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:

• 

  Too bad with the recalls - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By pgklee - August 19 - 12:36 pm

  Car is very easy to drive. Love the Gas mileage Im getting. Comfortable even for a tall person (I am 64"). Feels very solid. Not too worried about the recall, as with the Manual transmission a sticking accelerator would be less of a safety problem. Dealership has been great even replaced the radio after I had a small problem with it.

• 

  A SAFE FAMILY VAN!!!!!!! - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Robbie - August 19 - 12:33 pm

  This is our second Sienna. We bought our last one in December of 2004. The van was totaled by a police car chasing a stolen car without his lights and sirens on. My wife was driving and our three children (5,3,2) were in the second row watching the DVD. The front end was totaled by the cruiser. My wife was going 10 mph and was hit by a car in the front going at least 60 mph. The van was spun around an moved 60 feet. This vans front end took one heck of a hit and my family only received minor bruising from car seats and seat belts. We are definitely getting the exact van. Go drive the others and I promise you that they do not even hold a candle to the Sienna. Thanks Toyota design and safety!!

• 

  Great Car - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Matt - August 19 - 12:10 pm

  Smooth ride and surprisingly good acceleration with the 4 cyl. Averaging over 25 mpg in mixed highway / city driving. Very happy so far.

• 

  Great car - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By allen - August 19 - 7:46 am

  Great little car at a good price. nothing special but great mpg and good ride for the $$$$

• 

  My First Mini Van and I Love It - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By John - August 18 - 9:53 pm

  Great ride and good handling. I have it loaded with all the features and it is Lexus like. It has more features than my 04 BMW 530i.

• 

  Sweet! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By dcarrington - August 18 - 7:50 am

  Have had the FJ now almost a month now. While the gas mileage isnt what my 05 Accord was, it isnt too bad for an SUV (at least that is what I am told). So far with under 1K miles on the engine, I am averaging about 19 mpg. The most obvious downer about thie FJ is that the engine requires the use of 91+ octane fuel. The ride is great, smoother than my Accords, and there is much less road/wind noise in the FJ as well. When you are in it, kinda feels like you are in a tank with all the short verticle glass around you.

• 

  Best SUV - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By James - August 18 - 12:50 am

  I recently bought my 3rd 4Runner. I absolutely love this vehicle. It handles nicely and has plenty of room inside. I have never had mechanical issues with any of my 4Runners. The reliability is unbeatable. If taken care of property, this vehicle could last for an easy 10 years or more. I cant imagine driving any else!

• 

  Best truck in Class by far! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Ryan - August 17 - 6:33 pm

  This truck can do it all. Haul 2,000 lbs all day long with plenty of acceleration left. Tows great. The best gas mileage for the big V-8s. Very comfortable for the road trips. And what other truck can you also get Bluetooth and a nav system in it? The back-up camera is a must for those who tow. Well designed truck with the option for the deck rail system making the task of securing the load very easy. Tons of storage between underseat compartment, two glove compartments and the center console that is large enough to hold hanging files and a laptop! Nine cupholders!

• 

  Solid and smooth - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Judson Souers - August 17 - 10:50 am

  This is a stylish, well built and all around great value for the money. I have driven this car for a year and have had zero problems.

• 

  King of the Road! - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By Avalonie - August 17 - 10:00 am

  The best buy Ive ever made. Car had 65K miles when I purchased in mint condition. Now has 104K, I only had to replace brakes and tires, and new battery- plus routine maint. (oil change) No major repairs. I love driving the car, It makes me feel like I am "successful", I am not kidding it truly is a fantastic ride.