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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  Camry great in mileage - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By john - January 17 - 4:03 am

  I love the way it handles, best of all comfort and good miles per gallon.

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  Tacoma Crew - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By gnshpdude - January 17 - 3:33 am

  2.7 L Is a little underpowered and only gets 1 MPG more then my friends V6 Tacoma. Seats get a little uncomfortable on long rides. Other then that a great reliable truck.

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  Best Truck Out There - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By DaGoomba - January 17 - 2:13 am

  I looked at all the mid-size trucks and you will not find a better made or looking truck than the Tacoma. All the other trucks seem to always be on sale but not the Tacoma 4x4. Toyota knows they have a good thing and you pay a little more to get one, but its well worth it. These trucks will hold their value and are built to last. The interior is very roomy and quite for a truck. I got the Sport Package with the upgraded interior and I love it. The hood scope adds a nice touch and gives it a little aggressive look. The V6 has plenty of power and is quick to respond. IÂ’ve only got 500 miles on mine (drove from Sacramento to Reno over the weekend) and the drive was very relaxing.

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  Love it! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By A McNeil - January 16 - 11:33 pm

  Ive had the car for a week/480 miles and love it! Very sharp exterior appearance in silver, interior is comfortable and spacious (leather and moonroof added by dealership). I traded in a V6 Hyundai Tiberon and was concerned about responsiveness and pickup, this car does not disappoint! I commute 60 miles/day and am thrilled with my fuel economy...Im getting 40+mpg every trip (and the "Excellent!" message, which is fun). There is a pulsing (I think "surging" may be too strong a word) at higher speeds as the computer combines the two power sources, but none of my passengers have noticed it and its the nature of the technology at this time. I love this car, and highly recommend it!

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  This thing is amazing... - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Dbone - January 16 - 11:03 am

  I have owned a few vehicles in my time and nothing comes close to matching the overall quality and purchase experience I have gotten with the Runner. I went with the limited V8. Oh so smooth and quiet and not a single rattle... Handles unbelievably with the XREAS. Gas mileage more than reasonable for the smoothness, quietness and capability provided. Have had it for almost a year now and my feeling is that I will be able to keep this thing for my planned minimum 10 years easy. I can not say enough about this truck... very attached to it :-) I considered a new Pathfinder. Not the same vehicle for sure. Could have gotten a much better deal on the Nissan but just couldnt do it.

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  From a Prius owners eyes - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By jensen - January 16 - 2:13 am

  Well, when I got this little peppy car, I was very surprised at the build quality, roominess and comfort. Although theres not much horses to play with, its surprisingly powerful, especially on the freeway and up the steep San Fransisco hills.

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  Texas Limited - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By gbinplano - January 15 - 9:30 pm

  With 1105 miles on the odometer, my Avalon provided 27.2 mpg on a 300 mile trip with 4 large adults at 72 mph average speed in 98 degree temperature under laser guided cruise control. It was the most comfortable road trip Ive experienced in 45 years of driving. It is roomier, and better featured, than the far more expensive six "luxury" labeled sedans I seriously considered before buying the Avalon.

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  Fun to drive, looks great in red - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By icwl - January 15 - 5:13 pm

  Quick acceleration. Classy interior. The V6 has better gas mileage than many 4 cyl competitors. Love the gray leather interior (though limited to 5 seats in leather). Bluetooth works great with voice commands.

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  First and last moon-roof - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Reggie - January 15 - 12:46 pm

  After months of research I bought my XLS in Feb 06 and have only 7,000 miles on it. The ride is exceptionally smooth, comfortable and quiet. The power is awesome and the body style is super. However, about six weeks ago a rattle developed in the moon roof. A near-by dealer has made attempts to fix it twice before, even put in a complete new moon roof but it rattles on. In fact it is at the dealer now as I type this with the same rattle in the moon roof. I love this car but am quite frustrated about this problem.

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  Great Car Great Value - 2000 Toyota Corolla
  By BG - January 15 - 10:00 am

  Im a college student with a very limited budget so I needed something reliable and at a good price. Since my summer job requires about 800 miles of driving a month in my own car and I drive the 200 miles to see my fiance as much as possible fuel economy was important. Therefore I went with the Corolla. It has been a GREAT decision. With about 28 mpg in the city I was making a decent amount on my gas check. Have had no mechanical problems and previous owner showed me his maintenance record with no abnormal maintenance. It only has a 4 cylinder engine but because of its small size it picks up great. Granted I was used to driving a 97 Chevy Astro and a 92 Pontiac transport but this is sweet!