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:

• 

  Nervous - 2007 Toyota Sequoia
  By Dave - September 19 - 11:50 pm

  Ive had my Sequoia for a little over two years now and though I love driving the vehicle and it works well for my family of five, I am 15,000 miles past my manufacturers warranty and already have over $2,000.00 in repairs. I was lucky enough to have purchased the extended warranty so I havent had to pay for these repairs out of pocket but I am very worried about what this vehicle is going to cost me in the long run. I am pretty sure I will dump it when it is paid for. This is a shame because I really like the vehicle from a users point of view. My last issue was with the fuel pump at 45,000 miles. The part alone is over $600.00 from the dealership. That excludes labor.

• 

  Bulletproof - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By AaronDetroit - September 19 - 11:20 pm

  Ive had this car about 2.5 months now. Its a 2008 3dr. hatch, 5 spd. manual. Has air conditioning, but not many other options. Got it with about 31k miles, and only 1 owner before me. Paid $8950. To me thats a crazy good deal. Build quality is excellent. Reputation for reliability is basically bulletproof. Gas mileage is great, especially if you dont drive it hard. Drives, handles, shifts, and brakes very well for an economy car. Has an overall feeling of quality that is hard to find at this price range.

• 

  Go Go MR2 - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Ma - September 19 - 8:23 pm

  I purchased a 2000 Silver MR2 Spyder and Ive had so much fun driving the car. Its quick and responsive, cute and attractive. The gas mileage is excellent. Although the car literally has no storage space, it is nevertheless a fun weekend getaway rider.

• 

  LOVE MY TUNDRA! - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By E. J. LEAGUE - September 19 - 7:20 pm

  Ive had ford and chevy but the tundra is the quietest, smoothest ride for a pickup truck i have ever experienced. The power is impressive, and I have extras like sunroof, navigation, heated seats, which just add to the enjoyment. Best of all, this truck looks good!

• 

  High Class Car - Not quite high class $$ - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Karl Meier - September 19 - 6:13 pm

  This car has loads of room front and back. Large trunk and leg room in rear seats to give away. A neat new look outside that should stay in style for some years to come. The dash controls are easy to read day or night (back lit for nite). Its full of new tech features like the push button start/stop with your keys never leaving yor pocket. The automatic windshield wipers come on when the drops start to fall and speed up or down depending on the amount of rain without touching one knob. The voice command for various controls like radio and navigation are first class. This car has it all.

• 

  At 160,000 miles and still going strong! - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By Going on 160,000. - September 19 - 5:33 am

  We own 1 car and we have nothing go wrong. We just started to have to replace parts. Its cheaper than buying a new car. It still looks as good as the 1st day we got it.

• 

  Great Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mora - September 19 - 2:13 am

  This truck has got to be the most comfortable and most fun ride Ive seen in a truck. Best truck for your money.

• 

  What a Blast - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By deadmanlives - September 18 - 5:23 pm

  This little SUV is great fun to drive. It has tight handling, great turning radius, good ride, and the acceleration...whoa momma! Buy the V-6 and you will understand what I mean. We bought a Limited with all the bells and whistles, paid right at $1000 under MSRP, so we felt like we got a good deal. The interior roominess is close to that of much larger SUVs. Road noise is much quieter than the CR-V. Ill be curious to see if we get anything close to the mileage rating of 21/28. My only disappointment is that the Rav4 is my wifes vehicle, and I hardly ever get to drive it.

• 

  love it - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By pat caboli burnsit - September 18 - 12:26 pm

  excellent econobox i drive a lot and you cant beat that mileage. capable handling, small exterior, big interior, huge trunk, good sound system.

• 

  It May Be the End - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Patrina - September 18 - 4:23 am

  I bought it used at 177,000 for the original owner. It had been well maintained. It only needs regular oil changed and tune ups, the power in this car is great, and I have to say that its okay on gas. Ive been rear- ended twice with no need to go to a body shop. Now at 277,000 the transmission is going and I think I have to buy a new car, but this car has taken me everywhere I fancied with absolutely no problem.