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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  great little SUV - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Debra K. Burke - February 17 - 9:06 am

  I bought my RAV4 in October of 2006 and have loved this car from day one. I was going to purchase the new 2007 Honda CRV, but after driving both the RAV4 & the CRV there was no comparison. The interior of the RAV4 was so more comfortable and it had a much smoother ride. I couldnt be more pleased with my purchase and would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Second Highlander! - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By wilk64 - February 17 - 6:21 am

  When the lease expired on our 2008 Highlander Sport we looked at the entire SUV market and ultimately chose to lease another Highlander on 12-15-10. We did upgrade to the Limited. Interior appearance & finish are comparable to Lexus & Acura SUVs and far superior to Kia Sorento SX. Only exterior knock is the new headlight styling, which looks like a hammerhead shark. We used our former Highlander for comfortable long road trips and look forward to using the new one with GPS and XM. While we didnt want the DVD, it came with the vehicle and our three grandchildren love it. "Lets ride in grandmas car" is a common refrain.

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  I love it! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By jan - February 16 - 11:50 pm

  I drove all the Hybrids before deciding on the Prius, more options, comfort and design were superior. Also road noise is far better than the Honda. Seats are very comfortable. I have gone on two long trips already and have loved every minute. I have averaged between 52 and 72 MPG... very satisified. And RED IS the color! I have the option 4 package and it has all I need.

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  Road Warriors Best Friend - 2010 Toyota Sienna
  By napamatt - February 16 - 10:13 pm

  Im a manufacturer rep of engine management and fuel delivery systems for NAPA Auto Parts. I easily travel 40,000 miles annually and drive a 2010 Sienna. It currently has 115,000 miles on it and its one of the most bullet proof vehicles Ive ever had. At well over 100,000 miles Ive kept up on the maintenance which has been almost nothing and its still going strong. To date the only maintenance the van has required has been oil changes, a few sets of tires, and a couple of brake jobs. Ive also flushed the power steering and transmission. It just doesnt really need a lot of maintenance and continues to run strong. The spark plugs are original and still look amazing.

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  My 97 blk,blk,blk Celica GT Convertible - 1997 Toyota Celica
  By alan swiatek - February 16 - 9:13 pm

  I purchased it last fall and have had a lot of fun with it. It handles great, you can speed up into turns and has great pep. My wife and I go for a ride, we crank up the stereo and feel like were 18 again. I have always liked the styling on this model. It is very sporty yet we can put more than a tooth brush in the trunk. The car is very clean and only has 73 k miles

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  LOVIN IT SO FAR... - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By jdt1975 - February 16 - 7:33 pm

  I have only owned the car for one week. I do not have any complaints so far about the car itself just a little buyers remorse regarding the price I paid. Though I can only blame myself for not doing my research before going out car shopping. The car is quite zippy, lots of torque and horsepower. I bought the SE with the VIP package, paid $26,950.

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  Keeps on ticking - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By VDA - February 16 - 7:16 am

  I have been the owner for this car for the past 12 years and have spent less than $1000.00 total in repairs (excluding routine tune-ups, tires and oil changes). This car is amazing, never breaks down. It has 140K miles and is still going strong. Great investment. Very comfortable ride.

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  Longevity - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By Mark - February 16 - 4:00 am

  Traded a Nissan Frontier this car for the fuel mileage. First tank of gas was 38.5 mpg. Am going to upgrade all stereo components this coming week though the factory stuff is adequate. It gets up and goes for a small car. It is also much more quiet than a 2004 Camry that my wife drives. I can see already that I will get many miles out of this car

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  crashed and occupants survived - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By gabrielgeo - February 16 - 2:00 am

  This was a solid car-was totalled and the occupant had no injuries after hitting large landscape rocks at 80mph.Am buying a newer one now-the 96 model is more solid.

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  Tundra 4.7 4dr access cab - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By tundratude - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Just got it but LOVE IT!