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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  Fun to drive - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By iRC aDiKz - August 27 - 5:53 am

  Really happy with my 2007, excellent handling, very smooth and quiet. Gas is not bad at all for a 4.0 truck.

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  Ugly Duckling - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By BB - August 27 - 3:20 am

  I knew that Echos twin, the Vitz, was a very popular car in Japan, so I decided to buy an 01 Echo over the Prius in 2000. The Prius carried a hefty premium at the time. I loaded mine up with options and it was still a bargain. Ive loved the Echo ever since. Its a very simple yet smartly designed & built car. Some say its not the best looking car, but, its value and economy make up for its appearance. My family depends on it daily as our primary car. It has not let us down.

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  Great MPG, Good Buy - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By grant - August 26 - 4:40 am

  I bought My Tacoma about 2 months ago. I drive round trip 50 miles everyday. If I drive the truck the "right way" I get about 19-20 MPG. I do about 65% highway miles, 35% city driving. Thats awesome for a truck w/a stout V6. So The power is really great. I have had 3 V8 trucks, 2 V6s, and this matches all of them. The transmission shifts awesome, cant even tell it is shifting. It rides like a car, and has great room and all kinds of hidden spaces for storage. I have 3 kids under 6 and it has great room for car seats. Styling is great, however I wish the tilt steering was better, not much adjustability. The dash gauges are awesome. I can get anything in the bed. I love it, great buy.

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  great car - v4 auto - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By s560 - August 26 - 2:00 am

  bought it used in 2004 for 12k with 76000 miles. 6 years later it has 169 000 miles. changed a radiator few years ago for $400 and a sensor for $180 last year. oil change every 3 months at $19.99. been in 4 accidents - 2 rear, 1 front and back (changed front bumper for $600)

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  The best truck Ive ever owned. - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By wildbil34 - August 26 - 1:03 am

  I have the double cab 5.7 with 4wd and the TRD package. The truck has great acceleration and it stops on a dime. The seats are very comfortable, and the instruments are easy to read. It handles better than my 2005 Tundra did. It also has a better turning ratio, which makes it much easier to turn. The exterior is very rugged. The interior looks very refined, and there are plenty of cup holders and outlets. I have the first one in town and it gets a lot of looks.

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  2003 4Runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4Runner - August 24 - 10:06 pm

  Great SUV for anyone young and old. Great looking, great handling. Just need help on gas mileage.

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  Best Convertible Ever! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By captnben - August 24 - 8:26 pm

  Number one for comfort, quietness, design, inside and out, easy and fun to drive and cant wait for spring.

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  Good Little Car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By kara - August 24 - 3:16 pm

  Very fun to drive. Compact enough to get into any spot and large enough for leg room for all 4 people. Cute bubbly body style. Cup holders are a bit weird because they block the AC, but you can cool your drink, which is really handy, and they are not on the floor by the seats where your purse keeps knocking them over. I took it to the dealer and had the passenger seat belt chime disabled so I can put a backpack on the seat without it going off (very annoying). Gas efficiency is very good. When I use 76 gas, the car gets 5 mpg more than with other gas. Chevron: 35, Arco: 28.

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  Yahooo! - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By beczter - August 24 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car to own. Not only is it fun to drive with suprisingly good pick-up on freeways, its gas mileage makes me smile as I see all of the hefty SUVs filling up at the station. If you are a commuter, this is the perfect vehicle. And you will waste no fuel when sitting in stopped traffic! This car requires the same maintenance as any other non-hybrid.

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  My Toyota - 1995 Toyota Corolla
  By Mehulsingh J. Rajput - August 24 - 10:00 am

  I Love this toyota corolla. Eventhough I bought it slightly costly I love it very much. It gives a great milage and it is very smooth on the roads.