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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  If Everybody Owned a Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By B A Fridinger - November 1 - 5:20 am

  If everyone owned a Prius, there would not be long gas lines because they dont need fill-ups very often. Conceivably, there might never be a gas shortage. Based on my experience, each trip will yield 40 to 55 mpg, so you also save money. Driving this car is like riding the wave of the future. It is a quiet, effortless dream. You dont even have to fumble for a key; just push a button! I never before had a car that I absolutely looked forward to running errands in. You can even sharpen your driving skills to increase your mileage performance (like a game). Hint: it takes great concentration. It is my second Prius; had a 2002 (loved it), but moved forward to the new sleeker version.

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  ALMOST A PERFECT 10!!! - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By ABerk - November 1 - 12:40 am

  Ive had the XL model since Aug. 07 and have about 6500K ultra-enjoyable miles on it. Ive had two Beemers and an Infinity, also enjoyed them very much, but the Avalon is special in that its smooth, quiet, fairly ecnomical on gas, considering its size. I use regular octane -- also Plus and Premium at times. I also have found the cloth/velour seats to be very practical -- warm on cold days, cool on hot ones. Transmission-wise, it just knows when to shift for you -- its really a symbiotic relationship between car and driver, to use that analogy. The drivers seat needs more back support, though. So, Ill rate this car as a 9-1/2 -- ALMOST PERFECT -- but then again, nothings perfect

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  One year - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By E - October 31 - 5:36 pm

  Ive had my 4runner for one year today with no problems at all. The V6 is quick, handles great. I love my truck.

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  My Camry - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By bytescot - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Purchased car used with 39000 miles. At 60000 miles had to replace left steering rack. 75000 had to have a valve seal replacement and timing belt. No other problems and now have 104000 miles.

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  camry 1996 - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By normandeau - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Excellent used car purchase. bought 3yrs old with 60,000km, Drove to 200,000 without a mechanical problem.

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  the perfect vehicle for me - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By jack martinez - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my nissan pathfinder for my toyota pre-runner pick up, what a relief, i love the 16-20 mpg and the interior is fun and comfortable, i get lots of compliments on the looks and style of my truck, i have not had any major problems with my pre-runner just routine maintenience and had replace the battery after 3 years, i also enjoy the sound system and the extended cab. this is a great vehicle for commuting to work, weekend projects, out door activities, and you can still go out for a night on the town and still look stylish.

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  Best car ever! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Robert Sander - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this car. 1000 reasons to love it and I havent found a single disadvantage yet.

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  Unhappy - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By jimmers67 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I cant believe Toyota. I have 22000 miles on this truck. It needs front brake pads,tires And there are five TBS On the truck.If I should happen to stop quickly The transmission does not downshift properly.When appling the brakes in reverse There is a sound coming from the front brakes.I give up!

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  04 Rav4 what a car - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By EMAN - October 31 - 10:00 am

  The 04 Rav4 is a fantastic SUV. It handles the road well and the performance of the vehicle is incredible with the larger engine. The double wishbone suspension at the back is a welcomed improvement. The fog lamp design for the front of the vehicle is impressive and inside the cosmetic changes are very nice to see. You would be crazy not to consider this vehicle is you are searching for an SUV.

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  The Rav-4 - What a great car! - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By BellaKatherine - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car - fun to drive, always reliable!