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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  My second Sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Goldie 4751 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Just received my new Sienna XLE 2 weeks ago-first saw it last summer and just had to have it-at the time I owned a 1998 Sienna XLE-the 98 was very good and very reliable but had a few shortcomings.The 2004 corrected them.Its much larger,and feels it-the interior is beautifully done,everything fits and is logically placed.I waited 3 months for delivery but it was worth it- I also got a very fair trade in for the 98.

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  Gotta love My Toyota. - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Turtlx - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I love my 2003 Toyota Camry, It has everything for just the low end model, but it is a quick peppy little thing i had a 2003 Toyota Corrola and I didnt like, the way it drove to bumpy.

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  Hail to the "Launch Ramp"... - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By Azrael - June 12 - 12:13 am

  I originally wanted an RSX, but, after the test drive, it left something to be desired. It wasnt fast enough. I noticed this car across the lot, and I was immediately drawn to it. This car is so fun to drive! I am averaging around 30 mpg mixed, and the cabin is uber quiet. Freeway on-ramps are now known to me and my family as "launch ramps". One of the only things I dont like about it is the spoiler. Who thought that putting the spoiler across the CENTER of the field of vision was a good idea?!

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  Love to drive - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By pugman - June 11 - 10:26 pm

  My wife and I just purchased a yellow one the other day it is incredible. It constantly turns heads and gets lots of looks. Lots of room inside and with newborn twin boys it will be a breeze to clean up. Great performance and the Toyota name to back it all up. Incredible styling and lots of nice features.

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  Loyal Tacoma Owner - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By DAVE T - June 11 - 7:00 pm

  This is the second Tacoma that Ive owned. Ive never been brand partial until my first Tacoma purchase. Its the only truck Ill have now. Needed something small enough for just myself commuting to/from work, but also something I could take the family out in as well. Double cab fits the bill perfectly. 18-24 MPG is decent for a 4X4 truck. Stylish looks are sporty, ride is quiet and comfortable as compared to my 02. Had an unfortunate accident in the 02 when a driver pulled out in front of me causing a serious crash. Truck held up well and recd only minor damage as opposed to the Chevy Malibu that got what it deserved! Toyota makes a solid truck!

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  2006 Toyota Sienna XLE - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By leiz - June 11 - 2:16 pm

  Traded in FS Nissan ARMADA for 1st Minivan. I was worried about the HP loss from the SUV, but the ride is so comfortable & the gadgets - you gotta love them. 1st road trip to LV, NV. Husband never wants to drive, calls shotgun for 3rd row. I felt like I was driving my Lexus RX 300. Turn radius is awesome compared to RX 300. Love the power 3rd row seats, nav plus sonar, memory seats. I LOVE BLUETOOTH - I dont have to take my phone out of my purse. I also like being able to turn the movie on on nav screen for my son. It is much like a Lexus. If you want luxury go with Sienna, its worth it!

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  Car of my dreams - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By ilovemyyaris - June 11 - 12:13 am

  I am a student that uses this car for commuting Since I live in San Francisco I have to parallel park all the time, or find small places to fit in. Almost every single time I have a hard time finding parking the yaris has always come in handy. Another good part is how I can make quick U-turns pretty much everywhere (without having to reverse) The only thing that sucks is sometimes I can be a speed devil and Im on the freeway hitting the gas to the max and it takes like 20-30 seconds for it to actually start to kick in a speed up to 85-95mph Ive come to very close calls crashing into other cars, but Ive always hit the breaks and theyve never failed me. I love my yaris!!

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  The best bang for your buck for a 4 banger mid size suv - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By ewayjeng - June 10 - 7:29 pm

  This car is great, bought used with less than 60K, but in near mint condition at purchase, engine is strong, easy to move seats down for storage and has a lot of nice creature comfort features. Its got decent power for a 4 cylinder and since Im not towing, and this is primarily a people mover, the gas savings are perfect. Drives like a car, would recommend to anyone looking for a mid size suv that is reliable, fun to drive and very functional.

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  Outstanding Vehicle - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By PHG - June 10 - 5:43 pm

  I never thought Id ever write a review about a minivan, much less a good review. Im pretty sure Im still a car guy, so it must be a great vehicle. (It is.) The Sienna has incredible storage options, decent power, good handling, good looks, nice ride, and is just an all around great buy. Headlights cast a great illumination path. It did a great job in a snowstorm in NY. Weve only had a couple of minor trim problems, and a mysterious and now vanished engine ping. (I dont know why, by the way, that Edmunds has only got a best fuel mileage of 19mpg on their long-termer. We usually get around 25-28 on the highway, and that is at extra-legal speeds.)

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  BEST car ever - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By hellosunshyine - June 10 - 12:39 pm

  Im sad to say mine is gone, I rolled it while driving the canyon, both me and my sister came out fine. Whoever did its safety tests did it right. Got GREAT gas mileage and had no problems! I would definitely get another camry.