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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  TRUST ME... THIS CAR IS AWESOME! - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By ToyotaChic - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought the 00 Camry a few years ago, and it hasnt EVER given me problems. The breaks get loose once in a blue moon, but ONLY when you abuse them. The camry is so much fun to drive, its safe, practicle, isnt a gas guzzler (which is GREAT to know now w/high gas prices) and its just AWESOME! really, GET THIS CAR!

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  Excellent, reliable, affordable - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Rxwoman - March 8 - 1:53 am

  I love my Toyota. I bought a corolla ce 2007, used a year ago, for $8800. My old 89 Camry had to be retired because at 230 thousand miles, it was rear ended. It ran to drive home minus a trunk ( it was a hard hit). So far my 07 Corolla has been trouble free, and gets excellent gas mileage ( average 35 mpg town and highway) . Its an economy car, and interior reflects it. Its small. But I have carried 5 people, and a baby in an infant car seat without problem. What more do you want for reliable, efficient, transportation?

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  More than I expected - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By toyotaJ - March 7 - 3:16 pm

  My Rav4 limited v6 is everything I had hoped for and more. Its a hoot to drive with all that smooth power; one has to be careful not to get carried away! No SUV out there can touch it, especially not from the stop light!

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  Excellent Value and Safe - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By MSmith - March 7 - 1:50 pm

  I bought a 2001 4-door, Auto. Trans. Toyota Echo twice. 2 weeks apart. The 1st Echo was destroyed by an idiot that smashed into me while he was trying to cross 4 lanes of traffic. The front end of my Echo was completely crumpled, both airbags deployed, and the car was completely totaled. I was so impressed by this cars ability to protect me and my boy (he was completely unharmed, and I only suffered seat belt abrasions), I imm. bought another one to replace it. It has been 4 years now, 96k miles, and I have had only two minor probs: the CD player got fried the 1st year for unknown reasons and the gear shift light doesnt always light up. Also: I avg. 36 mpg despite my jack-rabbit starts.

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  Love It! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Deborah - March 7 - 5:26 am

  This is the most fun car I have ever had. I love everything about it. True- it does not have all of the fancy bells and whistles, but that is where I save money. Now as we are looking to replace our second car, we coming back to how much we love our Yaris and are talking about getting another. The only way to improve it is to make it a hybrid.

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  Great truck but... - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By cjcanu01 - March 7 - 5:13 am

  Awesome truck over all. The dashboard is quite noisy in the colder months due to plastic. The quality of the body material is terrible. You can literally leave a dent in the truck if you smack it w/ your hand...this is not "truck" quality. I worry that the truck will look several years older than it actually is in just 3 years due to the poor quality body panels and paint.

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  What Toyota Reliability?! - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By Sara - March 7 - 1:13 am

  We bought our 2002 Toyota LE because of the reliability ratings. What a joke.Our van developed a brake squeal almost immediately after purchasing. Van pulls to the right or left at 60 mph. Engine has 66,000 miles and is sludged and needs $2000 in repairs. After researching we found out that the brakes, engine sludge and pulling are Toyota factory flaws and Toyota has numerous lawsuits pending against them. Wish we known before purchasing, we would have bought an Odyssey!

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  04,05,06 Pruis - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Road Scholar - March 6 - 11:33 pm

  Toyota Pruis is best car in world. I have owned 3,presently have an 05 @06. Would not consider any other car. The car is fast,quiet,non polluting,great mileage,excellent trunk space, rear camera, drive by wire. It is a TOYOTA!

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  Owning the RAV4 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Mike Rhodes - March 6 - 11:23 pm

  I own the Limited 2wd version and am extremely happy with the vehicle. Mileage on first tank of gas was 28 mpg (half city & half highway miles). Acceleration and performance are suberb - drives like a 6 cylinder. Smooth handling and terrific turning radius make this vehicle a real pleasure to drive. Satellite radio is awesome and the JBL sound system is excellent. Road noise is almost non- existent (I bought the Toyoguard that most dealers in the Southeast put on their cars - includes soundproofing which works quite well). The cargo capacity is excellent - much better access and capacity than my 98 Pathfinder. I looked at RX 330s, and for the money the RAV4 is much better value.

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  Love my 4Runner ! - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By brian - March 6 - 7:30 pm

  If your looking for an SUV, Look no further. Toyota 4Runner is the way. Bought mine a few days ago. Used 2006, 25000 miles. This truck has everything and more a person can want. I checked out the Nissan Pathfinder and the Dodge NITRO. Was not impressed with either. The 4Runner Sport Edition has not only the looks, but the engine is smooth and the JBL sound system is awesome. Also came with a camera in the rear view mirror so when you back up, you can see if anyone is behind you. Will write another review in 6 months or so. Dont delay, get your 4Runner today!