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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  The Lexus of Vans - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By RANDYBY - September 16 - 2:00 am

  As an engineer,I am impressed with the design and function of the machine. Avg. MPG: town-21 to 23, trip-26 to 28. Driveline is seamless in all its functions. Comfort is on the Lexus level. Versitility is outstanding. Appears to be a step function above the Honda "O". It is too early to comment on reliability. Initial build quality appears to be 10 out of 10.

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  Best car yet - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By DonJm964 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  The reliability,and comfort is more to me than anything. This car has a life time service on the powertrain as long as you own the car,as long as you keep changing the oil etc. every 3500,miles at the dealership, no mater how much milage you have, now that is BIG.

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  Everyones Happy - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By shane - September 15 - 10:56 pm

  As a family we needed room for everyone, this backseat is huge. The included safety equipment is a plus over other competitors. Bought a SR5 w/navigation (hard to find, but $8,000 less than a limited model) to get the rear view camera, includes bluetooth connection & upgraded stereo. Love the power of the 5.7, can tow the 19 ft boat (approx 4500 lb) without knowing its back there.

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  Great MPG, Smooth Ride, Lacks Power - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Jason - September 15 - 9:10 pm

  I really like the car, but the MPG is a little disappointing. I was expecting 50+ MPG all the time, but in the winter (here in Minnesota), which is basically half the year Nov-March, I was lucky to get 40. The ride is very nice and smooth. Though the car is very light, and if its very windy outside the car is very difficult to handle. On snow/ice it handled much better than my Sentra which was nice. I got the stablization feature, which is a MUST if you have any kind of snow/ice where you live.

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  Best SUV - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By 1st time 4runner - September 15 - 1:53 pm

  Purchased used from a dealership who did all service and fluid changes before selling the vehicle. Have put on 8000 miles without any problems This SUV is decent, well built and reliable. It does not give troubles, just need gas and oil change then itll bring you anywhere. Driving feelings are of dafety, good visibility and comfort.

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  4 yr. review - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By harshad - September 15 - 8:06 am

  I bought my Rav4 in Feb 2005. its my commuter car. Its trouble free so far after 45000 miles. Manual tranny is great. I still get 25 mpg in Minnesota winters and around 28 MPG in summer. I take a seat out in summer and can put 2 road bikes easy. This vehicle has to be top 5 reliable fun to drive on consumer reports.

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  Excellent Car!!!!!!!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By shatan - September 15 - 3:20 am

  After getting the TSB EG056-06 done, this car just flies. No more hesitation issued and no shifting concerns. Luxurious interior, great MP3 player addition. I highly recommend Camry over other vehicles.

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  Very happy - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Nina - September 15 - 1:16 am

  This is my third corolla, I just bought it this weekend, a big improvement over the 2002 model, very smooth ride, like the interior -stone color, easy to handle - easy wheel turns, engine is very quiet.

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  Great car - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By clinte - September 15 - 12:03 am

  This car is responsive and very roomy. It is so quiet, I have to check the tachometer to make sure its running. It is a fun car to drive.

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  What a Ride - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By DanielHaas - September 14 - 11:13 pm

  I tried several competitors but when I test drove the Camry LE I was sold. Smoothest ride of all. Excellent acceleration and 33.8 mpgs even before the break in period of 1000 miles. Convenient controls, spacious interior and very quiet. More standard features than I could ask for.