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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  Sporty looking rock solid TOYOTA!!!!!!! - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By marknjo - April 17 - 10:00 am

  We bought our Taco end of last year and have since put 8600 miles on it. Toyota really hit the nail on the head with this one. It is by far the best looking and most comfortable compact crew cab on the market (I tried them all). Roomy, well built interior coupled with Toyota reliability sold me right away. I, like everyone else, would like the clock relocated AND made LCD instead of LED, which you cant read if the sun happens to be shining on it. I would like to have more HP. I could supercharge, but I cant get past the $3000 price tag. It gets around fine and pulls my boat right down the interstate, but you can never have too many horses!

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  Work Hard/ Play Hard - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By thill - April 17 - 8:36 am

  I have always driven Fords for work and play, but that just changed. This truck has more power, more tow capacity, the interior looks better, more room, plenty of storage inside cab for papers, cards, files, drinks (on the door also), turns better, and is just more fun to drive. I have driven just about every Ford truck there is up to 850s (work). This truck compares to the F250 5.4L Lariat in my book. I also love to race and this truck has it there, well for being full size!! We will see how it lasts and pretty quick. Almost ready for first oil change in about 1 1/2 months.

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  Yes, we are pleased - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By SE TN TCH - April 16 - 11:33 pm

  We were forced to purchase a vehicle after our Honda Ody van was rear-ended @ 60 MPH. With gas nearing $5/gal, we seriously began looking @ hybrids. No other mfr has developed the time and resources into hybrids. We found one owner who was nearing 200K on a Prius with no hybrid system related issues. Being involved in such an accident took the Prius out of consideration (no rear end/overhang). We found our "base" TCH. The first tank home was 41 MPG highway. But that is NOT where the TCH excels-we jumped from 17 MPG in mixed cycle driving in the van to 38 MPG!

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  Bluetooth 2.0!!!! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Reprise - April 16 - 8:03 pm

  Nicely loaded vehicle for the price you pay. Except for the memory seats and mirrors. Biggest peeve! Brand new car with streaming bluetooth capability (A2DP) will not pair with most new phones. Toyota running with bluetooth 1.2. Bluetooth 2.0 has been out for so long. So I paid for JBL Navigation package for the bluetooth and it is useless. Toyota dealer indicated that the venza bluetooth cant be upgraded. However, I know that other dealers have released hardware and software upgrades to make their bluetooth systems 2.0! Disappointed in Toyota.

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  Great Car - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By eshifrin - April 16 - 4:20 pm

  Very good car. Solid build, fuel economic is about 25 miles per gallon.

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  Could not build a better minivan!!! - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Russ G - April 16 - 11:56 am

  Wife and I went back and forth between the Sienna and the Odyssey, finally went to drive both. She drove both twice, I didnt even need to drive the Odyssey... we loved the Sienna the second we were inside. Space, ride, comfort, mileage... TOTAL home run for Toyota!! And the treatment at the dealership... outstanding!! Also negotiated to $3,000 off sticker... just takes some patience but you CAN get a good deal!!

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  This car ROCKS - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By GTS-Lover - April 16 - 12:06 am

  The GTS models are simply the best... quick, reliable, bullet-proof, great gas mileage, you name it. I have over 120,000 miles on this car and it runs and drives like new. Handles like it is on rails (mine is lowered just a bit), awesome and easy to modulate brakes, tight steering. The stock 6 speaker stereo is excellent, with surprising bass. The only thing that has gone wrong with this car was my own fault... missed a shift at 8000 rpms (third to 2nd instead of 4th) and bent all the exhaust valves. Fixed it and she has never complained. I get 32-33mpg combined (city and highway), and I can run 87 octane gas without knocking (with just a little power loss). Best car I have ever owned.

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  Pack Up/Gas Up/Giddy Up - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By FireFighter6928 - April 15 - 11:03 pm

  Cutting to the chase: MPG, appearance interior & exterior, comfort, electric windows, door locks, a/c are all excellent.

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  Update on review - 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Lynn - April 15 - 10:36 pm

  I felt the need to update my previous review, as some of my assessments were somewhat premature. After taking an out of state trip, and having around 3500 miles on my vehicle now, I can say that I am basically pleased with my purchase. I previously mentioned the slight hesitation sometimes after coming to a stop, and I now realize this is standard on a hybrid and seems less noticeable now anyway. I was also wrong about the glove box paint. I continue to be impressed with the mileage Im getting, as well as the quiet ride, roomy interior, quality of the audio system, and the input I get regarding fuel economy. Im happy with the purchase and would definitely recommend the car.

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  Great car - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By Laurie Liguori - April 15 - 9:22 am

  I found this car easy to drive. Very responsive.