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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  Engineering Marvel - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Bill & Nancy - May 18 - 2:40 am

  Very impressive vehicle. Well made very refined. We were drawn to this vehicle because of the fuel economy and the 06 tax credit of 3150. Very peppy car lots of power. Handling very sure. Ride smooth with the characteristics of a smaller sedan, some road bumps felt. We bought the top of the line model with the GPS and leather seat and trim. Epa estimates on fuel economy are way off as they are on most vehicles. We are getting 41 mpg (only 470 total miles so far) but will improve. All told we are extremely happy with our purchase and would recommend this vehicle to anyone. Hope this review helps. Bill & Nancy

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  Great vehicle!! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By leaf74 - May 18 - 2:26 am

  Picked up a 3.5l Sport AWD Rav4 recently and couldnt be more impressed. This thing is an absolute missile in a straight line and handles very very well with minimal body roll. Its quiet inside and out (lets not forget this is the 3.5l drive train from the Lexus RX 350 so its no surprise really). Its roomy comfortable and I have really no complaints about this vehicle to speak of. Very solid high quality Not-so-little-anymore SUV. I love it.

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  Fj a blast - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By dbrauch - May 18 - 1:23 am

  I have alway been a car fanatic, emphasis on car. Recently Ive had to curb my lectures to my wife on the negatives of SUV ownership as this new addition to our garage has pasted permagrins on both of our faces. While my 02 M3 still holds the keys to my heart I grudgingly have to admit the FJ is a more appropriate vehicle for the terrible roads and "one block to the next stop sign" driving of southern california. And on a friends recommendation I recently took the car to an offroad park only an hour away. This 2wd version blew me away at its off road ability. What torque, what drivability, what offroad prowess. I cant wait for my next baja surf trip.

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  Great Choice - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Patricia - May 18 - 1:10 am

  Purchased this car in May of 2006, trading in my 4 year old, gas guzzling SUV. Wasnt sure how I would adjust to a smaller vehicle but I LOVE IT! This car goes to the beach almost every weekend and receives stares every time. Parking is much easier than in my previous auto and the car drives great. I recommend it to everyone!

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  Love it! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By wholesaler - May 17 - 6:06 pm

  I wholesale cars so basically Ive had the opportunity to drive almost every model of vehicle there is out there. Since the recent jump in gas prices, I took a test drive in a loaded 09 Camry Hybrid just to try it out. I fell in love, purchased it that day and havent had one regret since! I usually average between 35 to 40 mpg and that is mostly city driving.

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  1999 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4x4 - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Logans99runnerltd - May 17 - 4:30 pm

  Excellent SUV, drives great handles great for a large SUV, The interior is great and the seats are super comfy. Great interior space and exterior design.

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  Best truck made for an outdoor a couple - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By heli_mhunter - May 17 - 5:02 am

  I bought the TRD access cab. My wife and I like to bike and canoe. This truck fits our lifestyle perfectly. I had a 4 door tundra (too big and looked and operated clumsy). The Tacoma however, looks incredible and feels and handles very smooth. I park it in the garage and just look at it. I would highly recommend.

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  All I can say is wow! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By nanjo - May 17 - 3:53 am

  We purchased this beautiful car in early May after reading great reviews and getting tired of our 2003 Honda Pilots dismal 15 mpg in the city. I was a bit hesitant to give up my midsize SUV, but we decided it was time to do something "green" for both us and the planet. We are great believers in Toyota quality, this is my 2nd Camry, weve owned an Avalon, and my husbands on his 3rd Toyota truck. I missed my Pilot for about 10 minutes :) The hybrid purrs like a kitten, the car is air-tight and handles so smoothly! You certainly will not have buyers remorse if you get this vehicle. Were averaging about 40 mpg in town. Buy one if youre lucky enough to find it!

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  Great Ride - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By youknowthatsright - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Best of the Large SUVs

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  2003 smt - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By N.A. Kassan - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Just tradefd my 2000 mr2 for a 2003 mr2 (due to ;leg injury) with the smt. Ilove the car. Where ever i go people seem to like it and it is often mistaken for a Boxster. Althought the storage space is limited everything else is great. The smt is fun,however the upshift buttons could have been made larger.