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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  Just Great! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By laureb - January 9 - 2:00 am

  Fell in love at first sight and after several days, I am still in awe when I consider the total perfection of this vehicle. The exterior design has much appeal as has the interior. Further, it has plenty of pep and handles beautifully in all traffic conditions. I like the 2-wheel drive as it burns less gas.

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  Great Road Car - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By IMRTIRD - January 9 - 2:00 am

  Car was bought for the purpose of taking lengthy trip around the United States. It has performed well. The fuel economy is excellent on the open road - 30mpg. Ride is stiff, just how I like it. Trunk space is more than adequate. The fold down split rear seats a plus. The 18 gal fuel tank is a plus for long road trip. Seating is very comfortable for long trips.

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  Excellent - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By hazard767 - January 9 - 2:00 am

  i researched this truck and many others and test drove nearley every major manufactures truck i could find in san diego. when i finnally settled (no contest) on my 2003 tacoma xtra cab prerunner TRD (V6) this truck is by far the best, most comfortable driving truck out there. at first my impression was that this truck would have a stiff freeway ride and be bumpy as hell due to the off road suspension, but i was very wrong. a surprisingly smooth and quiet ride! and handles extreamley well off road, so if your looking to spend some money on a quality truck....this is what you need.

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  20 Year Toyota Owner - Cant Beat It! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By RIder - January 8 - 9:23 am

  Had it for about a month now... great to drive, very comfortable, smooth handling, roomy, great style, everything I wanted with great quality and workmanship. I would recommend this SUV or any Toyota for that matter to anyone. The 4cyl I think is fine and personally, I didnt see the need for the 6cyl. In any case, cant go wrong with a new 06 RAV4! Good luck with yours if you buy one!

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  My New Camry XLE V6 is Great - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By scott trees - January 8 - 7:40 am

  Ive always owned Toyotas (after one disastrous Pontiac purchase). I just bought the 05 Camry XLE V6. It has much of what an Avalon has in terms of accessories and is very similar in other aspects to the higher priced Avalon. I still have my 98 Camry and 84 Cressida, both of which still run great! I highly recommend the new Camry.

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  Finally, and well worth the wait!!! - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By William - January 7 - 10:33 pm

  Ever since I got wise and sold my GMC Sierra, I knew I would buy a Toyota if they released a crew cab full size model. Well, they did, and to me they got it right. It may not be the fastest, or the nicest interior, but the overall fit and finish, says Toyota. If you wanted it could be the first and last truck you ever buy. Toyotas are known for quality, durability and reliability and this truck delivers on all 3, plus it has the best body lines of any of the big trucks out there.

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  Best car ever owned! - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By Susan - January 7 - 6:23 pm

  Cant be beat! Best auto Ive ever owned, I plan to buy another very soon and my husband will take my currently owned Avalon - we dont want to give it up.

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  Economic or not? - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By carlover - January 7 - 2:16 pm

  I have had this car for about a month now and it has been really good for most of it, except mpg goes down way too much when I use A/C and I use my A/C on low not on max, both for highway and city unfortunately! Without it is just amazingly economical and I love it for a car that size! Much better than previous corollas!

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  One of the first TCH sold in the country - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By SJ - January 7 - 1:23 pm

  BTW.. Love the car. Feels heavy car to drive. Kind of like a cadillac. Kids love it. Averaged 42 MPG on the 45 mile trip back from the dealership. It is really cool that the engine shuts off.

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  I forgot how to open the gas cap - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Epoch - January 7 - 12:20 am

  Ive had this car for three weeks, Im not a lead foot but Im only getting around 42 mpg with mostly suburban driving and short commute. Im not disappointed that it doesnt live up to EPA mileage estimates (I have never had a car that did) and considering that my last car got 16 mpg, it is a vast improvement. I can drive in HOV lanes in NY without additional occupants under the Clean Pass program which is a major plus. The styling is quite impressive, the car rides and handles extremely well I really love the blue tooth and navigations system. I feel like Im making a small contribution to reduce American dependance on foreign oil which is something people should start taking seriously.