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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  MR2 ROADSTER (Spyder) - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Paul McDonald - May 19 - 1:36 pm

  Love it to death, its fast, its nice to look at and its a convertible...It turns heads what more do you want.

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  5th Toyota, going strong! - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Carollin along - May 19 - 12:53 pm

  Ive owned several Toyotas, Hondas, Mercedes, a Nissan, a BMW and numerous American made cars in 45 years of driving. This little Corolla S tops them all. It has the fit and finish of more expensive vehicles, the best gas mileage and I am betting on the reliability. It drives and idles smooth, is peppy when needed and most of all, a joy to drive.

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  Never thought I would like a compact - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By HuntingtonBeach - May 19 - 11:56 am

  I always had SUVs or mid-size sedans and thought I would never get stuck in a compact as small as the Yaris. I did so, for the mileage only. After driving it for a week, I love it. The stress of paying at the pump is gone. Before my daughter saw the car, she suggested that I get tint, so people wouldnt see me. After I got it, she thought it was pretty cool. I went to a major public event, when I came driving out of the parking lot and my window was down, people walking by started asking me questions, about the car. All the other cars in the lot were Mercedes and BMWs. It seemed as if everyone was more impressed with the Yaris. I havent paid so little for a vehicle, since 1980.

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  The best one yet - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By justfine - May 19 - 11:40 am

  My 05 is my 3rd Tacoma in a row. Previously an 01, and before a 95. The road handling on this one is night and day difference than the other 2. It does everything that I ask off road and gets decent mileage, 18 around town and up to 26 on the highway. Its about 4 1/2 years old, 150,000 miles, and drives like new. Nothing but oil changes, tires and brakes so far!!!

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  I love my Sienna - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By Leon - May 19 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this van for over a year. I just love it! Ive had more than 20 cars before this one, and this is the best Ive ever had! And I will stay with Toyota! I routinely have the maintenance done by dealer. Had many long trips (16 hours non-stop drive), yet it never gave me any problem. I dont know the problems with those guys, but its probably the dealer who gave you the hard time and you in turn blamed on Sienna? Anyway, I just love this car.

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  Looked at everything - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Physco - May 19 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I looked at lots of options, attended car shows, read available information and spent 1.5 years before making our decision to buy our Avalon. Since we keep our vehicles longer than 10 years, we are careful when making our decisions to purchase. Our 2nd place choices were the Acura (much less interior room) and the Lexus RX300. We are certain this was the best choice considering the cost of ownership and our tastes.

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  2002 Camry XLE, 4Cyl, Auto - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By - May 19 - 10:00 am

  My 5th Camry and the best one ever.

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  Just got it four days ago - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Marc - May 19 - 12:53 am

  This is the most well thought out vehicle Ive owned. The interior features are outstanding - the cup holders, hooks, controls, folding seats, console, everything. Great convenience. Great handling for a van. Previously had a 2002 Sienna, which we liked, but this is a huge improvement. Also own a 2004 Lexus 330 ES and the van compares favorably for creature comforts and handling.

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  beast - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By wilson - May 18 - 7:46 pm

  love the truck. First truck since our old sr5 first gen truck. Truck changed my Grandparents (long time gm fans) mind about the tundra. My paps even asked how much it would cost to trade his 2500hd for my tundra. pretty impressive truck to say the least.

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  Second 4Runner - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By pilot - May 18 - 6:40 pm

  I traded in a 1998, which was a VERY good car. This one is more refined, less truck like, and bigger. It gets about the same miles per gallon (19 in mixed driving, 24 on the highway at 55mph). No repairs after 6 months.