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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  Uglee tires - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By grumpy guy - March 22 - 1:06 am

  This vehicle justified our reasons for purchasing. It performs decently in off road situations, has good clearance, mileage has been 22 city, 27 highway, exceeding expectations. Did not expect the rattles from Toyota. Did not expect the tires to be bald at 30,000 miles. Discovered Yokohama tires are crap. Am surprised Toyotas famed quality experts chose this particular tire. We knew we were sacrificing a soft ride to get limited off road capabilities. We like the spare tire where it is. Like the rear side opening door. Anybody who thinks differently should buy a danged van.

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  2010 Camry SE - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Maz - March 21 - 9:33 pm

  Toyota has been known to make great cars. It drives like a dream... handling is amazing. Great on fuel, steering is responsive to any other car that I test drove... (including 2009 Altima, 2009 Mazda6) but it lacks only one thing: the interior is old and outdated... kinda feels like my grandfathers car on the inside. But its still a reliable and sturdy car!

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  Love the car - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By jhswartz - March 21 - 12:50 pm

  I have no complaints at all. Car is quiet, comfortable, and has tons of power.

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  Outside temp - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Bob - March 20 - 11:33 pm

  We have had Camrys for many years and have found them to enjoyable and reliable. Traded our 05 XLE 4 banger for an 09 XLE 4 banger. Thought our 05 drove and rode better, but could be wrong. We enjoy our 09, but have found one minor glitch. The outside temp does not show all temps. For example, have never seen 62, 65, 69, and a bunch others. when these numbers are written down a pattern shows up. A tech. from Chicago has compared our 09 with another 09 and found them both to have the same "design" trouble, although he did not nor would not admit this was a problem. He did agree to send info on to be looked at by higher authorities.

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  Love this Truck - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By jmcycle - March 20 - 5:23 am

  When shopping for a new full size truck, I looked at everything accept GM (wont buy GM due to bailout and subsequent UAW lawsuits). I settled on the Tundra for three main reasons: 1) 381 hp and 401 lb/ft of torque. The only truck that came close to this was the Ram. 2) The double cab rear doors open as regular doors instead of suicide doors. Aside from being more convenient, I also think it is safer for the rear seat passengers. 3) Toyota offered a lease. I rated the gas mileage as a 10 b/c it is comparable to its competition but still offers superior performance. This truck also handled better than and was more comfortable than the other trucks I test drove.

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  Good Choice - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Csejtey - March 20 - 5:13 am

  I compared the RAV4 to the CR-V and Volvo XC70 and the RAV was the right choice for me. The other two cars were too slow and didnt handle as well. Also the Volvo got terrible MPG. Great deals right now on Toyota Leasing too. Drives like a sports sedan buy has a lot of cargo capacity.

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  Fuel Economy Disappointing - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Kay - March 19 - 3:00 pm

  Let me state right off that I really love this car. It is easy to drive and performs well. I am somewhat disappointed in the city driving fuel economy. I expected at least 60 MPG driving in the city and havent reached nearly that economy. In NH we have hilly terrain and Im lucky to get 48 MPG driving around town. Highway MPG seem to be around the 55 MPG promised. I love the display that tells you what economy youre getting. It helps you realize fast starts are not the answer and improves your driving habits. Maybe Ill get there yet!

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  Great Truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Mike Barrett - March 19 - 2:36 pm

  Thought about buying a Ford F150, and am glad I didnt. This is a great truck and gets looks from everyone, fun to drive and great for hauling our boat. Would recommend TRD package. Toyota quality - enough said!!

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  suits my needs - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By stella mason - March 19 - 4:29 am

  fine little car - little maintenance, gets me where I want to go.

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  Not a minivan person - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By NB - March 19 - 12:50 am

  I did not want a minivan. I had a 12 year old Tacoma on big tires and I LOVED it. With the upcoming hope of a 2nd child, my husband convinced me to get a minivan. I am a convert - this van is awesome and the convenience factors outweigh any cares I have of what anyone thinks about me because I drive a minivan! This Sienna is a dream to own, a dream to drive, a dream just to go shopping in because all the auto doors are so convenient. Its roomy and comfortable inside, sometimes I ride in the 2nd row seats just because theyre so comfy. Weve already taken a 4 day road trip with the toddler and dog and it was a great way to travel! The front row passenger seat lays almost flat to sleep in.