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 2005 Taco - A very nice truck indeed - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bob S. - January 24 - 2:40 am

  A very nice small truck with a mid size truck feel. The power is vastly improved, I like the room in the cab.After my 1990 Toy, I experimented with a 99 Ranger 4WD - yuck, a 98 Mazda and a 98 Nissan. Its sure nice to get back to owning a Toyota!

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  Not the ride of my life - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Bruce Merda - January 23 - 6:13 pm

  Had an 03, loved it. From the specs the 08 should be even better. It is in every way except the ride. If youre on smooth blacktop fine, any other surface you will feel via the seat each tar strip, pavement crack, bump, and if you hit a hole... oh my! I drive 55 Ca. freeway miles a day. Hate the ride every mile. Suspension way too stiff for Toyotas luxury flagship, just jar & jolt. 17" wheels dont help either. 16" means more absorbing rubber and a softer ride. They need to quit trying to build cars to satisfy the specification desires of some auto magazines testers whose standards are usually race track handling, the biggest wheels & lots of hpwr. The Avalon isnt a sports car!

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  Expected More of Toyota - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By brw115 - January 23 - 1:47 pm

  After owning a troubled GM truck for a decade, I had high hopes for this truck. Unfortunately it seems that Toyota has dropped the ball. Though a smaller engine than the 6 cylinder S-10 I owned, this 4 cylinder gets worse gas mileage. The ride is very choppy and the Dunlop installed tires seem very cheap. Why not Michelin Toyota? The exterior of the truck is stylish and the seats on the prerunner are very comfortable, but what is the deal with that cheap Entunes crap stereo? The sound is awful and the so called voice activation rarely works. I do like the space in the access cab and the warranty offered was excellent, but Toyota could do better.

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  No Regrets - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Big Sky - January 23 - 8:53 am

  No other half ton can match this beast. From the style to every detail is what a modern day truck owner would want. My previous truck was a Nissan Titan. It was a decent truck until I got behind the wheel of a new Tundra. They pulled out all of the stops. Great job Toyota. Gas mileage is not bad, but hey its a truck not a hybrid. A+

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  Best car I ever bought - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By travis aka superman - January 23 - 7:46 am

  My God I am so grateful for this car I had it for 4 yrs now. Bought it with 75,000 now have 185,000 from the Toyota dealership. Only problems Ive had is the starter, EGR valve, window motor, and a slight transmission leak but otherwise it have been a GREAT car. My goal is to get 400,000 miles out of this car.

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  Not recommended - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By mojoe4420 - January 23 - 7:27 am

  Toyota has bungled what could be a very nice cars with a few foolish decisions. When I buy from an automaker I expect them to deliver a car, not a nanny. The seatbelt chime should give 4 or 5 dings should I choose to unbuckle for whatever reason. Instead it offers 1 ding per second for about 30 seconds & then switches tempo to 3 dings per second for at least another 30. Unnecessary. By the way geniuses, thats my briefcase in the passenger seat, not a person. Idiots! Then theres the fresh air/recirc HVAC control. When I make an adjustment, its for a reason. Toyota thinks they need to automatically switch to fresh air after about 5 minutes. Not cool. I rented this car, no purchase plans.

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  Excellent - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Rbagzis - January 23 - 5:43 am

  Love it - seats are a little uncomfortable for long hauls - but over all not too bad - great mileage (27 hiway/24 town) - lots of room - cute style - love the color - love the extras - easy parking - sharp turning - AWSOME VEHICLE

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  Performance and reliability - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By stanley szczurko - January 22 - 9:06 pm

  Excellent starting, road handling, and driving comfort during all seasons. never had mechanical problems. The only interior design flaw is the location of the windshield wiper control. I have accidently engaged it many times when making a turn.

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  Love My RAV4 - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Jay-Jay - January 22 - 7:43 pm

  We wanted a vehicle that had lots of storage space. We went with the V6 for the tow package, if and when we may need it. Taking our daughters to and from college was a little tight in my 99 Camry. So Im happy to say that I just love my RAV, I got a car that looks great, handles great, and is truly fun to drive. Plus serves the purpose of the purchase. Just got back from picking up daughter at college 2200 miles round trip and average 25 mpg, thats loaded right up for the trip home. I would make this purchase again in a heart beat.

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  Toyota Highlander is a Gas Guzzler - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By Chandara - January 22 - 6:46 pm

  I bought this car because I believed the stats as fact. I read that this SUV give you about 18 miles/gallon in the city. But my 2010 toyota highlander got me only 13 to 14 miles per gallon. I only got 750 miles on my SUV right now, but I had to fill up 4 times already. Each time cost me about $45.00. I am spending about $850.00 (car payment, insurance and gas)per month just to drive this car! Totally not worth it!