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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  Episcopal Priest says Yea to Toyata Pri - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By The Revd Mark KJ Ro - July 1 - 4:36 pm

  Steady in snow ice, wind and rain. Traded in SUV and although it was difficult at first not being so high. I have learned how to drive it with a focus on economy. It drives very well and I have three others in my congragation... and three more about to be ordered!

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  Back to Toyota - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Lisco - July 1 - 12:56 pm

  I have owned and driven trucks of all makes, mid-size and full size. My wife will drive nothing but Toyota cars. My most recent truck was a new design mid-size domestic model and I was very disappointed, most notably the fuel economy. I did not want another full size truck because I use one for everyday use and not for work. The new double cab Tacoma long bed suits my needs. I have owned it for one month and driven over 3,200 miles on the open road, hilly back roads, and city, and did so at 22 mpg for the month. It is good to be back in a Toyota.

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  New owner - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Eroc69 - July 1 - 11:06 am

  I just picked up my 07 LE-V6 so I cant comment on the total overall package. I do love the look and the dual exhaust and obviously the engine. I will post a more detailed review in a few months. I can be picky so read here in a few.

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  Gas fillup - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Quinton Qualls - July 1 - 8:56 am

  Since purchasing this car we have had difficulty filling the gas tank. It continually cuts off and just keeps clicking off before we can complete filling the tank. Finally the tank was replaced but we still have the problem. What is the problem. Never had this problem with any other car.

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  Love this SUV! - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Jill - July 1 - 7:40 am

  Make sure the recalls have been fixed.

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  Great SUV - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Oh8Limited - July 1 - 7:30 am

  Our family bought this truck this month. We took a 4 hour trip to another city, very comfortable ride, responsive steering, also a quiet ride for the size. For as big as is it, it drives like a smaller SUV.

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  Excited Solara Owner - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By StylistQueen - July 1 - 4:33 am

  I have been wanting this car for the past two years and I finally purchased it a week ago today and I LOVE IT. The leather seats, sunroof, the smooth ride and handling are all great. I am so looking forward to the spring/summer when I can open up my sunroof.

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  matrix - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By jay w - July 1 - 4:03 am

  good on gas roomy as a 4-runner.

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  Disappointed - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Pat - June 30 - 10:33 pm

  Picked up this car 5/2007 and now have 1200 miles on it. Vehicle came equipped with Goodyear Integrity P185/16 which have an air loss problem. Letters to Toyota USA & Goodyear unsuccessful & forget the dealer bad news with them. Even though Toyota chose to put these tires on their car they blame Goodyear & Goodyear is unresponsive. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety website there are 25 complaints filed on these tires so something is wrong. Overall for this car Toyota has failed with it the interior is sloppy & the vehicle handles like it is 4 yrs old not 4 months old. Also once I tilt the wheel I cannot see the speedometer

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  Great Vehicle for the price - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By txiong71 - June 30 - 7:20 pm

  This is a great dependable vehicle with good gas MPGs. Of all 4 years that I have owned this vehicle I have never experienced any major issues with the car. The only problem that I had with it was taking it back to the dealership to fix the molding on the roof of the car that had become unbent.