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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  Best truck ever! - 2011 Toyota Tacoma
  By itsmatthew - July 28 - 11:16 pm

  I have been shopping around for a new truck for over a year now. I have test drove and researched every single one and this is by far the best truck out there. I was initially looking for a full size for my 4 kids but with the double cab, their carseats fit with ease. The interior is very nice and the seats are the most comfortable I have ever sat in. If you are going to get it I would highly recommended the TRD Sport package, because it handles like no other. As far as reliability, I cant speak on that for this one (2011), but I did have a 2000 Tacoma for 12 years and it was bullet proof, nothing but normal maintenance until the 125,000 mile spot.

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  Perfect All Around - 2007 Toyota Highlander
  By msw66 - July 28 - 9:16 pm

  I traded in my 99 Yukon for one of the remaining 07s since the redesigned 08s hit dealers this month. The vehicle is everything I thought it would be and more. I tested the new CR-V and found some inherent design issues with it. For what the Highlander is, a small-mid size SUV I think it couldnt be better. Power, MPG, interior layout, comfort, handling all are tops. Im so pleased I was able to get what I wanted with regards to color and options, very few were remained in the Southwest.

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  4Runner after 9000 miles - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By L.R.Burfield - July 28 - 8:53 pm

  Excellent in snow and ice, better fuel economy than I expected (17-18 mpg) Solid feel on highway at speed, very quiet inside cabin. Good layout for driver. Rear seats fold very nicely for added cargo room. Tire pressure warning light needs temperature compensation, as it glows when outside temp drops into the teens. Love the heated seats. Quality inside and out. Sound system is tops.Tach dial view is partly blocked on right side

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  Excellent Ride - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By jimgraz - July 28 - 6:20 am

  This is a phenomenal automobile. I have never been this happy with a purchase, and it is even better since my wife and I had our first child. Great safety and comfort with tons of room. Perfect car for starting a young family. Also reduced our insurance premiums due to its safety features and record.

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  Fantastic Family Car - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By mom_of_three3 - July 28 - 1:04 am

  We bought this car used (5 yrs old, in 2005)when I was 6 months pregnant with our first child. Weve had NO issues with it at all. Weve replaced one battery and two sets of wiper blades in the 5 1/2 years weve owned it, and it now has 210K on it. Its incredible, really. Its no longer when parked beside any other typical sedan (my in-laws had an Acura 3.2TL) but my mind finds it hard to understand where all the space inside comes from! My 6 tall husband can sit in the back seat with the front seats all the way back and his knees dont touch the front seats-we love that the backseat isnt just for the kids. Definately room for everyone in here!

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  New Prius - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Bill Cawthorne - July 27 - 10:30 pm

  This new Prius carried us through the south east of Arizonas mountains and deserts with a comfortable, efficient, and quiet weekend. New to us were the hybrid drive and the electronic technology. Im old school where my transportation equipment is concerned. This car is an absolute pleasure to drive. Not as powerful as a 5 liter Mustang, not even close. The Honda civic that we traded in could not make the acceleration that I experienced merging onto I-10 in Benson, AZ. I had misjudged the traffic and opened the throttle. The gasoline and electric combination proved itself then. The electronic equipment calculates the mileage and was verified accurate at the pump at 52 mpg for the trip.

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  Good Car, Sloppy Transmission - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Andrew - July 27 - 1:36 am

  The added molding gives the SE a very clean and sharp look. The sunroof actually comes down and slides between the exterior and interior thus minmizing wind noise at speed. The leather interior is worth the money. The power seats have excellent "adjustments". The Bluetooth option works perfectly. The gas milage is pretty close for highway milage. In short, the car is nearly everything you can expect for the $29.4k version. However, the transmission is sloppy. It is something I have just come to my mind that I will have to deal with it. It shifts at unusual times on deceleration thus making your breaking non-constant (you can feel lurches).

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  Everything is just right - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By JB - July 26 - 7:16 am

  Car was bought one month ago, its running perfectly, Acceleration is perfect for a 4 cyl. Dont expect V8 acceleration, the days of the old big blocks are gone! The interior is so very quiet, you must compare this car to a Cadillac. Dont buy this car if you want to race, it wasnt built for that. You cant have it both ways, either a car is full of power and stiff suspension or its smooth and comfortable on the road. I love it for what it is... a comfortable quiet ride!

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  Too bad exxon - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Dave - July 26 - 6:46 am

  The car is a joy to drive. It will go as fast as 40 mph on electric power alone

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  After one day I like it - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By thedarius - July 25 - 7:00 pm

  I bought the 2008 4 cyl. Limited. Best looking small SUV as far as Im concerned. Lots of cargo space. Tremendous functionality. It has the smoothest ride Ive ever felt in any truck style vehicle. If someone tells you it has a harsh or rough ride, they havent driven it. I have many steep hills where I live and it tackles them with little effort. Ill update this in 3 months.