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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  College Commuter - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By neinta - November 30 - 10:00 am

  As a college student I wanted a car that was reliable and could handle the commute to and from school, 400+ miles a week. My 96 Camry has done all that and more. Although the gas mileage is not as high as some people seem to get, I can still get over 420 miles per tank. Although there have been some repairs, shes still going. I came close to totalling her last winter when I wrecked but I walked away with no bumps, bruises or scrapes. We chose to get he repaired and shes running better than ever. Safety and reliability are great! Shes close to 100k miles now and Im sure shell be around for many more.

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  A great truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Colin the Contractor - November 30 - 10:00 am

  I have had this for about 5 months and love it. Have towed concrete mixers (full, 1 cu. yrd.) no problem. This is a great truck, I dont know how they can say it is not for contractors. It has lots of room and plenty of power. The inside is not super fancy, but it is a truck not a Cadillac. If you are in the market for a solid vehicle it is worth taking a look at.

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  How could I do it? - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By TacoDriver - November 30 - 10:00 am

  My coworkers were shocked when I traded in my 98 Tacoma, they knew I loved that truck. But the new 2004 is everything I ever wanted in a truck. I ignore the "Smooth" driving complaints, and such. I bought a truck, I expect it to drive like a truck. The interior is very similar to my old Tacoma, which I liked anyway, so the truck was immediately comfortable to me. I do agree that the clock is poorly placed. (Unless of course, you dont feel any need to see it.) Suspension on the TRD is great! V6 Engine is strong, Transmission smooth, and the truck looks, feels, and drives solid. Honestly, I cannot envision the truck it will take to replace this one... but

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  Thank God for the Net - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By DoorKicker - November 30 - 10:00 am

  do your research and buy at or below dealer invoice, could not be happier with this SUV

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  It doesnt get any better than this! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Moonmaiden1957 - November 30 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 2000 Mazda MPV for this Van last month. Not only is the Sienna in a completely different class as a vehicle, the experience of actually buying the Sienna could not have been better. I swear, the Sienna doesnt drive, it levitates. Complete with DVD player, our new LE 8 passenger handles my three teenagers and a friend for each without flinching. Now having an 8 passenger vehicle means that Mom gets to bring a friend along too! Even the dogs love it and have plenty of room. Three cheers to Toyota for creating such a masterpiece!

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  Awesome - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By coolsd - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Everything and easy to drive.

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  Good Value! - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Opal - November 30 - 10:00 am

  This car has a comfortable ride and the steering is very smooth. I have taken friends on a couple day trips, and they agree the ride is comfortable. The interior is roomy, and the trunk space is good for a car this size. I am getting about 36mpg highway and 26mpg in town. The color Impulse Red makes this car appear larger and more upscale. Overall, this car is a great value for the money!

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  A Wonderful Car at a GREAT Price! - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Razzle Dazzle - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Since I bought my car I have been very please and have driven in a few different types of weather, most recently today in some of the harshest rain I have driven in. The car performed well, but the tires seemed to have a bit of trouble gripping the road, and I found myself hydroplaning a few times. Other than that, the manual shifter seems to be quite sensitive and stalls more easily than expected, but that may be just because Im still getting used to this particular car. Overall, I am very happy with my purchase and would recommend this car to anyone!

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  A winner in my book! - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By KLewis - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Love the smart roomy interior. Great pickup and manueverability. Only problem was the dash light blinking on and off and CD player jumps tracks. Will take in to repair under warranty. But engine and drive great!

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  Camry is a winner again - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By phantom8 - November 30 - 10:00 am

  It feels and drives almost like a Lexus. Very quite inside, excellent handling. High quality materials, Toyota reliability, good value. Highly recommended!!!