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:

• 

  Toyota Buyer for Life - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By C Williams - February 5 - 3:50 am

  This was my second toyota purchase. The best decision I made. I love my Toyota Camry, my first was a Corolla, I drove it for 186,000 miles. I will continue to drive Toyotas. My parents own the Avalon. It has just enough get up and go, floats, handles the road with ease when traveling. Love the mileage with gas prices rising, overall performance is GREAT!

• 

  As good as it gets? - 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Pete - February 5 - 3:10 am

  Well worth the price of admission. Compliments from everyone who sees and rides in it. This is my 4th Cruiser and they still are the best actually still made in Japan SUV out there. Ive owned 41 vehicles in 22 years and this is the finest overall one yet for its intended purpose.

• 

  Long term report 2004 4Runner SE V8 - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By RaySmith - February 5 - 1:30 am

  I traded a 2000 Expedition in on the 4 Runner. I have been very satisfied with the size and performance of the 4Runner. The V8 and 5 speed transmission seem to always have the right combination no matter in what situation I find myself.

• 

  Do not buy AWD. Run flat tire nightmare! - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By William - February 4 - 8:13 pm

  The run flat tires on this vehicle wore out after 12,000 miles. Replacement tires were $300.00 each, which toyota did not have in stock. Forced to install regular tires.There is no spare tire for this vehicle and Toyota wants $700.00 to install a donut spare kit behind the third row seat,rendering it unfoldable.Toyota refuses to make good on this problem. The fwd has a spare tire mounted underneath.There is no room for it on the all wheel drive version.

• 

  Love My Baby - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Terri - February 4 - 7:16 pm

  I have dreamed about owning a Toy Truck since 1985 when Back To The Future came out. My parents got one back in the early 90s and I was insanely jealous and so when I totaled my car I got another car but my heart was set on the truck so I said I only have this one life so I broke down and bought it. I love how I feel when Im driving and I get so many compliments on it and her name is Bagheera. She is a dream come true and I have never been happier.

• 

  Has some very good traits and bad ones - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Tall Dude - February 4 - 7:00 pm

  Might want to look elsewhere if over 6ft tall as I am. Ergonomics have become annoying - rear view mirror mostly in road-level line of sight and legs cramped by non-height adjustable seat. Marginal power up steep hills, and need to give lots of gas to accelerate onto freeway onramps. Otherwise, cruises flats well, very smooth ride, fairly quiet interior. You may wish the gas motor was off all the time since the electric drive is captivating. Car is well built, high quality inside and out, save the lack of seat / steering wheel adjustments. JBL audio system pretty good, not amazing though. At 6ft 3in, I would not buy this car again.

• 

  I Love It!!! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By toyotas last - February 4 - 5:36 pm

  I just picked it up yesterday so I will give you my early thoughts. Nice ride but a little bumpy, nothing to complain about. The I4 has plenty of power. The look of the car inside and out is amazing. The JBL is incredible, loud and clear. The leather is very classy. Im looking forward to driving it every day.

• 

  2005 Avalon Limited - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By D W Nelson - February 4 - 4:03 pm

  This car is more than I expected, my first Avalon was 1995 and this is my 5th and by far the best of them all. I have not owned a Lexus but this car is much larger and more power than the ES 300. I am still finding new and wonderful features and I would say they must have talked to the consumer in planning this one. I am more than satisfied with my new Avalon Limited.

• 

  Cant miss convertible - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Jazbuf - February 4 - 9:26 am

  We test drove 2 other converts. and the Solara was by far the most comfortable and by far the most quiet, absolutely no wind noise. A wonderful car to drive with top up or down. My only disappointment was no back-up assist available,no power seats available on passenger side or 8cyl. up-grade. I would buy the same car again after driving it for one year.

• 

  Comparative shopped - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By cheim - February 4 - 5:53 am

  I researched vans for 3 months before deciding on the Toyota and the features I wanted. Although there are a few things I dont like, I know I would not be happy with any other van. I narrowed my choices to the Honda and Toyota and test drove each 3 times. Went straight from the Honda dealer to the Toyota dealer so that there was minimal time in between drives to compare. Toyota offers a quieter, smoother and more comfortable ride than Honda. If youre used to heated seats, youre in for quite a disappointment. My van has 7000 miles, the seat cushions have already been replaced and you can not feel the heat at all unless bare skin is touching the leather. Then it just luke warm.