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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  What a Blast - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By deadmanlives - September 18 - 5:23 pm

  This little SUV is great fun to drive. It has tight handling, great turning radius, good ride, and the acceleration...whoa momma! Buy the V-6 and you will understand what I mean. We bought a Limited with all the bells and whistles, paid right at $1000 under MSRP, so we felt like we got a good deal. The interior roominess is close to that of much larger SUVs. Road noise is much quieter than the CR-V. Ill be curious to see if we get anything close to the mileage rating of 21/28. My only disappointment is that the Rav4 is my wifes vehicle, and I hardly ever get to drive it.

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  love it - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By pat caboli burnsit - September 18 - 12:26 pm

  excellent econobox i drive a lot and you cant beat that mileage. capable handling, small exterior, big interior, huge trunk, good sound system.

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  Great truck! - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ted - September 17 - 11:56 am

  Only thing I would have to change is the paint. Drives like a charm, reliability and drivetrain performance is great. Overall really happy with the truck.

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  loving it - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By cowtipper - September 17 - 10:00 am

  this has been the best vehicle I have owned. Have been on three long trips and have enjoyed every minute of it

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  worth the purchase - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By beachcomber - September 17 - 10:00 am

  a great "city" car and its also good on the Sunday drive. This car wont break the bank. Ive got very nice compliments from friends and co- workers. Toyotas new design makes this a stylish break out for a younger driver. Its the type of vehicle that wont have you wondering "whats gonna happen now".

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  2004 V8 220K - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By sfl0294 - September 17 - 9:18 am

  In Aug. 2004 I decided to buy a brand new 4Runner Sport Edition V8. Thinking that I too would buy a new one after it started showing signs of use, its quite comical actually before owning a 4Runner I had got new cars about every 2-3 years, due to maintenance and worrying about breaking down. I travel for work throughout New England for work and still have yet to ever have an issue while driving. I take very good car of my cars and do a lot of preventative maintenance when not on the road but still this SUV has paid for itself at least three times over. I just ordered a new 2014 4runner today and will be giving my old one to my niece for the summer.

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  Prius - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By dc - September 17 - 9:10 am

  Love nearly everything about the car. my only 2 complaints are the paint. It scratches sooooo easy, have the keyless entry and the door handle areas are all scratched badly, and I have short nails. As well as any place that is barely bumped, mirrors, door jams hood etc. and the interior doors the material cuts, dents easily too. Otherwise great car.

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  Love my little S - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By cc - September 16 - 11:23 pm

  I got 35 mpg for this little car, I am wondering if because I am a tiny woman or the added sporty package gives me extra miles. Anyways, I am so attached to this car. I wish a little bit extra storage inside of the car like my husbands RAV. I have put 22000 miles on the car so far, never have any problem. Car still performs like new one. The state I live in has speed limit of 65 on the freeway, so I cannot say much about the power. But I do know it accelerates slower on the ramp. But it does get a little fishtailed in the strong wind gust.

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  Corolla manual trans. - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By JKD - September 16 - 4:33 am

  I really like this car. I didnt know they made cars this high in quality! I bought the CE with power windows and locks but thats all the option I wanted. I just placed 1300 miles on the engine and I am starting to see the high MPG. That will be really nice this summer when gas hits $3.30 a gallon.

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  Love My New 4LE Cam - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Edith Gipson - September 16 - 1:26 am

  I read several reviews, some mixed. But as for me, I love my new 09 4LE Camry. I stepped up from the Corolla of which I have owned 2. My first was wrecked by an 18 wheeler and the 2nd took me through 12 years of safe and low maintenance driving. My son has that one now. My new Camry gets great mileage on the highway, the ride is smoother than glass. Interior may need a little jazzing up, but it is functional and works for my purpose. Black with leather interior really makes this a handsome vehicle. I love this car, great value and hope it is a warrior like my last Corolla. Toyota is the best.