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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  Makes Sense to own - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By HpRet - December 28 - 1:26 pm

  This is my 4th Toyota... 1st one was purchased in 1969. Ive owned many other cars over the years. I have rented many cars for business as well. Toyotas are bland, but reliability, economy and fit/finish convinced us to return. Our first weekend with the car was a 600 mile trip. We averaged 43 MPG! The car was quiet, comfortable and handles well. Another benefit, it fits much better in our garage than the Silverado we traded. Toyota continues to set the benchmark for mainstream vehicles.

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  So Reliable - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Fyneboi - December 28 - 7:56 am

  I bought the SUV in August 2002 and still rocking the car till today. I changed my oil at 5000 miles, has only done one full tune up, changed the O2 sensors. Other than that, never done any major mechanical repair on this car. The car runs great.

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  Tried em all- none compare to the Sienna - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By Cassie - December 28 - 7:50 am

  We purchased an 01 brand new. I have loved it from day one. It has never given me a problem. We have done nothing to it but the normal oil changes, transmission fluid changes and brakes. Outstanding vehicle. In the market for a new one and not happy with the expensive option packages for 05. Spent all day yesterday test driving all the competition- conclusion: yes some are much cheaper but theres no comparison in looks, comfort, drive to the toyota. Back to the toyota dealership we went and made a deal. Im getting another toyota sienna.

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  01 4runner - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By jeff chung - December 27 - 3:50 pm

  Its a great SUV. Feels like it could last forever. Interior has worn well.

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  2004 Prius - excellent - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Norman - December 27 - 5:16 am

  It is fun to drive and economical with plenty of space. It seems to get better mileage after a period of warm-up especially during cold or wet conditions so for short hops with long parking times, mileage suffers during the winter.

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  My Celica - 1997 Toyota Celica
  By Jentibe - December 27 - 2:00 am

  My only problems have been cosmetic internally. Other than that, this is the most reliable, fun-to-drive car that Ive owned!

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  love it!! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By ssp - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Just bought my highlander and I am loving it. Drives so smooth, like a sedan, and the AWD is a lifesaver living in New England. Great in the snow, and the gas mileage isnt bad since I bought the 4 cylinder. For all of you wondering how the 4 cylinder does with AWD, its plenty for me! Its not a speed demon but has plenty of power, Im really happy with it.

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  Great Car!!! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Parthiv - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I test drove Nissa Altima and Camry twice befor buying. I was hooked up with Nissan New look. But hat was it. After test driving Camry, I loved it. The car is so silent, road/wind/tire noise is next to nothing. Interior is great and of impressive quality. Milege is Great too - 32 mpg. I loved Nissan Altima exterior style. But now after comparing too and staring for more than 2 weeks of test driving, I like Camry better. Qualiy is better and style is very Classy. More like Lexus. Sound system is too good. With no outside noice, it feels much clearer. So unlike you sit in Hond Civics, you dont have to make it louder to hear.

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  Fun to drive! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Teri - December 26 - 12:33 pm

  Bought this car for a teen daughter because of its safety. She needed a car that could haul her equestrian gear (saddles etc.) which it does with ease. She loves to drive it because it is so fun plus it has great looks. Everyone wants to know what it is. There are no other cars like it in our small town. We also took it on a trip yesterday through a very curvy canyon and it handled great. Super gas mileage. To tell you the truth, I like it every bit as much as my Lexus sedan. Plus, the added side impact airbags will give me alot less to worry about when my daughter leaves for college!

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  My Camry is HOT! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By lovemyCamry2003 - December 26 - 3:36 am

  This car is sporty and quick. Been in the shop one time for a tune up. No problems to date. Bought for the kids, but still drive it for me.