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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  Muscle Truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By CBass - December 29 - 7:40 pm

  This thing is like driving a jacked up sports car! It is a little strange to be in a vehicle this big that has so much power. Overall I am very impressed with all levels of this truck. The fit and finish is top notch, the doors shut with a tight seal, the bucket seats are great and it tows my 20 boat like it isnt even there. I traded my z71 suburban for the Tundra Doublecab. It has as much room in the back seat as my Burb had in the second row. Mine has the XSP package which includes the 20" BBS wheels, fender flares, leather, step bars, skid plate, etc. I think this must be a package that is only available from S.E. Toyota as I dont see it listed on here. Buy one!

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  Love It!!!!! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By LaShanda - December 29 - 7:26 pm

  I absolutely love my car. To me there are no drawbacks. It gets great mileage, looks good and is comfortable for me to drive and for others to ride.

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  96,000 miles in 16 months - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Yaris Fan - December 29 - 4:30 pm

  After putting 300k on my 2004 Matrix with only having to replace the catalitic converter I bought the Yaris as a gas saver. I had the car for 16 months, drove to from San Francisco Bay to Oregon and back, and Arizona and back with no problems. The car is more fun to drive than my Matrix and doesnt drive like an econo box. For MPG, I always averaged in the mid 30s and better when I drove like most people do. After more than 96,000 on the car in only 16 month I had no problems, but then decided to drive under a Dodge Durango. Car was totaled but I walked away without a scratch. As soon as I gey my insurance check I will be back for my third Toyota! Probably another Yaris!

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  What a Concept - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Cyndi - December 29 - 12:36 pm

  This car is great! It is affordable, not too out of the norm looking and the design of the interior makes you forget that you are driving a small car, roomy and comfortable. During acceleration, there is suprisingly more oomph! then my previous car and of course then there is the legendary gas mileage. It makes you wonder why it has taken this type of technology so long to catch on.

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  Camry wagon - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Loretta - December 29 - 12:23 pm

  We like the third seat for hauling extra kids when necessary. The backseat is just wide enough to fit three car seats. The car has been very dependable.

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  Almost a TEN - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By ROAR - December 29 - 8:56 am

  Always felt the Avalon to be a vehicle for sedate, retired folks, and it was. This new 2005 model is not your grandfathers Avalon. It is slick, sleek and hauls. Take a test drive and be a convert. The fit and finish is typical of the Toyota brand, no squeaks, no rattles. Terrific design excercise, both in and out. Roomy, comfortable and sassy. Shop around, some dealers are going nuts with their pricing. I ended up buying the base XL, in black with the optional rear spoiler from the Touring model, and my final deal was nearly $7,000.00 less than the first dealer quoted. Drove more than 125 miles round trip to get the car at the right price. At 31 mpg, highway, it was worth it.

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  Great truck - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By DB - December 29 - 3:33 am

  My 1st truck was a 1993 Toyota 2wd pickup, I4 5 speed. I loved it, would probably still have it if the engine had not died (mechanics fault). After driving Corollas for years I bought this brand new. It runs great, I now have ~ 7000 miles on it and with my driving (mostly highway 65 mph) I get 28 MPG! Its very comfortable, good power. There is a lot of noise from the drive train but that doesnt really bother me. My biggest favorite is the size of the truck, much bigger than my 93. This is a very basic truck, not a lot of stuff to go wrong, the main reason I bought it.

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  gave up power for economy - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Terri Koopai - December 29 - 12:46 am

  only would have the clock lit when engine off, and map lights in front seat, and leave interior light on for a few seconds after doors are closed

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  Great Car - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By Z16 - December 28 - 11:23 pm

  Bought it for the wife 4 years ago. This car just keeps on going. Runs amazingly well in snow with Goodyear Triple treads. I am going to move up a couple of years for her next car. Why did they ever stop making these cars?

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  Very nice truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By dj - December 28 - 11:00 pm

  This is a quiet, powerful, well mannered truck. Our biggest surprise after getting the truck home and using it for a while is how huge this thing is. It seemed good sized at the dealership but must have thought the extra effort needed to climb up inside the cabin and not being able to reach over the side of the bed was due to the way it was on display. Nope, its just huge. Not a complaint just a realization. Ours is a standard suspension 4X4 with Michelin road tread tires inflated to Toyotas recommended pressure, which makes the ride in the cabin dead quiet and silky smooth.