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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  have had radio problem - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By jlw1960 - January 17 - 9:30 am

  We really love our truck have had to have the radio replaced still the channels will fade in and out at times.have lost the rubber strip on the top right side in car wash , but as far as the performance of the truck could not be happier my husband get mad because I do not want him to drive it .

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  Taco Ma is bulletproof - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By vamnews - January 17 - 7:36 am

  As with all Toyotas, this baby beast is hard to kill. I do all the maintenance on my vehicles and this one is a breeze to work on with easy access to "hard to reach" components. I get 20-22 mpg w/ the 3.4 liter V-6 because I dont abuse it; but when I need it to perform, it answers the call. It hauls rocks, gravel, mulch with ease and can yank out stumps like a fullsize truck.

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  What happened? - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Joe - January 17 - 6:33 am

  Grown man loyal Toyota fan sitting here crying. Just came back from the dealer after trading in my lemon.Trans burned out-yes a Toyota Camry with a burnt trans at 110,000 and I babied the car for the 3 years it lived.Quote was $4500 new $2000 used trans.This was after $1300 blown #1 manifold 3 months earlier and the blown oil line $400 mentioned here before. Car was a gem up to 75,000 then my check book opened. Trans slippage between 1st and 2nd gear occurred since new and 1 day trans just blew. My letter to Toyota will sit on the pile they already have. Too big too fast is causing Toyota to become Chrysler. FYI-dealer bought the car-$7000. I bought it new for $28,000 3 yrs and 110,000 mi ago

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  Camry great in mileage - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By john - January 17 - 4:03 am

  I love the way it handles, best of all comfort and good miles per gallon.

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  Tacoma Crew - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By gnshpdude - January 17 - 3:33 am

  2.7 L Is a little underpowered and only gets 1 MPG more then my friends V6 Tacoma. Seats get a little uncomfortable on long rides. Other then that a great reliable truck.

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  Best Truck Out There - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By DaGoomba - January 17 - 2:13 am

  I looked at all the mid-size trucks and you will not find a better made or looking truck than the Tacoma. All the other trucks seem to always be on sale but not the Tacoma 4x4. Toyota knows they have a good thing and you pay a little more to get one, but its well worth it. These trucks will hold their value and are built to last. The interior is very roomy and quite for a truck. I got the Sport Package with the upgraded interior and I love it. The hood scope adds a nice touch and gives it a little aggressive look. The V6 has plenty of power and is quick to respond. IÂ’ve only got 500 miles on mine (drove from Sacramento to Reno over the weekend) and the drive was very relaxing.

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  Love it! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By A McNeil - January 16 - 11:33 pm

  Ive had the car for a week/480 miles and love it! Very sharp exterior appearance in silver, interior is comfortable and spacious (leather and moonroof added by dealership). I traded in a V6 Hyundai Tiberon and was concerned about responsiveness and pickup, this car does not disappoint! I commute 60 miles/day and am thrilled with my fuel economy...Im getting 40+mpg every trip (and the "Excellent!" message, which is fun). There is a pulsing (I think "surging" may be too strong a word) at higher speeds as the computer combines the two power sources, but none of my passengers have noticed it and its the nature of the technology at this time. I love this car, and highly recommend it!

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  Traded in H2 for FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By pencilmarks - January 16 - 5:46 pm

  Having driven an H2 for four years previous to this vehicle, it took some getting used to size and "bells & whistles" wise. But off road capabilities are good. Driving pretty darned smooth. Room inside surprising, even in back. Love the look, little worried about all the plastic, but will just wait and see how wear and tear affects it. Definitely not missing the H2s 10 mpg gas guzzling in the city. FJ is fun to drive & very satisfying. Not luxurious, but definitely comfortable. Price was also a real deal in my mind. Never had a Toyota before, so this is a new experience. Well see how it goes with time.

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  This thing is amazing... - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Dbone - January 16 - 11:03 am

  I have owned a few vehicles in my time and nothing comes close to matching the overall quality and purchase experience I have gotten with the Runner. I went with the limited V8. Oh so smooth and quiet and not a single rattle... Handles unbelievably with the XREAS. Gas mileage more than reasonable for the smoothness, quietness and capability provided. Have had it for almost a year now and my feeling is that I will be able to keep this thing for my planned minimum 10 years easy. I can not say enough about this truck... very attached to it :-) I considered a new Pathfinder. Not the same vehicle for sure. Could have gotten a much better deal on the Nissan but just couldnt do it.

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  Avalon Excels - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Sheler - January 16 - 7:53 am

  While Ive only had this car for barely 60 days, it is my 2nd Avalon XLS and Im very pleased. My 96 gave great service with virtually no engine failures of any kind over nearly a five year period. I didnt hesitate to buy another one, only this one new.