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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  Dream came true in Texas - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By john boy - June 23 - 10:00 am

  Little over 5000 miles, you can not beat the quietness and the ride. This is our 4th Toyota car, you can see the quality control inside/out, I dont get tired driving this vehicle

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  Feel every bump on the road - buy sports - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Kumar - June 23 - 10:00 am

  Dont buy unless you want to feel every bump on the road - The sports model with Flat-Free tire has a very noticeable bumpy ride. At this it is very annoying, with the vehicle wobbling, driver shaking like he has convulsions. Works well on a smooth and even road, which is not realistic to expect. This ride quality does even come close to 10-year old Camry and 4-year old Sienna.

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  Good and bad - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By badbug2000 - June 23 - 10:00 am

  Everything looks OK except the headrests on font seats is too big and not comfortable. Also rear view point isnt good enough. Dont forget to get the one with back up camera if you decide to buy one later.

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  You can have your cake and eat it too !! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By James K. Hoy - June 23 - 12:40 am

  I have been driving trucks for exactly 20 years now. Through this time it has been my experiance that you have to give up performance to achieve a vehicle that is suitable for work. With the new Tacoma, those days are over. I have a Crew Cab, Pre Runner, with the TRD Sport package, a V6 and the SR5 set up. This truck not only tows my work trailer, (a 5 x 8 cargo loaded with cabinet installation tools),effortlessly, its sharp to impress a date with, it handles like a dream and man will she fly when you turn her lose. I traded in an 02 Ford F150 with the 5.4L. Its payload was rated higher but other than that, this truck out performs hands down, and its al ot more fun to drive!!!!!

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  I love my Prius - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By MaryBB - June 22 - 11:56 pm

  I have had my Prius for two years now. I bought it used with only 18,000 miles on it. It handles the road well, with a minimum of turning base, and it takes these West Virginia hills like nothing. I would buy a new one because the seats in this one do not fold down, but its been so good for me I hate to get rid of it.

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  Thanks Toyota! - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Shoman32 - June 22 - 9:50 pm

  My Camry has been great! Its extremely quiet, comfortable ride, handles well, but not harsh; Accord is too stiff for me...I take long trips. Initially I was concerned with power, having previously owned an SHO Taurus and a 3.8 Litre Sable, but the little four gets the job done, with no sense of being underpowered. It will run as fast as you want on the E-way, my usual is around 80 mph, and NEVER have a problem keeping it their...itll slide up to 90 if you dont watch it...and still gets 30-31 miles per gallon! With 74,000 miles Ive done nothing but routine maintenance, one change of brake pads about 50,000 miles. My one complaint is with the seats, (front) which arent cushy enough.

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  Great except for bluetooth... - 2014 Toyota RAV4
  By rmundlimo - June 22 - 3:57 pm

  The Rav 4 is a responsive, small SUV and well appointed. The auto liftgate is handy and all the features you might want are available in the Limited. HOWEVER, if you have an I-Phone 4, you will not be able to load the contacts from your phone on to the bluetooth system! Wish they had told us that the contacts would load on the base models, but NOT their top of the line model. If this is important to you, and it should be, look elsewhere.

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  Great SUV - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By Brian - June 22 - 3:46 pm

  Love this SUV. Lots of room inside. Carries 6 adults with no problems. Will carry 7 for short distances. Very quiet on the highway, and in town.

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  Toyotas Best Kept Secret - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By SIGMUND DOUGLAS - June 22 - 1:00 pm

  The Toyota Tacoma is ToyotaÂ’s best kept secret. Here is a truck that is fun to drive, is quick off the line, sure attracts attention and has a great sound system.

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  Toyota has ruined the Tundra - 2014 Toyota Tundra
  By mrt19 - June 22 - 11:15 am

  Toyota has completely changed the engine mapping for this truck and added an electronic throttle limiter so everything that was right about the 2007-2013 5.7 engine is now gone. That beloved power is no more. It is sluggish, slow, shift points are erratic and all over the place. I also now get 11mpg. I just got back from the Toyota dealer because I thought something was wrong with it. After a ride with a Toyota Master Technician he confirmed that was what it was supposed to be like. He also agreed with me that they have ruined this truck.