles Great - January 3 - 3:53 am

  Has enough room for all of us. Plenty of luxury for the kids.

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  Great Ride - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jack - January 2 - 11:40 pm

  This vehicle is very nice, it handles well, drives smooth, has great power, and an awesome safety rating. It drives well around town and handles very well on the highway. Everything you can think of and more is designed into the interior, making the 4-Runner very user friendly. You can not find a better SUV for this price range.

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  best used car i ever had - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By mroedan - January 2 - 5:05 pm

  all i would like to say is that this 93 camry se its the S**T!!!. i love this car and dont think about selling it any time soon. i go to college upstate Ny and drive an estimate of a 400miles every 2 months for the last 3 years and so far no problem. Only problem that the car ever had was the transmission. The 5th gear wasnt working but i fixed it with less than $1000USD and never again transmission problems. My its a 5speed so its really good with gas even for a v6. my dads 2004 camry le drags more gas than mine, i dont how but it does. maybe because my dads its automatic and mine is 5 speed so im able to change the gears for the right time. When it comes to speed and peformance 10/10

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  Great SUV - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Jason - January 2 - 2:56 pm

  My wife wanted a new SUV to haul the kids around, but she did not want a mammoth trucklike vehicle. The RAV4 is perfect. It has all the room, with the carlike ride and gas mileage. Tops in this category by far.

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  Here we go Indigo. - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Charpaints - January 2 - 2:06 pm

  As an artist in a major metropolitan city this little car is the one for me. It is zippy in traffic, holds a fair amount of cargo and is affordable to own. It is easy to load and unload. The higher seats offer a more comfortable enter and exit to and from the car especially for older passengers. Gas mileage is terrific. The instumentation takes a little getting used to but afterwards is very easy to use and see. A few of the plastic handles on the seat adjusters feel temporary and have come off.

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  Excellent Choice - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By BuffaloHybridDriver - January 2 - 8:06 am

  The car is very nice! Im coming out of an 01 Acura TL & was very skeptical about "downgrading" to a Camry, but I was pleasantly surprised. This car is very nice inside & out (the leather is nicer than what was in my 01 TL). I got it fully loaded w/ nav & all the options. I am VERY pleased w/ the Camry hybrid & the great value it presents (37.5 MPG, mixed driving).

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  Hog Hunting Extraviganza - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Scott Ash - January 2 - 5:43 am

  I bought the FJ Cruiser for fun. I live in Texas and with all the rain we have had you would think I would keep it lame. My friends and I go hog hunting on a huge corn farm... been out about 5 times. They all park their 4 wheel vehicles and pile into mine because it gets us out there and back! (27 inch water clearance!) If you want an excellent, fun, go anywhere vehicle then I cant say enough. I have never run premium gas in it. The blind spot is easily corrected by moving out the side mirrors. Cant wait to invest in a lift kit etc and really make this thing do some rock climbing!

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  4Runner 4ever - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Papa - January 2 - 12:33 am

  The most reliable vehicle I have owned! After 10 years, my 4Runner is as solid as the day I drove it off the lot. I think I will pass it on to my grandson who is currently 9 years old.