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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  Great Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Elizabeth J. KIkuchi - November 22 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car and the most comfortable car we have owned in 50 years.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Jim Bob T - November 22 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned in 40 years. My next cara will be an Avalon by Toyota. I have two friends that have purchased an Avalon after riding in mine.

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  2004 Corolla S - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By cycler48 - November 22 - 10:00 am

  This is our 4th Toyota and theyve all been fabulous. 92 Camry LE V6, 97 Corolla DX, 03 Corolla S, 04 Corolla S. My wife and I still drive the 92 Camry and our daughter has the 03 Corolla. Unfortunately, the 97 was totalled last year. As much as we like the Camry, we like the 04 Corolla S even more. Theres nearly as much room in the Corolla. The Corolla rides better in certain conditions and the gas mileage is so much better. Its really a more fun car to drive and it has that certain Toyota feel that it will last forever. We love our Corolla.

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  why my wife and i are on our 10th toyota - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By iamstones - November 22 - 10:00 am

  nothing less than i would expect from toyota-- after 9 cars from corolla to avalon, its still the best car out there and the one that is most consistantly well built and performance perfect.

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  I LOVE MY CAMRY - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By JHSiess - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I thought I loved my 1996 Camry. Well, I was wrong. I LOVE my 2004 Camry, although I kept my 1996 and still enjoy driving it, too. But the 2004 is much improved, not only in handling, but comfort, mileage, etc. It is quieter and rides even smoother. I adore this car. Even with the a/c running and at speeds up to 80 mph, I get 36 mpg on the freeway. You just cant beat that. It is 100% reliable and great to take along friends, or the kids and their friends because everyone rides comfortably and happily. Well worth the $$. Im quite sure that in a few years I will be purchasing Camry #3!

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  Not for everyone - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By MABNY - November 21 - 11:53 pm

  Lets be realistic for a moment; this is a vehicle designed with a specific type of person in mind. This person will probably fold the back seats down and never unfold them again (or just remove them completely). The FJ Cruiser is a sport utility vehicle, as SUVs were intended to be, designed to access a favorite fishing hole, cart a deer carcass home for dressing, or carry a roof-top-tent to the top of a mountain. It is not the over-grown station wagon that the modern SUV has come to be. The FJ Cruiser has a cult following of outdoor enthusiasts, eccentrics and adventurers whos definition of practicality doesnt involve DVD players, electric folding third rows, and "a car-like ride".

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  Excellent - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Kathy - November 21 - 8:20 pm

  My Camry SE is fantastic. No problems what so ever. People notice this car and it is a pleasure to drive. Great gas mileage and comfortable on long trips. This is my 5th Toyota and I am pleased.

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  A Blast - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Hawk - November 21 - 5:00 pm

  This SUV is a blast to drive with an ample amount of power, great handling that is almost sports car like and pretty good gas mileage in the 2010. The dreaded "blind spot" is virtually nonexistent with the mirrors. I have more fun driving this vehicle than any vehicle that I have ever owned.

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  Love my RAV4 - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Caligirl - November 21 - 3:06 am

  Bought my car 2 weeks ago and I couldnt be more happy. It is fun to drive, has great visability, smooth, smooth brakes, unbelievable pickup with the V-6, and great looks too! I also test drove the Honda CR-V and while it has nice looks this year it doesnt offer a V-6 or bluetooth which I have found to be a must buy if you can afford them. I look forward to many fun years of driving this great car.

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  Better than I expected - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Brad - November 20 - 5:06 pm

  I decided to go "green," but was not all that excited about the Prius. But Ive been more than pleasantly surprised. The leather seating is a nice touch and the interior is very spacious and comfortable. The electronic controls (radio, climate, etc.) are outstanding, much better than those offered by the German automakers. And performance-wise, the car has some kick. No, its not a BMW but its not slow and I really enjoy driving it. The only negative I can think of is that the car is so light that when its very windy and youre on the highway, you can really feel it.