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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  Road Warrior - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Sando - February 16 - 1:50 pm

  I purchased this car new in 2002 basically as a commuter vehicle as I was driving 100 each day, 6 days a week in Florida. A lot of highway driving. This vehicle has been nothing but reliable. It has 220,00 miles on it and going strong. I have only maintained oil changes, brakes, batteries, and tires. Otherwise, NO problems. Its not a looker but its the most comfortable, dependable ride Ive ever had. I am giving this car to a family member , whom I know will take care of it as I was gifted a Merc Sable................with only 30,000 miles on it. Big decision. Still gets 29/30 mpg on the highway !!!!!!!

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  4Runner 4work and 4play - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Roger - February 16 - 7:23 am

  I bought my 4Runner used in 01. I had a field service job for the last 4 years that required I use my own vehicle, so Ive spent a lot of time in it, in all kinds of weather. It now has 162,000 miles, and going strong. Outside of normal maintenance items, only failures Ive had is the starter and Mass Air Flow sensor. The brakes didnt have to be replaced until 125,000 miles. I love the comfortable ride on the road and off. Ive done some camping/fishing trips in Canada on some pretty rough roads, and it handled them with ease. Ive heard that its not uncommon for 4Runners to reach 250,000 without major overhauls, planning on keeping it as long as it keeps running.

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  LoveThisCar - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Bev - February 16 - 4:40 am

  My drive to work is 10 miles - half highway, half city and I have never gotten less then 50mpg. First long trip is 3 weeks off and cant wait to use the cruise control.

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  2008 Tundra Crewmax 5.7 Grade SB - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By mace69 - February 15 - 2:53 pm

  Soooo happy with this purchase. Space for 3 growing boys on long trips, ease of towing large RV trailer, budget, and safety were our main criteria for this purchase. We custom ordered a Grade (which is exceptionally equipped for a base model). Love it, love it, love it! Get 16-18 MPG when not hauling, much better than the 12-14 on my last Ford F-150 Crew. Really wanted head restraints and shoulder belts in all 3 rear seats for safety. Leave it to Toyota to also provide the only front bench seat with foldable middle seat (for armrest) or passsenger seat that also has shoulder belt and head restraint.

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  Excellent Truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Mfimbres - February 15 - 2:06 pm

  Excellent performance, comfortable long driving experience, sophistication not seen in any other trucks. The only thing I didnt get was the entertainment system.

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  Great Car!!! - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Cowboy168 - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I love my spyder, you cant buy a better car for the prices. I had 2 accidents with the car and I had no serious injuries. Toyota really builded a fine car. Space? Please, you dont buy this car to move your apartment.

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  Average 50 MPG - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Eric Behrens - February 15 - 10:00 am

  The Prius is very efficient, but you have to know how to drive it. You learn when to coast and brake. By watching the fuel consumption monitor you are constantly reminded of your driving habits.Excellent gas mileage and a very smooth ride.

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  I have driven all the others. None match - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Land Cruiser Owner - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Want a luxury sedan? Buy a Benz, a BMW, or a Bentley. Want a sports car? Buy a Ferrari or a Porsche. Want a watch? Buy an automatic mechanical like an IWC or Rolex. Want automobile superior differential mechanics, high torque that drives like a juggernaut, comfort and class with the utility of an eight-seater? Buy a Land Cruiser.

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  Nice car. - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By Yevgen - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Nice car,very good on highway.Good fuel economy.Looks very nice.

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  Stylin Ride, but a few minor bugs - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Malx - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought the automatic (wife insisted) so was expecting it to be sluggish, but it zipped along nicely. Well designed, but initial quality not great. The trash compartment under the gear shift would pop open with the slightest bump. Also the cover for the manual release button for the transmission was missing when I bought the car. I asked 3 sales people about the cover, they all said there was no cover. Also I just noticed the display panel is abraded in a circular pattern, like it was scrubbed. So nice little car, lots of features, but I was expecting better initial quality from Toyota.