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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  Toyota solara...Rocks! - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Russo - November 19 - 8:16 am

  Smooth and quiet ride, strong engine, excellent build quality...

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  1st time owner of Toyota Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Beth - November 19 - 6:56 am

  Just purchased my first Toyota vehicle. I chose the camry due to reputation, reliability, gas mileage and quality. I have been impressed so far. I have traveled over 300 miles on a 1/2 tank of gas. Love the smoothness of the ride, is very quiet inside. Love everything about it.

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  Awesome Truck - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mike D - November 19 - 2:30 am

  I bought my 07 Prerunner Access Cab after stepping down from a Chevy 1500 Z71 and I couldnt be happier. While I loved my full size, I love the improved fuel economy and the great pickup my V6 has. It has all the creature comforts you need and is comfortable. I am 64" and have no problem being comfortable in the front seat, although I wouldnt recommend the jump seats in the rear for any adult over 6. Could use a little more padding on the seats, but I love the fold flat feature. Makes it easy to load groceries or bulky items. I love the track system in the bed. Makes it easy to find the best tie down spot for my load. Altogether an excellent buy. Will not be disappointed with this truck.

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  Best truck ever - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Tundra For life - November 19 - 2:23 am

  Ive put a lot of miles on this truck so far. I am very impressed. No problems at all. Gas mileage is impressive 22 on highway. I towed my 24 trailer 1200 miles and averaged 17 mpg. Sold a 2006 Dodge Hemi. Never own one again 2 transmissions and i engine overhaul. And many rattles. I will stick with a Toyota. Best truck on the road.

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  Why did I buy a Dodge first? - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By GI Tiger - November 18 - 2:03 pm

  Great, fun, truck, the V6 power plant is just right for this vehicle. Im glad I bought all the extras (TRD, Prerunner, SR5) with the off road package. This truck does do some weird things though, dont drive too fast in windy conditions, it likes to nose plow, controlling it sometimes is a job in itself. It doesnt drive well on uneven roads at times.

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  Great Truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By D Hanna - November 18 - 2:00 pm

  My 2nd Tundra - totalled the first - but I was fine. New 5 speed transmission is ultra smooth. Engine smooth - low noise at highway speeds - another great ride. Sees limited off road use, but great when needed. Limited towing of 5000 lb trailer and equipment - does it without a problem and up a 10 percent grade hill.

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  Great car for the money - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By happy owner - November 18 - 11:40 am

  Traded an 01 Cadillac DTS for my first for my first foreign car (built in Kentucky!) and have been very happy. Excellent performance, 0 to 60 in under 7 sec,and averaging 29 mpg on highway on regular. Just returned from a 4000 mile trip and got 35 mpg on a 55 mph strip. Thats as good as my daughter got on her 95 Civic coupe. The Caddy got 15 in town and only 24 max on the road. The Avalon has much better acceleration too. I also expect to get much better resale value than the Caddy.

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  Best Ever - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Best Ever - November 18 - 12:53 am

  I drive this truck for off road soils testing business. I have had a lot of different 4wd vehicles - the FJ does the best job. Dependable, easy to operate. Goes where I need to go with no problems. I have also taken it on road trips over 650 miles, very comfortable. I burn only regular gas, no problem & get from 19.8 city to 23 mpg hwy. average around 20mpg. I have not found the blind spots to be a problem, even in Dallas multi lane heavy traffic. Mirrors take care of it just fine. This is my favorite vehicle I have ever owned. I am 61, so have owned a lot of autos, so takes a lot to say this is my favorite ever.

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  x-runner rocks - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By gijoe - November 17 - 11:40 am

  Great handling and nice free flow exhaust notes. Mileage is good for this size and power. Had only one fillup so far and went 320 miles on a little less than 16 gallons. Love the close ratios in the 6-speed.

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  Functional and Fun - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By ThaBeazer - November 16 - 3:20 pm

  Just got my 06 Tacoma PreRunner, and I love it. It was a long overdue upgrade to my 96 Mitsubishi Eclipse RS. It rides almost like a regular car, but has the height and power you need in a truck. Compared to other vehicles in its class, the Tacoma is a better dollar value, and also an ongoing maintenance value.