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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  2007 Double Cab TRD Taco - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ut Taco - October 1 - 9:10 am

  This is a perfect truck. After owning two Mazda "Rangers" and selling my beloved Jeep Cherokee I vowed to buy a full size truck until I took a spin in the 07 Tacoma. I love this truck. The V6 that gets knocked for being loud is music to my ears. The first 2000 miles on the truck were on a trip to Moab and the truck did not disappoint. It is a joy to drive on and off road. The TRD suspension is more than a cool sticker, it really works. The truck has plenty of room for the wife and two kids. The dealer even installed a 2.5" lift (sold!). This truck is rugged, solid and fast. 7,500 miles (at least 800 off road) and no problems. Did I say I like my truck?

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  Smart Spending - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Vaughn - October 1 - 5:50 am

  This is my second Corolla and I just love them. The newer one is a little less peppy than my 92 Corolla which I still have with 141,000 miles. I only notice the difference in the Azizona mountians and I believe it is because the 2005 is bigger and roomier than the 1992. The 2005 is a very comfortable car to ride in. I have bought 3 new cars and Toyota is the first one I have, that has not had any problems. The 1992 I bought used and ran it 3 years before changing spark plugs and then it really didnt need it. The key is to change oil and use Toyota parts. The 2005 is well built and I get anywhere from 32 to 35 MPG with the air conditioner running at all times. My 92 gets 30 MPG. Great Cars.

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  80,000 miles and LOVE it! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Ilya - October 1 - 3:13 am

  Had Prius for about 80,000 miles. Car runs excellent. Love just about everything about it. Driving it feels just like driving a Lexus. It easily gets 100 miles per hour (speed) yet ride is very smooth. This car allows me to be able to commute (daily) for about 100 miles each way.

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  Builders Tacoma - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jose E Duarte - September 30 - 8:53 pm

  It is night and day between the 04 and 05 Tacoma in terms of Size, Power and Comfort. The 05 Tacoma has a lot more leg and head room to accomodate larger occupants and the cabin does not have that claustrophobic feel to it. The Power was increased from 190hp in a 3.4L to 245hp in a 4.0L V6. Cruising at 70mph has the engine purring at 2500 rpm. Fuel consuption has been about 260 miles per tank. The seats have been redone to make them more comfortable. I was lucky to have been on the build team project from the drawing stage to actual production. I know first hand that the designers took into consideration a lot of the customers concerns and desires. This is the best truck Toyota has built.

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  Review of new Camry purchase (2005) - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By FirstTimeCamryBuyer - September 30 - 5:36 pm

  This purchase represents my first Camry and I have been very pleased with my purchase. I bought the 4 cyl. as opposed to the 6 and have been very pleased with the mileage. So far, in mixed driving, with the majority being highway miles, Ive gotten just over 32 mpg. The car is very quiet on the road. The fit and finish of all the surfaces, materials, and seams are very well done. The interior, with leather, is quite nice. I purchased the car for $24,042, after taxes, tags, etc., which was quite good considering the many features - leather, moon-roof, 6 disc changer, alloy wheels, side impact / curtain airbages, etc. Overall, I am very satisfied with my purchase.

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  1st Toyota For Me....Im Impressed - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Coach1404 - September 30 - 5:00 pm

  I gave up my 4-door pickup for fuel mileage, and picked a great car w/my Camry! The pickup this little engine has blew me away..engine sounds and feels strong. After switching oil and tranny to Amsoil, Im now getting around 26 city and 36 highway! Roomy back seats ..even for long trips. Decent looks...(came w/rear spoiler) I considered a Honda..(no offense intended Honda) but after getting "into" this car for a while, I KNOW I made the right choice. Purchased used w/48,000 miles on it, yet car still feels "tight". A few small upgrades/improvements could be made, but if you want the best of aboth worlds, GO GET YOURSELF A CAMRY!!!!

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  Best SUV ever - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By LOVEIT - September 30 - 4:46 pm

  My 4Runner is 6 yrs. old and has 162,000 miles on it, and it still purrs like a kitten. Absolutely the best SUV I have ever owned. Reliable beyond expectations, decent gas mileage for an SUV, comfortable ride, very utilitarian. I love the design, and wish they hadnt changed it so much in 03. I hope to own it another 6 yrs. or more!!

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  Camry - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Elena DeLucia - September 30 - 11:20 am

  My seventh Toyota and it is a pleasure. I still have my 87 Camry wagon and it is in great shape as well. Reliable, reliable, reliable and hold their value well. Once I had a fancy expensive sports car, I dont need to look pretty while I wait for the tow truck in the hot Arizona sun. Six Toyotas and not a single complaint on any of them and I have never been left on the side of the road by any of them.

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  Love my Solara - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Lisa CC - September 30 - 10:20 am

  This car hs been great to drive. Its VERY quiet, smooth and reliable. I love it.

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  What a great truck! - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Nick026 - September 30 - 7:23 am

  I decided this time go Toyota becauseI needed reliability and nothing else even came close in reliability. So far I have not been disappointed at all. It drives like a lexus and is very responsive. I absoloutly love my truck. I can easily use it for work and pleasure as it fits my wife and 3 kids wonderfully. I test drove some of the others but as soon as I drove this one I knew I had to have it.