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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  Sequoia - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By jane - December 30 - 10:00 am

  I love it. The only problem I see is the multiple holders in the headliner area in the model that doesnt have a moon roof. Ther should be a tv compartment.

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  Good Quality for the money - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Sieverss - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Just bought a 2002 Highlander V6 FWD. It has all the features we were looking for at an affordable price for an SUV. Love the reclining back seats and the armrest. It has plenty of pick-up on the freeway and rides smooth. Put 700 miles on it the first weekend we had it. I still like the tilt steering in american cars, but you cant have everything. I hope to get several years of good service out of this vehicle and so far it looks like I will.

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  great for a family - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By geannina - December 30 - 10:00 am

  i owned this car now for almost a year and i would recommend it very highly . it is great for a family. wide open space..reliable..feels solid...easy to get in and out. it looks good as well.. it just feels and drives like a more expensive car than what it sells for.

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  Awesome Truck, downright AWFUL MPG - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Tom - December 30 - 12:46 am

  This truck is awesome. It has an unbelievable amount of power, and exceeds my expectations with ease, but I regret my decision in buying the "Rock Warrior" package, as the tires, suspension, etc. are hurting this trucks gas mileage severely. As in 9 mpg in the city, 10-12 mpg highway. Other than that, all I can say is that this has to be the best half-ton ever built.

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  Love my 4runner! - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Yota AK - December 30 - 12:26 am

  I bought my 4runnner because I had a severe shoulder injury where I could not drive my manual 2006 Tacoma. Of course nothing could replace my truck, the 4Runner came in next. I bought it because there is the potential for my family to grow. Living in Alaska, there is A LOT to do, and even more to see and I need a vehicle that would take me where I needed to go and all the gear I need to take with me. I tow a fleetwood evolution trailer with my V6 and it is noticed, but not a hindrance. I love driving my sport edition and love the XREAS suspension. The fuel economy display is inaccurate at best, but I have no real complaints. It does what I want it to do, and in style and comfort.

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  2007 camry xle issues - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By lilibeth12 - December 30 - 12:02 am

  I was wondering if any one has experienced what I experienced with this car. The radio comes on blasting loud...cant be turned OFF unless I turn OFF the engine. I was so scared and startled when all of the sudden the radio came on very very loud and wont shut off.

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  Not very happy with my 3rd new 4WD Taco - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By gw8 - December 29 - 8:38 pm

  I have a more positive review earlier by GW7. Now the 3rd radio in my Tacoma is malfunctioning. It will be replaced again under warranty but I now have to question some of Toyotas quality, they just seem to want to keep replacing defective radios until the warranty expires. I have been loyal to Toyota because of reliability, but my patience is wearing thin on this issue.

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  A review from Quebec... - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By sergag - December 29 - 7:26 pm

  First I apologize abouut my bad english. I have the basic canadian version, slightly different from yours. Already drove 4000 km (2500m.) with it, mostly on highway. Average mileage, cold temperature: 52.3miles/Imp. gallon (160oz.). Best mileage: 72.4 miles/imp. gallon (on 20 miles) Best electric autonomy: 3.4 km. (2.1miles). Better than what figure in owner manual.

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  My Rav4 - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Barbara Kiella - December 29 - 9:53 am

  My husband and I are at an age where getting in and out of the low cars are almost impossible. The Rav4 is higher from the ground. All we have to do is slide right in. On a long drive, my hips and legs use to ache, but not with the Rav4. It sits high so that your feet and legs dont stick out straigt in front of you, as if you were sitting on the floor. We cant wait to go on our vacation this year with it. And the gas mileage is terrific.

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  Super saver Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By wayne - December 29 - 2:46 am

  We purchased the Prius in March 2006 trading in a Toyota Avalon. Was concerned about the ride and handling compared to the Avalon. We find that the Prius is equal or better. Love the gas mileage. Now have 18000 miles and not one problem. Its a great car.