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 - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Dusty - April 16 - 1:53 am

  Traded in my 2003 Reg. cab Tundra for the Dbl cab 5.7L - what an upgrade! Excellent truck to drive for work or pleasure. I did search around and compared other trucks, but still kept comiing back to Toyotas standards of quality and reliability. Im 65" and can comfortably sit in the rear seats. The power is exceptional.

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  Nice...very nice. - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Baja-D - April 15 - 8:26 pm

  Just bought it last week. The car is very upscale from the previous 2004 version I owned. Do not feel any vibrations in the steering at all. Not a real light steering feel but not bad. Love the fit and finish on the car. Yes the clock is low but the rest of the instruments are just right. Got an incredible year end deal. A lot of car for the price.

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  LOVE IT - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Marlyn Wilcox - April 15 - 6:50 pm

  We havent owned a Toyota since our 1977 FJ40 purchase, one of the best vehicles we ever owned( we still have it). After the research we chose the 2005 Camry LE & have enjoyed it very much. The only problem is the speedometer is about 4 MPH off,it is 3 MPH off at lower speeds & escalates the faster you drive to as much as +5 MPH at 75 MPH. Toyota will not fix it because it is still within their specs. We feel that this is unacceptable & are trying to resolve it at this time. It doesnt look good for us at this time. Next time we buy we will take the GPS unit with us & check the speedometer before we buy.

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  Very nice - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By DG - April 15 - 4:33 pm

  Love the ride of this product. Upgraded stereo system is outstanding. Very comfortable seating for 7 and plenty of storage behind 3rd seats without folding down. 0% financing was huge. Lots of thought put into functionality like hooks for grocery bags, storage compartments, cup holders, separate climate controls for rear seating. Lots of 110 outlets, sunshades, etc. Only drawback is steering is very soft. When passing I have to remember to give a little extra room because theres a lot of play. Also not XM or Sirius ready. Its capable but you have to purchase a $550 aftermarket kit. Then the antenna wire shows in the back on the outside. Engine loud when passing on highway.

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  My Rav - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By Molly - April 15 - 2:46 pm

  This is the second 99 Rav 4 I have owned and enjoy it a great deal. The first one was totaled by another driver. I was glad to be able to find another, the only difference was no moon roof on the newer one. This the first SUV I have owned and I enjoy driving it. It has been reliable and has needed very few repairs.

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  Great Car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Lisa - April 15 - 5:06 am

  I traded my Grand Am for a Camry. That was the best decision I ever made. There is more room, comfort, and better gas mileage. The body style is wonderful...simple yet elegant.

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  Great little SUV - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Alex B. - April 15 - 1:16 am

  We wanted reliablity, safety, performance, and style without the price tag. The new Ravs gave us all that.

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  much fun just the way I like it.. - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By tito - April 14 - 3:56 pm

  Is pretty easy to drive and handle very well on curve, gas wise not the best need a little improvement, truck height is good, a lot of room inside that my wife even love it, she says it has enough space for my family and very safe.. I have sport package it looks good....thanks toyota....

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  Cream of Crop - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By gabe - April 14 - 2:43 pm

  Toyota did it again! This HH is bigger, roomier & better mileage. Just loving it.

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  We love our Sequoia - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By BCL - April 14 - 12:36 pm

  This is the second sequoia we have purchased. We love the comfort and the look of it. The look of the Lucchese Edition was the reason we traded in our old one. The interior looks so sharp. The only draw back is the gas mileage or lack of, but that is with most SUVs. Id recommend it to anyone who is interested in an SUV.