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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  2005 Toyota Tundra TSS Series - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Catherine - June 14 - 4:53 am

  We initally test drove a tundra in 2004 and after test driving all other brands of trucks, we kept coming back to the Tundra. We love it. It is a very comfortable ride and quiet. Very roomy for the family and friends.

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  2012 Prius - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By kellybokc - June 14 - 4:08 am

  Bought my 2012 Prius hatchback 5, 2 weeks ago and love it! They took $5000 off sticker and I got zero percent financing! Im getting on average 49 miles per gallon and it cost me $27 dollars to fill up the gas tank! Used to pay 70 to 75 dollars a week!

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  My Sienna 2000 - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By martin - June 13 - 10:06 pm

  I have had the Sienna almost 7 years and it has 100K on it and I still dont want to give it up. It has never had mechanical/engine problems. At 70 mph the engine purrs.

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  Great automocar - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jim - June 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Yaris when I retired and Im getting 40.7 mpg without fail. Ive checked it 3 times now and every time it comes out the exact same on the same 230 mile trip. With the fuel tank at 13 gal plus I can get over 400 miles per tank of regular gas. I LOVE IT!

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  This is the best truck ever made. Period. - 1998 Toyota T100
  By Ben - June 13 - 9:14 am

  The T100 isnt fast nor flashy. It wont tow heavy loads. It doesnt have heated seats, climate control, navigation, or blind spot monitoring. Compared to todays trucks its really quite a dinosaur. So how can I say its the best truck ever made? Because it is. My 1998 3.4L SR5 4x4 is going on 20 years old. Its logged more than 205,000 miles, and many of those miles were off pavement in the mountains of Montana or on rocky trails in the Mojave Desert. Death Valley too. Its spent most of its life stored outside in the blazing sun, neglected Im ashamed to say. Despite all of this, every single bit of the truck still works. It still looks great too, and most importantly it starts every single time you turn the key. Once started, it goes places where most modern trucks wouldnt dare thanks to its narrow width and ample ground clearance. You can even still chain up the front end should the going get tough. Try that on a new Tundra. They simply dont make trucks like this anymore. Ive been asked many times if its for sale. My answer is always the same, "no it isnt, and it never will be."

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  The best! - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Misha - June 13 - 7:53 am

  Ive had this car for over a year now and already put 18000 miles on it. It is definitely the best car Ive ever owned. Previous owner had installed TRD suspension kit so the car is lower then normal you have a better control. In the past year I had to replace generator, thermostat, brakes, clutch, 2 wheel barrels - not a big deal.

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  4 runner again! - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By sold. - June 13 - 5:13 am

  I love my 05 4runner. Im looking to purchase a new one. Hoping the 2010 models are built as well as 2005. Only problem I had with 2005 was the moonroof quit around 58,000 miles, costs $2000 to repair, but just had them permanently close it. I will still buy one with moonroof--love the lighting. New brakes installed with 90K miles, new tires at 78K miles. NO issues whatsoever with this vehicle.

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  Good Ride - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By KCH - June 13 - 1:43 am

  Enjoy the vehicle more than expected. I bought it as a practical alternative to what I would have preferred (H2). It drives, rides and looks great. Until a recent storm, the black paint was near flawless and immaculate. I receive a lot of compliments about the vehicle and its appearance. I purchased the V8 and am grateful that I did.

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  We love our 2008 Highlander Sport - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By bigbuck - June 12 - 10:30 pm

  Just purchased our 2008 Highlander Sport model. It has everything our family needs. I love everything about this car. The roomy interior, the versatility of the stow-n-go center seat/console, the flip down third row when we need it and the large cargo area in the back when we dont. It has the rear back-up cam which is very cool, the built-in antenna in the windshield and the pop-up rear window. We test drove the 2007 and this 2008 is so much bigger, inside and out. I really like the masculine look of the car and the comfortable, quiet ride, which is Toyotas trademark. Well be keeping this one for a long time.

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  Great Car - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Martin - June 12 - 8:33 pm

  I love my Camry! It is very reliable and fun to drive. Between 45 and 55 it shakes, but any other speed is fine. The motor and transmission are fine at 180000 miles. I would recommend this car to anyone.