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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  The best SUV - 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By LH2KF7 - November 14 - 6:03 am

  This truck is amazing, we bought it because we have a large family and a big dog and it works great! We live here in New Jersey and every August we go on vacation to Hilton Head SOuth Carolina. We took this truck and it was like driving in luxury. I would never buy any other truck, this one is the best. After experiencing the best why settle for less?

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  Love the Camry - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Dan - November 13 - 8:23 am

  This car has a smooth ride, plenty of power, great fuel economy for a six. I am so impressed with this car, this is my first Toyota. I have no problem comming out of and suv. This car is easy to drive with a real luxury drive. I feel safe and not overwhelmed with all the suv on the raods. I am averaging 23mpg on reg fuel mixed driving with more power than my bmw

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  most excellent - 1997 Toyota T100
  By bobarooni - November 12 - 7:40 pm

  most excellent mid-size truck. I bought this truck used with 80000 miles on it and it now has 225000 mile on it and I hvent made a single repair to it and it still runs and looks great. although a v-8 would be nice. all around an awesome truck.

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  Cant beat it - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By echowrangler - November 12 - 1:10 pm

  I bought this vehicle for a commuter. I love it - it sips gas, squeezes into tight parking spots, has great maneuverability. I had one minor problem, the trunk lock broke (wouldnt work with the key, just the interior release). It was fixed at no charge when I brought it in for regular service. NO other problems, only goes in for routine maintenance. Well, one problem - my wife wants to borrow it all the time. I like the interior space and headroom - Im 6 0", 250 lbs.

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  Love my FJ!! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By bridgiebridge - November 12 - 9:06 am

  I absolutely love driving this thing!! Bought my tonka truck in april and have been driving the wheels off of it. FJ currently has 12000 miles on it. They have been the best miles Ive ever driven. I actually enjoy driving for almost 2 hours a day on a daily basis. Have taken it on the beach - didnt even have to air down the tires. Have taken it in the mud - it cleans up so easily with the rubberized interior. I LOVE it. On the highway it handles so smoothly for its size. The 6 speed is a blast to drive in the mud.

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  Best Toyota yet - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Dennis - November 12 - 7:00 am

  I purchased this car new. No major problems, only had to replace a battery and the headlamps after 5 years! Comfort is excellent on long trips, have driven 1K miles a day in it on trips. Gas mileage is also excellent. At 63 MPH have obtained better than 36 MPG, did 38.1 MPG once, no complaints here. The AWD is an excellent advantage in extreme rain drenched roads and snow. Never have been able to spin the tires. I am using Michelin Hydroedge tires, the car really handles quite well. Just keep the required maintenance up and this car will last a long time.

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  Great Car - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By r4lane - November 12 - 2:00 am

  One owner but driven by father for 3.5 years and by son forover 4 years. Front brake pads not replaced until over 100,00 miles. Give this car regular oil changes and it will run forever. No mechanical difficulties, great paint job and Plenty of room for 5.

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  Awesome! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Sblantonus - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I waited nearly three months for this car, but it was well worth it. Though it does not have the acceleration of a sports car, it is still perfectly acceptable, and very fun to drive. In fact, it is fun to drive, fun to own, fun to see the looks of envy from other drivers, and will be fun at tax time when I can take a nice deduction for buying a hybred. Its just awesome. I love it!

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  they said it could not be done - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By mkitty - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I love the idea of using an electric motor to save on gasoline usage. And it doesnt have to be plugged in. The gasoline engine shuts off at stops and the A/C runs off the the battery, not the gasoline engine. Just a couple of ways to save gas money and decrease emissions. Not only that, but it is a very attractive, spacious, and well-made car that is fun to drive.

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  My Tundra - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By TAGS - November 12 - 2:00 am

  1 Have 120k+ miles. So far no major mechanical problems. It does eat tires every 40k if you do not rotate. I do not believe the bad brake comments others complain about. I Change my front pads with Toyota orig. equip. every 60k and there is still pads left before the indicator. Someone is doing something wrong with your car if you have a complaint about quality or engineering. I built my house with mine.