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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  Nice Cheap Truck (Inexpensive) - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Glen - March 15 - 9:33 pm

  I was planning on buying a new Tacoma this year, I just happened to get lucky with the restyling for 2005. The truck looks as good as any truck out there, and looks like a "real" truck. Before making my decision I looked at used trucks of all kinds...outrageous prices for somebody elses high mileage monster. I was pleasently surprised to find I could buy a brand new Tacoma for around 16 Grand (people are selling their used Tacomas for more). I got the PreRunner 4 cylinder because it was cheap and so am I, and I get the added benefit of good fuel mileage. Of course before receiving the truck I was concerned about H.P. envy, the truck has pleanty of power and drives great. No envy.

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  Buy This Car!!! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Lou - March 15 - 3:23 pm

  I went from a Land Rover Discovery to a 2007 Prius. I never saw myself in a hybrid. The Prius is the best vehicle I have ever owned. It is very comfortable and with 50 mpg average you cant beat the savings at the pump. The technology in this car is amazing. If you can get the navigation and rear view camera buy it, it is well worth it. The bluetooth enables you to recieve and make calls from your steering wheel. The keyless entry and ignition puts this car over the top.

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  Nice Ride - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Nice Ride - March 15 - 11:13 am

  I was reluctant to trade in my 03 Tahoe, but rising gas prices caused me to look at something more efficient. Advertised city mileage of 22 mpg appears to be about right. This is not in my opinion a mid size sedan. This car is roomy and comfortable, something my mom would drive. But dont get me wrong, this is not a mom car. Sporty look, smooth ride, minimal road noise. I no longer regret trading the SUV.

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  Great Car - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Great Car - March 15 - 7:23 am

  I bought this car used and to this day I dont have a bad any thing. It is a great car from day one. I bought with 72k now have 139k still running strong. I would recommend this car to anyone looking into buying a solar.

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  My 99 4Runner LTD - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Stanley Runner - March 15 - 3:30 am

  Ive had such good luck with my Runner that my friends are looking into the Toyota line. It runs tough and handles the roads in Charlotte like a champ. My fuel economy is average (17 mpg). My overall experience is excellent and I recommend this SUV to any one looking for a tough, reliable vehicle. Good luck shopping because they cost but well worth the money.

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  Best SUV - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Julie - March 15 - 3:20 am

  If there is anyone who has never owned a toyota, now is the time to try one. I once owned a toyota camry and upgraded to the highlander. Driving the highlander is just like driving a camry. The drive is smooth and operates just like a car. The gas consumption is decent I usally can get about 350 miles to a full tank. This car is equiped with up to date safety features. As a mom I would highly recommend the highlander to other women who value safety when looking for a car. I have only has this suv for 8 months now but I have been driving with toyota for over 8 years now and I truly believe they make the most reliable vehicles.

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  2010 Toyota Tundra 4.6 Double Cab - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By joeydee - March 15 - 12:23 am

  I currently have 1200 miles on the truck and my driving consists of 75% highway and 25% city. I am currently getting 18.9 miles per gallon. The longest stretch I drove was from the Texas Hill Country to Corpus Christi, Texas a distance of 179 miles. When I arrived at my destination I still had half a tank of gas left. I was able to return back with the other half tank and refill upon arrival. For a large truck it gets good mpg. The ride is comfortable and the cabin is very quiet with hardly no wind or engine noise. Hauling heavy loads is very easy with this truck.

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  Couldnt ask for more out of a minivan - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By TomboJambo - March 15 - 12:20 am

  No significant mechanical problems in over 150,000 miles. If you want a reliable van, this is it! And the ride is quite comfortable, too.

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  Best Car EVER! - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Sammis Dad - March 14 - 10:50 pm

  I bought this 2002 Toyota Echo for my daughter in 2005. It had 59K miles on it then. After 5 years and another 50K miles, this car runs like new! Oil changes and a new set of tires are the only $ invested. Its bright red color & peppy drive make people ask what kind of car is that? After she graduates from college, I will buy my daughter a new car & I plan to drive this ECHO until the wheels fall off, even though I doubt it will happen. On her 1200 mile trips to college, she gets around 45 MPG. I think the ECHO may be one of the best built cars ever made. Im hoping to get over 300,000 miles on this car. You cannot go wrong buying a Toyota Echo.

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  4Runner rules! - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By mlong - March 14 - 8:00 am

  I bought my 01 4runner new with 12 miles on it. Today it has 265000 miles on it and its still solid as the day I picked it up from the dealership. My baby has been all over the USA, hint for the high mileage and still hungry for more. This 4runner is the best vehicle that I have ever owned and I high recommend anybody interesting in buying a new car or truck to buy Toyota. I guess its maybe time to change the timing belt, Lol!