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:

• 

  RX 330 Disguise - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By SWANN SANSO - November 17 - 11:53 am

  A version of the RX 330 just bigger. Great for long distance driving.

• 

  The mini-van for the Family - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Roche - November 17 - 8:03 am

  Best purchase for a family vehicle ever made. Had everything we would dream of and then some. Great ride and comfort for my wife and kids, especially for trips.

• 

  Simply the Best - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By anne - November 17 - 2:43 am

  Great mileage, pick-up is awesome, highway driving and reliabilty ++++ move in a "Bose" and Id live in it

• 

  Great SUV/CUV - 2007 Toyota Highlander
  By ron - November 16 - 9:03 pm

  Great fit and finish on all interior and exterior items. The engine is both quiet and powerful for most any driving style. The ride is very comfortable and the vehicle handles extremely well. Purchased the Toyota vice purchasing a Honda CRV because of its overall value and interior space.

• 

  Unbeliveably dependable - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By BeatleFan - November 16 - 8:50 pm

  We have over 100,000 miles on our Echo and still have the same spark plugs, coolant, battery, clutch...everything except 2 sets of tires and 1 set of brakes. Never had a minutes trouble out of this car, it still drives as well as the day we boughht it new and the fuel economy is awesome. We will definitely by another Echo in 2 years. YOU CANNOT GO WRONG WITH THIS CAR!

• 

  Great truck! - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Rob - November 16 - 6:40 pm

  I was looking for a pickup that handled like a car and comparable gas milage, the Tacoma fits the bill. Pleasantly surprised to find a/c, stereo and cruise all on this trim level (SR5). Rear-end skip takes some getting used to, but otherwise handles well. Highway milage greatly improves with tailgate down (or off).

• 

  Old trusty - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Dixie - November 16 - 10:00 am

  This car has been in the family since it was new. I have had it for the last eight years. Honestly, I neglect the poor thing mechanically. All I really do for it is change the oil. It has had a couple of $600.00+ repairs but is super-reliable even when neglected. Mine is over 160,000 right now and the engine is strong (even though some seals are a bit leaky). Kudos to Toyota for this model!

• 

  Pleased but not completely satisfied - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Big Jay - November 16 - 10:00 am

  The truck has done everything I have wanted it to do. It has performed well off road, on the highway and in the snow. I have put it to work hauling and towing and it has not failed me. As discussed below, Toyota put cheap tires on the truck. I shouldnt have to replace them at 25K. One of the tires had a crack in it. The local Firestone dealer told me that they tires were to light for the truck. If do your own general maintenance such as oil changes, you will hate Toyota. Changing the oil is time consuming and difficult. See below. I think the under-seat storage bin should be standard. I recommend it. The gas mileage has been as expected: 11-14 in town and 16-18 on the highway.

• 

  Great Car for Great Money - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By bc21 - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I am replacing a 2010 LE that was totaled in a rear end crash. I am buying another Camry because no there were no injuries (not even a stiff neck). The SEs ride is firm compared to the floaty LE. I find the SE fun to drive on curvy roads and the leisurely drive on the highway. I drove the V6 and its a rocket, but the 4 cyl is no slouch. The 4 cyl meets all my needs plus puts an extra $1500.00 in my pocket. My company car is a malibu which is nice but not in the same league as the Toyota. Drive one and I am sure you will love it.

• 

  A Bad Boy looking to get unleashed - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By daifaylow - November 16 - 6:43 am

  I took delivery of my RAV4 Sport V6 on the first day it snowed in Vancouver, Canada (usually we dont get snow)so my new baby was parked in garage until the snow melted a week later...paranoid of lousy drivers in Vanc. First impression when I finally was able to drive it, WOW!!! This is one bad a$$ puppy that loves to go fast. I feel the V6 engine is constantly looking to go faster and unleash its potential. Flint Mica colour and black interior is HOT!! Have not accelerated hard yet so torque steer not evident. Handling in snow was accurate and precise. Visibility excellent even with wheel on rear door. Ample legroom in rear seats when reclined. Avg 15L/100km so far before break in.