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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  Good Solid Truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By polar bear - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Bought this truck this summer and thus far Im very happy with it. Solid, reliable and well engineered truck. For my purposes, the 2.4 litre engine is just fine. Ive used it to haul lumber and other loads of junk to the dump. Gas mileage has been consistently at 23 mpg in city driving. Havent taken any highway trips yet. Highly recommend this truck.

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  hot rod performance in an SUV? - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By J.Weaver - February 4 - 10:00 am

  I test drove a ton of other suvs in this class,(durango, explorer, cherokee, range rover, tahoe, etc...) none came even close to the performance, reliability, qaulity, handling or overall satisfaction level for me. Same goes for the Dealership that helped me find the perfect car and get a fair price! (Hanover Toyota)

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  2003 Camry XLE - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Lurich Michael - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Very Reliable Car, I love the interior and the sparkling alloy wheels

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  Wonderful! - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Larry from Virginia - February 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Camry and it is wonderful!! Not only a quality, reliable vehicle, but a great value as well.

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  My Tammi - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Sharon - February 4 - 9:36 am

  I love my Tammi (Prius). I bought it for its sexy and sleek style and MPG is just a great bonus. The rear hatch doesnt always shut right (a flaw I think) you need to bang it down. The rear wiper should be bigger. I would like the headlights to be auto on. The tilt wheel adustment could use a little more tilt. It is fun to drive, catches eyes and is just plain cute.It also has all the guts it needs to have to get along.

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  My Blk 97 Celica ST - 1997 Toyota Celica
  By Ohio Celica - February 4 - 4:36 am

  This was has been really great car. It hasnt given me any problems and it very reliable. I still get 400-500 miles on a tank of gas. The only isssues were with a repair on the body which is starting to rust. This is not the fault of the car, but the repair shop. I still get a lot of compliments on the way the car looks. Im planning on buying a new car soon and giving this one to my nephew for college. Will be sorry to see it go, but I know it will serve him well during his college years.

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  Prius Unbelievably Cool - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By siss - February 4 - 2:33 am

  Ive owned and driven BMWs, Mercedes, Porches,yet, none of them compares to my Prius. What a cool car. Techie heaven. Fun and relaxing to drive. Exceptional quality. Im totally sold on Prius.

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  Bring back the "smaller" rav - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By don - February 4 - 2:06 am

  We purchased this vehicle for all our short distance trips, ie. 300 miles or less (We are also fortunate to own an 06 highlander limited, for the longer trips). Love the RAV! Hate to see the "smaller" RAV go! It is LEXUS quality thru and thru. This is the 10th Toyota weve owned... not because of ANY problems...just really love our Toyotas! Also own a 1998 "L" model, with 100K miles which we will keep forever, as a third spare vehicle. Wouldnt hesitate to take the 98 to Florida or California (We live in OHIO) I highly suggest and recommend ANY toyota product, including the hybrids. Toyotas attention to detail and quality are second to none!

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  Still going... - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By Xuefeng - February 3 - 10:06 am

  I have used this vehicle for gardening, at the first day I went to plant my vegetables to selling them at the market. I drive right on the dirt road to get to my gardening area. I also drive this van at least once every month between Milwaukee and St. Paul. No major repairs so far.

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  Best Decision - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By ccalm503 - February 3 - 4:30 am

  I couldnt enjoy my 10 Prius anymore so far. I had test driven an 09. The new model is light years better. So much more comfortable, great power when needed although I always drive in "Eco". I havent gotten less than 51 mpg in my first 4k miles of driving and have reached 55+mpg for a few tankfulls on the highway. And the best part (if you travel on the Long Island Expressway in NY) is I can travel the HOV lane as a single occupant. Saving huge commuting time. Switched from BMWs after 12 years and havent looked back yet.