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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  Engineering marvel disguised as a Tonka - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Desert Rat - November 21 - 2:56 pm

  Im a serious desert rat, living in Moab, Utah. I have dogs and I practically live out of my Cruiser. Im out every day in the backcountry. Of course the Cruiser was made for exactly this kind of life. Its OK living the urban lifestyle, but its totally underutilized. If youre only going to use it for city-type commuting, you wont like the mileage or lack of visibility (although not bad, really). Be sure to use premium gas, it really does bring the numbers up to where theyre tolerable, worth the extra cost. This vehicle is truly an engineering marvel - Toyotas thought of everything. Im a 56 year old woman and I love it!

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  What a great decision! - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Andy - November 21 - 3:50 am

  Toyota hit the nail directly on the head with the new RAV4 providing what American drivers need and want. In-city mileage is 20 mpg+. Had a little rattle for a few miles but service department solved it. Ive continued to "shop" after the purchase and am convinced the RAV4 is the best of the breed especially for a tall guy like myself.

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  4RUNNER DEPENDABILITY - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jay - November 21 - 3:42 am

  This is a GREAT TRUCK! I have 180, 000 miles on mine and it still does everything it was suppose to do. I bought it at 159K with no hesitation since its a Toyota, have not been dissappointed yet. It starts and runs GREAT everyday and I drive 40 miles round trip to my job everyday. Cant say enough good things about this truck.

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  Cheap exterior and interior - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By shivani - November 21 - 12:50 am

  One of my friends recently backed out into my rear bumper of my corolla, and it wasnt a very light impact, but my whole bumper came off, while his car doesnt even have a scratch. My sister has a 06 corolla, people have hit her car so many times in so many places, but nothing as drastic as a whole part falling off has happened to her. It is very disappointing that such a small accident could do such damage, makes me wonder what would happen if I got hit on a street where people are actually driving 30 mph, instead of 2? Also, the mileage of the car is good, but not good for a Toyota, as I had expected it.

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  Heat issues in Michigan - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Dan D. - November 20 - 9:50 pm

  I bought my Prius just before the economy crashed. Dont drive it in the winter as it takes forever to warm up and wont keep ice or snow buildup off the windshield. Im concerned about comments on quitting for no reason and dead battery. I stored mine last winter and started it every couple of weeks with no problems. But didnt get it out until March. Mileage goes south when weather is cold. So I just drove my Pickup beginning in late Nov. until March. Also noted that tire wear is excessive. They must have used a cheap tire as OEM. Wouldnt buy another as insurance is high and needing a different vehicle for the seasons defeats economy of transportation. Its built well though.

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  Rock Solid and efficient - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Liquorman - November 20 - 2:13 am

  Had my car for almost 7 years now and I can say it has been great. Yeah, its not a BMW, but its a easy drive, fuel efficient and has good room for the size. I recently upgraded to a high end VW Passat wagon, and even though it is classier I miss my Toyotas efficiency (wife drives it now).

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  Simply the Best car Ive ever owned - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Chris - November 19 - 10:06 pm

  Ive owned two Lexus LS 400s prior to the 2005 Avalon. This car rides supremely well for a front wheel drive car and has 280 horsepower, thats about what was in my previous Lexus. It even accelerates like a V8! The seating is super comfortable, the car even has a power rear sunshade and rear reclining seats. The fit and finish is as usual with Toyota products, impeccable! All my friends think I bought the latest model Lexus LS 430, however at half the price.

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  Great Car! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Commuter Girl - November 19 - 9:36 pm

  Purchased Nov 2003, I commute 160 miles RT four days a week. This car jams! Does 70-80 mph in carpool lane with no shakes. Tended to be really noisy inside until I got high quality tires. Gas mileage really disappointing for such a small car but handles like a dream, has plenty of power to pass vehicles on daily mountain pass climb, even with the air on! Lots of cargo room with back seats down. VERY stable in scary conditions - quick response and recovery. Tire size is NOT standard - hard to find replacements at decent prices. Just now replacing shocks/struts/brakes at 64K miles. Fun to drive, does very well on 4WD roads, extremely reliable.

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  Love my Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Jeff - November 19 - 4:46 pm

  Great car, with surprising power and amenities. I was hesitant to purchase a hybrid, but am very happy and pleased with my choice of brand. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  A technological marvel - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By martin - November 19 - 2:43 pm

  I have had this car for a year now. It is an amazing SUV. The gas mileage is simply superb and is within the EPA figures. I am getting an average of 28.0 MPG - a great relief from my Expedition. I love everything about this car.