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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  Another happy Toyota owner - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Bill Gu - December 9 - 2:00 am

  A really pleasant car, which is very well made. Quiet, peppy, good looking and reliable. The mix cant be beat at this end of the price spectrum or even above it.

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  Love It! - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By AW - December 9 - 1:36 am

  I love driving my new 2010 4Runner SR5. I have been very surprised by how great the gas mileage is for such a large truck. It drives smoothly, and I am looking forward to keeping it until it has 300,000 miles on it. I purchased the metallic gray, and I love how the darker paint makes the chrome features pop. I had to get use to the bubble lights, but I like them now. It feels like a safe, well built truck.

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  Envy of the Truck World - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bruce - December 9 - 12:40 am

  I currently own four Toyotas, the experience i have had with this TRD packaged truck is the same boring run forever, well made, reliable, blah, blah, blah, that all my Toys have provided me. This truck has truly been a pleasure to drive, always starts up on the first revolutions, i could not find one exterior flaw, not one undercarriage flaw, composite bed is something that all trucks should have by now. The V6 provides an enormous amount of power while giving 20-20.7 miles to gallon when driven sensibly. Other truck owners have the look of "why didnt i spend the extra money" as they stare at my Barcelona Red TRD. Toyota even provides 2 years of free oil/filter, etc changes. No regrets.

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  18-Month Review - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Karen - December 8 - 10:16 pm

  Im coming up on 15000 miles, love this SUV. Drove from NoVa to NC beaches (10 hours) with 4 adults, 2 dogs, luggage, boogie boards, beach chairs, etc., plenty of room, everyone comfy the whole trip. Temp over 100 degrees, had no problems with AC. I like the side-hinged rear door; when installing the cargo carrier on the roof rack, I was able to stand on the rear deck and install the back end of the carrier, also the carrier could stick out further than the back of the car and we could still open the rear door. This SUV is so much fun to drive, it handles beautifully, its powerful, I still love driving it after almost 18 months. Only maintenance so far: oil changes.

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  My Camry LE Experience - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Young - December 8 - 10:00 am

  This car has been such a great vehicle that we have decided to purchase another Toyota Camry LE 4-door sedan as our last vehicle now that we are retiring. The car has been very reliable in every way -- starting in -20 degrees weather (and above 109 degrees) without a problem. We live in a mountainous area and our Camry handles the climbs (and grades) without a hitch. Plenty of power and get-up-and-go. Its a great car! You will never regret purchasing a Toyota Camry LE (or upgraded model).

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  a good buy - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By tasso - December 8 - 10:00 am

  i just purchased my 1997 camry le, and it is an exceptional family automobile.I know that it will last for a good long time.

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  2001 Prius - Drive it! Love it! - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By alangoho - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Other than the initial sale (which was right when the Prius was released for sale in the US), this has been the most amazing automobile experience I have ever had. Ive had it for 18 months without a complaint. I have put on about 18K miles so far, and am averaging about 47.7 mpg. I am re-assured by the quality of the vehicle. Not the cheesy tin can that I was expecting from buying an import. Its got a steel body (which takes away from performance/mpg, but adds to the solid feel). Its no slouch when you need acceleration, but thats not why I bought it. I love "hearing the light change" as the Toyota commercial so succinctly put it. Lots of interior room and a comfortable ride.

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  Great truck, as expected! - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Glenn Oden - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned Toyotas for the last thirty years. Ive never been disapointed yet and the Tundra is the best yet. If it would get 30 mpg Id be in heaven.

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  Excellent ride - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By WB - December 8 - 10:00 am

  The interior has enough room to be comfortable for those long road trips. Sure blows away the cramped up seating in the durango where you are sitting elbow to elbow. 3 months isnt long enough to give a fair opinion, but so far its an excellent vehicle to own.

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  I love my car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By kirsten Clark - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Excellent deal for so little money. Its a great little car. Head on colision and I am alive and kicking! Great crash test reviews from me!