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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  tacoma - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By jamesmoo - March 30 - 2:00 am

  great fun truck, bulletproof.

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  Great Car, ok MPG - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By TamSco - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I got this car about a month ago, and I love everything else about it, but the gas mileage is not as good as I had expected...Although I do a lot of city driving, I still do highway driving, maybe 1/3 of the time, and the mpg is only about 27-28. 28 is supposed to be the low for city driving...I expected more like 30...Anyway, everything else is perfect!

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  Loving my Sienna! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By anne72 - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Although Ive only owned my Sienna for a short time I am VERY happy with every aspect of it. It rides like a dream and is quite comfortable to sit in. My kids (ages 5 ,4 & 2) love its size and can spread out yet still be safe. Ive owned other minivans before and this one far surpasses any other, in my opinion.

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  Falling In Love Again - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Gone Green - March 29 - 9:16 pm

  I love my new Prius! It is comfortable, easy and fun to drive. Most of all saving on my fuel $$.

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  CO owned Tundra - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By CO owned - March 29 - 2:03 pm

  The truck has been flawless as far as repairs. I have 25k miles with the 5.7 and avg 16 mpg. I have it in the shop though being upgraded for pulling. It has the power but the 8000 lbs tongue 29 trailer throws it around. The plan is with helper springs it will stop. Overall I am very happy, just cross wind has been a problem. I am also needing new tires as the factory tires are already bold.

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  Great compact SUV for the price - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By gregpro50 - March 29 - 11:56 am

  We basically bought the RAV4 to be able to tow a boat and haul the family on a 4 hr trip to the lake every weekend in warmer weather. It is worth it to upgrade to the limited package and the V6 which still gets pretty good gas mileage especially for having 269hp. Plenty of room for the kids in the back seat and the dog in the back. The under-floor storage area in the back is very handy too. We were very happy with this vehicle.

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  Great Commuter Car!! - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Land of Enchantment - March 28 - 11:26 pm

  Ive found this to be the perfect car for my needs. Ive got a country commute of 100 miles round trip every day and this car drives great and gets great gas mileage, the best in its class from what Ive read. Ive really enjoyed the stick shift since it makes me feel more part of the road handling process. I can go 65-70 without any out any sence of control problems.

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  Great Value - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By Hocakes - March 28 - 10:00 am

  The best thing about this SUV is that it combines the best aspects of a sedan and a truck. Quiet ride. Stylish exterior. But also rugged, and very reliable. Zero mechanical problems.

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  Just another Happy Toyota Customer - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By bill1029 - March 28 - 10:00 am

  I have been eyeing the Tundra since its introduction in 2000, and continued to read the reviews. I have driven the Ford F-150 and the Chevy 1500. I was impressed with both. I went and drove the Toyota; It did not "blow the doors" off the competition but did feel like a solid pickup truck with a very comfortable ride. I honestly do not have a pickup truck to do the heavy duty farm work (or I would have purchased the V8 version). I need a comfortable commuter with the ability to haul stuff when needed.

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  Pretty sweet ride - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Creid102 - March 28 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive with a surprisingly powerful engine