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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  Be careful w/ used trucks. - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By Isaac - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Bought my truck sept. of last year. Many transmission problems, finally in 01/06 shop had to put a rebuilt transmission. It took 2wks to come from warranty co. and the first trans. didnt work. Shop had to order another and it finally worked. My truck was in the shop for one month. I had only put an additional 3000 mls. since date of purchase. I was stranded 83 mls. from fresno coming back from vacation. Speakers are starting to go. For as much as I paid should have bought a new one. DONT FIX THINGS UNDER WARRANTY THE CHEAPEST WAY POSSIBLE!!!

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  Whats not to like? - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By SoccerMom - December 30 - 2:00 am

  I havent had this much fun driving a car since my old VW van (just an old hippie at heart). I have the 5-speed manual and really like the placement of the stick. It has been fun teaching my 15-year old how to drive a stick - so far the Matrix is taking the abuse and my kid is starting to understand how much fun a car can be to drive. Thanks Toyota for such a fun yet versatile car!

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  Best Truck Ever - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By moe1 - December 30 - 2:00 am

  See above. This is the coolest car I have ever owned, and Ive had some cool cars.

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  Unbelievable dream SUV!!! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By dork - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Considered the 8 cyl but V-6 Greaqt. More HP but less torque. Cant stop driving it. What comes close for $37K? or at any price (except GS or RX 470 0r Landcruiser.

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  Happy Highlander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Highlander - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Great handling and more than adequate room for 4 adults w/ golf clubs. The snow in NY has been no problem w/ this vehicle.

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  Excellent car I really like it!!! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By KoDy - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car I really like it!!!

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  Reliable SUV for 20k - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By santoshmanya - December 29 - 9:53 pm

  My initial choice was Honda CRV but after test driving it I found it was a bit noisy and sluggish pickup. I rented 2008 Rav4 and driven it on Highway from Atlanta, GA to Memphis, TN and found it stable between 75 to 95 MPH, but just under powered and little louder. Finally decided to buy 2009 Rav4 2WD I4, as it has a refined engine (Dual VVTi) with more fuel economy and power. I wanted to buy a vehicle which fits in my budget and able to drive to work and also long trips with space for Cargo. I did not go for a V6 (269 hp) as I4(179 hp) is sufficient and I donÂ’t want to get more speeding tickets with V6. My previous car was Camry V6.

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  Close, but no cigar - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Roy - December 29 - 5:43 pm

  I use this truck as a combo vehicle. Long commuting and around town and am mostly satisfied with it, however; there is considerable room for improvement - hopefully the 2007 redesign will address that. Very solid road feel, great ride, great build quality, acceptable mileage esp. on freeway. Some issues with vehicle length esp. in parking lots... a 4 door cab and a 6 box is just too long.

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  Taco Time - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By bill55 - December 29 - 3:13 pm

  The perfect truck for my family. Roomy and comfortable on long trips and at the same time sporty and with good acceleration for passing. It is a good all around truck and well built as well.

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  High MPG - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Lewis - December 29 - 11:06 am

  I drive mostly country roads and interstates. In winter, I always get at least 47 mpg. In summer I always get over 50 mpg (usually 52). Reviews reporting low 40s must either be in very cold climates or must be from drivers attempting to get low mpg. My year-round average is about 50.