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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  Nice truck - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Neil - October 30 - 1:56 am

  I got stuck in a 3 foot puddle - my girlfriend called it more of a lake - at 2000 miles; thank goodness the electronics are mounted high and most have water proof connectors. It dried out well and has given me no problems. I like the truck more now than before I bought it. It still has tuff truck pedigree. It is also one of the quietest trucks I have ever ridden in on the highway.

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  Buy it again - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By srjackson - October 29 - 6:16 pm

  I love everything about it. The ride is smooth,great gas mileage, good acceleration, and great a/c!

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  Very Dependable and Comfortable Car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By safehold - October 29 - 1:58 pm

  Brought the car new in Jan 2002. Initially a few bugs as the first year model. It had a dash noise which the helpful dealer fixed under warranty in their second try. Fuel filter changed under warrant at 5000 miles. Those are the only things wrong and the car is at 140,000 miles today. Very dependable and comfortable car which I drove everywhere with my family in it. Only regular maintenance and mobile 1 full sync oil with 10,000 OCI. Recently I cleaned the Throttle Body and idles like new again. Will keep it until wheels fall off, but it seems I will wait a long time for new cars as this one is strong.

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  2007 Tundra DC TRD - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By cadman - October 29 - 8:43 am

  I have had the truck for 3 weeks now. It is my first Toyota, Im migrating from a Nissan Titan. The power is similar to my Titan but the interior cab noise is way less. I just installed the TRD dual exhaust and it is still quieter in the cab than the Nissan was. The interior finish is nice and the truck is very nice looking from exterior. I see a lot of people pointing at truck as I drive by.

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  Happiest 4 runner owner - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By kim - October 29 - 8:30 am

  After buying my first 4 runner in 1994, I became a confirmed SUV owner. What a fabulous car. Moved out west with my 2001, handled beautifully on the 4 day drive west to California. Now after 5 yrs of West Coast Driving, many trips to Vegas, San Francisco, all I can say is what a road car, other then 2nd set of tires, and minor maintainance. All SUVs should be like this. I love this ride. Now its time for my niece to share the car. Bravo Toyota.

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  A bit more effort and it is a TEN - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By pennwren - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful car to drive and transport passengers. Door handle quality is poor with pealing chrome. When rear left window is down about 4 inches I get a noise of flapping. I will buy another one but test drive with windows slightly down in back as the noise of flapping is very irritating. The only other problem I have had is the rear bumper paint is very fragile. It scrapes off with minor friction.

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  The best!!!!!!!!! - 2001 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Mad Dan - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I test-drove and compared a lot of new and used SUVs and almost bought a fully- loaded 2003 Yukon XL 2500 LT with less than half the miles of the 2001 TLC that I recently purchased for the about the same price. My TLC is fun to drive and way better than a mini-van for family trips.

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  My fav car - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Lilabeth - October 29 - 2:00 am

  This is such a wonderful car I love the way it handles and the sound system in it..its a great car

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  Our 2004 Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Butterfly - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Changing from a 13 year old smooth riding Buick sedan, the Prius was a new adventure. The learning curve was definitely stressed for us but we are very happy with the mileage, comfort, soundless ride. Even on long drives, the seats are very comfortable.

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  rav4 L - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Noelle Lawrence - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Terrific in snow and bad weather. Great get up and go. Lots of storage space. I like the rubber coating on the back of the seats, protects from dirty little feet.