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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  Frequent Dead Battery - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By candance king - May 9 - 11:50 pm

  We have a company car also, so whenever I dont drive the Prius for ten days, I find a dead battery! Ive used up my AAA for the year already, and have an expensive repair ($120) from trying to open the back hatch- you are completely locked out! No one ever warned us about this! Dont go on vacation w/o getting your car a babysitter!! Also, I want to complain about an irritating design feature: when driving at night, there is a bad glare, a green bar of reflection onto the windshield right where you look to drive from the the display! If the top frame of it was extended a little, like a hood, it wouldnt happen. And I cant fix it. Same problem in the daytime, gps screen needs shade- bleached out.

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  Overall: glad I purchased my 4runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By NeeNee - May 9 - 9:53 pm

  My hubby surprised me with my 4 runner as a grad present and I have been happy with a few exceptions. (I wish he had gotten one with a sunroof.) Please see below for the things I like, dont like and problems that Ive had with my Toyota. P.S. Invest in some Husky mats made for your 4runner at time of purchase & your carpet will look like new forever! I wish I had got mine when I purchased instead of the factory mats. Which I might add werent included in my purchase. I had to buy in addition to the purchase of the car!

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  Abroad - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By SUV - May 9 - 7:46 am

  smooth ride;easy to handle; easy on gas

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  Impressive - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By apricot - May 8 - 9:13 pm

  I traded in a 2001 Chrysler 300 for this vehicle and have only made one 1000 mile trip (Smoky Mtns.) so far, but I am very impressed with all aspects of the car. It is a more refined car than the Chrysler and very enjoyable to drive. It is quiet, quick, roomy and has a very nice ride without sacrificing handling. I had read complaints about the harsh ride on the Touring edition, but I disagree. It definitely rides better than my 300 did. I got just over 31mpg on the road on the trip to the Smokies which gives you a cruising range of around 550 miles! As with any review, I suggest you consider what the reviewer is comparing the car to - in this case a 2001 Chrysler 300.

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  Excellent! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By McDougald - May 8 - 10:50 am

  Im 63" tall and the Prius is big enough for me. It is comfortable and fun to drive. So far Im averaging 48 miles per gallon, doing mostly city driving.

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  Great Buy - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By David Morgan - May 8 - 10:00 am

  I just bought the Toyota Avalon for $29,000. The Avalon rides very well and handles great. The Avalon is very comportable and has tons of leg room with the best leather. Buy Toyota

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  Love the new style - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By jmgager - May 8 - 10:00 am

  Bought this 4Runner used with 10K on it. It is a 2003 but has the color matched fenders and body, Looks awesome. the V8 engine has tons of power and the ride is smoother then ever. I previously had a 1999 4Runner Lmtd (That I loved) and this new one puts that one to shame. Toyota has really taken a step up with this new model.

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  Car Ive always wanted - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Valeriego - May 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive always read that Toyotas were the best cars. Yet too expensive for my budget and was always a little of my reach until now. Ive opted to lease payments which are low enough for me to relax some.

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  Tacoma 05 - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By fred sconfienza - May 8 - 5:10 am

  This truck is fun to drive. It has excellent handling and impressive power. Overall it does everything well.

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  My Venza - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Moriko DeMeyer - May 7 - 10:03 pm

  I am from Japan and they dont have them there so when I moved to America I liked them and purchased one.When I lived in Japan I use to own a Rav4, it was okay it was older.Anyway,all in all I like my Venza and so do my kids, I love the way it drives its like a driving on a boat with no waves a nice smooth ride.The interior is cool too. Nice colors. All in all I think you should purchase one its worth it. We Japanese are not cheap so trust us. And about the recall no problem what so ever. Every car company has mistakes. Gm had one with gas and Saab did with doors.