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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  nice truck/unconfortable pedals too high - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Azael - February 7 - 10:00 am

  pedals too high make a little unconfortable to drive,other than that is good truck(trusted "toyota" owner)

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  4Runner -V-8Limited AWD&loaded. - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By the bean - February 7 - 10:00 am

  sunroof problems/cables and computer had to be replaced w/only moderate use.Vehicle runs and handles superbly,guiet powen available when needed ;outstanding handling; I love the AWD!

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  Ahhhhhh, what a ride! - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By gjm - February 7 - 10:00 am

  Very comfortable, quiet vehicle which handles potholes and turns superbly.

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  Buy One - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By msdeb - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I love my Sienna

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  Smooooooth - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Dooper67 - February 7 - 10:00 am

  Previous minivans were a 89 Caravan and a 97 Trans Sport. The Sienna is in a totally different league. Rides like a dream. Zero defects so far after 9 months. Extremely comfortable on the highway.

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  Different from the Accord and Altima - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Dave - February 7 - 9:33 am

  Bought the Camry XLE w/leather after test driving similarly equipped Accord, Altima, Sonata and Fusion. The Camry clearly was superior in how quiet and smoothly it drove compared to the others. It has noticeably less acceleration from a stop but it still gets the job done. The leather seats are superior to the others. I would say that a person who needs a sedan but prefers a sportier feeling car then a different choice would be better. For those looking for a luxury feel the Camry wins.

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  Another Tacoma - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By frank452661 - February 7 - 8:06 am

  This truck rides better, handles better, than my last (96 with 137,000- no problems). I have the 4cyl, manual, extended, SR5 package, etc. Still Low miles, but I got 28.4 mpg on a recent 200 mile trip. I dont pull or haul much, ATV on a trailer, but this 4cyl has all the power I need, with reasonably good acceleration, and great gas mileage.

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  Oldie but a Goodie - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By woof - February 7 - 7:06 am

  This is a great truck, despite the fact that the bed isnt quite 8 long. I carry hay, horse feed, fencing, manure, firewood and building supplies and pull a 2 horse trailer without any problems. My biggest complaint is its inability to move forward in heavy gravel or on any kind of slippery surface (mud), even with a load. The configuration of the back doors is awful! You have to play musical doors to put groceries in the back seat. No leg room for adults in back seat. This model came with Tacoma brakes, which created problems. Dealer installed Land Cruiser brakes at no charge. 75K miles to date, no mechanical problems, and 18 to 22 mpg with a soft foot and summer tires!

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  You Get More Than You Pay For - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By db - February 7 - 6:13 am

  I had always looked past the Corollas when considering Toyota cars. The Camry was the one to get, period. After two weeks of driving this one-owner used 2004 model CE (29k miles), Ive changed my mind. Yes, its an economy car. But Im surprised how solid and secure it feels on the road. Acceleration is peppy, handling is tight, and braking is perfect. Its also much quieter than I expected, even at highway speeds (a function of good insulation and the automatic transmissions overdrive that allows for surprisingly low RPMs at 60+ mph). The trunk is very large, considering the size of the car, and the interior leg/head room is respectable. Its a perfect commuter vehicle.

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  Love my RAV - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By CEBKY - February 6 - 6:06 pm

  This is the best car Ive every owned. I loved my Scion tC also, but didnt feel as safe as my RAV4. I want to drive this car forever!