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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  Love my Land Cruiser - 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Susan Russo - February 16 - 10:00 am

  This will be my third leased Land Cruiser. My lease is up in March 2005 and I plan on leasing another one.

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  My Dumplins Chairoit - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Jim Smith, Sr. - February 16 - 10:00 am

  Im not partial to foreign cars, but this Toyota is an American car manufactors dream. Very good eye appeal;Handling; excellant gas milage for a Suv, even a mid-sized one; great power & handling in 4Wh Dr.; Comfort galore on the inside; ample room in rear especially when rear seats are folded down, and even moreso when folded down COMPLETELY to the rear floor. I cant say enough good about it, nor can my wife, who does most of the driving. I just wish an American manufactor could do this good at these prices.

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  A 4 liter 6sp manual Tundra? - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By MrKnobs - February 16 - 10:00 am

  Just bought this so I may have a more considered opinion later. So far I really like it. The upsized 4.0 L engine plus 6sp manual trans. is really zippy. Build quality seems very good. Excellent value for the price, in my opinion.

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  Exceptional Motor Car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By TheTimster - February 16 - 10:00 am

  Terrific for local commutes, quality interior with exception of left coin holder thingy door, not even sure what it is for but I guess coins, it feels like itll break. Interior is nice but if not leather interior, you may want to invest in a seat cover. Fit and finish otherwise is very good, quiet on the road. Toyotas secret may be their management, but also, they follow the KISS rule, Keep It Simple Stupid.

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  Youll love this truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dennis - February 16 - 9:20 am

  Youll love this truck! I had always wanted a tacoma and this truck exceeded my expectations. Ive used it for hauling loads to the dump and hauling feed with no problem. Clean it up and its perfect for cruising around town. "The chicks dig it!"

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  A Lexus without the price tag. - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By jrw225 - February 16 - 6:20 am

  This Avalon has been the best car I have ever owned. I have had it more than a year now and bought it used but still have had no problems. It is smooth, luxurious, and every day I drive it I find myself surprised by one of the Avalons many features. Someone put great thought into designing this car from the automatic wipers to the 110 power plug this car is perfect. I get 21 mpg on average but it is worth the extra $2 a week to drive such a fantastic piece of machinery. Im 26 and thought this car was an old man car but after driving it I will not drive anything else. Thanks Toyota!

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  RAV4 handles well in the mountains - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By MAC - February 16 - 2:46 am

  I purchased the 08 RAV4 Sport V6 AWD right before the snow season. I drive on snow/ice covered roads regularly. The car handles well and rarely slips as I go up and down steep hills and around tight curves usually in 2-6 inches of snow at roughly 35 mph. I have not needed to use the lock-in feature for 4WD but its nice to know its available if snow gets too deep. On dry pavement, the RAV4 feels like a car. Its not bouncy like a truck frame 4WD and gets far better gas mileage. Plus, it really holds true speed with speed control engaged. No drift acceleration or deceleration through mountainous terrain. Fun to drive.

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  I disagree with the haters...totally! - 2012 Toyota Prius c
  By rachellenh - February 15 - 9:29 am

  I just bought one today after doing research and driving one overnight. I have looked at and test driven many cars in the past month and this was my top pick. I am a small person-so the cabin space doesnt affect me. As for pick up-these cars get up and go better than my old PT cruiser did. I didnt notice any noise but I also blast my radio LOL Overall-this is an excellent price for the awesome mpg this car puts out-which mine has been getting about 51 mpg and thats with the air on and my driving. My bottom line-Dont believe everything you read-drive it for yourself and see.

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  Awesome Car - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Felix - February 15 - 12:20 am

  This is the best car Ive ever purchased. Its suspension is smooth, the 2.4 I4 has nice acceleration to match its fuel economy. The Camrys interior is very refined (in the XLE), and the upgraded 440 watt stereo system is great. Exterior styling is nice, and the overall build quality is perfect.

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  First Foreign Car - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By STLMO - February 14 - 11:30 pm

  Have only driven GM & Ford for last 30 years but saw the new Avalon & had to give it a look. Considered 05 STS, & 300 Ltd but wanted a large back seat and couldnt get past Chryslers reliability rep. Only 500 mi on Avalon but love all the features (have all but remote start). Very comfortable and is beautiful inside & out. No quality issues and gets 25mpg in 50/50 of freeway & stop n go on my daily commute. Ride is great. My sisters ES330 comes off lease 3/06 & she says she is going to get an Avolon just like mine.