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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  Great Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Michael - October 8 - 11:00 am

  I purchased a prerunner with the SR5 package. 2 wheel drive, 5 spd., 4cyl. The fit and finish are the best of any truck I compared. The power is good and its fun to drive. Very nice interior with lots of room. A very nice truck for little money with great gas mileage.

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  PRIUS THE GREAT - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By JBALD64125 - October 8 - 10:56 am

  IT IS EVERYTHING YOU WANT IF YOU WANT COMFORT & GOOD GAS MILEAGE. RIDES QUIET & REAL SMOOTH

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  did i buy a lemon? - 2013 Toyota Avalon
  By shades2 - October 8 - 9:49 am

  it was our 30th annivery i wanted too suprise my wife with something really nice i bought her the 2013 avalon tour loaded too the max with two tone leather .1st 1500 miles was great then the back of the drivers seat broke 2200 miles the passenger seat broke....2600 miles the neadliner gave way....they have fixed this but they say toyota has no cure fore the problem n so the car has 2800 miles now for that 40000 i gave for this theres no way i could have these problems all ready already been thru the chain of command and what did i get?..call us if you have any more problems.....

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  Happy camper - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By lawjah - October 8 - 12:33 am

  I have been driving this car for over two years. I live in a very mountainous area and appreciate how this car handles around curves and steep grades. Good acceleration, quiet, comfortable and good mileage. Sound system is good although Ive customized all my other cars.

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  Happy as can be! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By TJ - October 7 - 9:13 pm

  I love this car. It is far superior to the Accord I traded in. The quiet ride and handling of the car are just two of the many pluses.

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  Super SUV - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Mike Gorsch - October 7 - 8:00 pm

  Solid construction with super ride. Quite powerful engine with good fuel economy for this type of vehicle. Great legroom front and rear even with the front seats in the rearmost position. Fit and finish is equal to any premium luxury import. You cant go wrong buying a Toyota.

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  Follow up review - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Pete - October 7 - 5:20 pm

  I posted back on 4/30/06 and I wanted to comment again. Ive owned my Tundra 2 1/2 years now and Im totally satisfied. I did put flowmasters 70 series (duals) on it and Im very pleased. Additionally, I did put a K&N filter in it as well. I like the sound of it but more importantly my MPG is decent now. I dont drive like a race car driver but I do use it like a truck. City driving I get 16-17. Highway is 19 to 22. Here is the secret... 70 MPH is where I stop getting 20 MPG or better. It drops down to 18-19 MPG.

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  Love the 4Runner - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jimbo - October 7 - 1:06 pm

  I picked the 4Runner after a years research. The ride with the Xreas suspension is very good. I receive many compliments on the color (Salsa Red) and the looks of the vehicle. This is my second Toyota. I got my wife a 2004 Camry V6 Limited and she loves it.

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  Not that great cheaply made interior - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By allura - October 7 - 10:33 am

  I purchased this car almost a year ago, put on 3000 miles and did not enjoy driving this car at all. I just traded this car in for a prius (which I love driving). The interior is cheaply made, plastic, the seats were not comfortable. I would not purchase another corolla, the gas mileage was not close to what the invoice stated, paint was not that good, started to chip. I would not recommend this vehicle at all

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  My 5th LandCruiser - 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By William Rose - October 7 - 5:10 am

  This my 5th Land Cruiser. I was going to switch to the LX 470, but decided that my 4 and 7 year old boys could spill milkshakes and ketchup in a Land Cruiser just as easy as in a Lexus! Great vehicle. I bought this one sight unseen at the end of the year and didnt get the exact interior package that I wanted, but thats not big deal.