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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  this is a sportscar w/ a truck bed! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By deltawhip - August 16 - 4:53 am

  The fit, finish, and materials are very good. Ive had no issues with workmanship or performance. This thing really moves! Handles great, brakes great, and the looks and stares I get driving around in the X are just priceless! Very good machine that needs that TRD supercharger to make it really shine. MPG not too shabby either at about 19 with mixed driving.

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  Disappointing with build quality - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By dzu - August 16 - 2:00 am

  For a Toyota brand name, I am so disappointing with build quality such as speakers falling off, rattle noise from windows, problem with rear defroster. Driving experience is good.

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  Ignore the chauvanists - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By brucec32 - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned them all, chevy, ford, dodge, and Toyota. By far my best pickup for light-medium duty use. I dont haul passengers, so try elsewhere if you want lots of rear seat room, but otherwise this truck tops the others in virtually every category. And its more reliable. Beware of pro-domestic truck fans who come on message boards slamming Tundras. I also own a 2002 silverado, so I think Im pretty objective. The tundra is easier to drive and feels more in control. The Silverado has already had 2 major issues, too.

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  Matrix XRS - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By DennisM - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Very nice vehicle. Lots of room.

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  Best SUV Ever Built by Toyota - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By White - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Sold my Jeep Grand Cherokee (too mnay problems since I bought, may just unlucky or what). I went around dealers and looking for a new SUV. Finally looking at the new 4Runner. Wow...What a big improvement and the greatest SUV ever. Bought it on the same day. My Thanksgiving gift. Now I can drive distance.

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  Finally, your moneys worth! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By chelled - August 16 - 2:00 am

  I finally got what I paid for!! Maybe a little more!! Roomy, comfortable, slightly more fuel efficiant than most SUVs (4cyl), classy, and affordable. Six months and havent found anything I dont like. Thanks Toyota!

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  Love my XLE 6 - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Tom Brown - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Like the previous Camrys we bought it for its ride, reliability and value. Have also owned Accords and chose the Camry over the Accord because of better ride, bigger trunk, and towing capacity. Glad the we didnt wait for the new Accords as the back end is unattractive. Like some previous reviews Ive read have had intermittent problems with the transmission jerking slightly between 40 and 50 both during acceleration and deceleration. Of course it did not do it when I took it to the dealer. . Love the car overall and would recommend it to anyone. Liked the Avalon also, but couldnt justify $2500 difference in price.

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  Another Happy Owner - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Deni - August 16 - 12:20 am

  After 1 year & 10,000 miles, Im still as happy with my Camry hybrid as the day I drove it off the lot! Hubby loves driving it, too. No problem navigating the snow-and-ice covered streets this winter. Accelerates easily. Smooth, comfortable ride. Plenty of room in back seat. MPG runs 38-39 all city, 40-42 interstate (70 mph). Had 6 weeks of extremely cold weather this winter & mileage dropped to 34-36 mpg--car did not turn off when idling as heater had to run non- stop! Ranked quality a "10" as my cars performance has been stellar to date--BUT--my gas pedal was recently refitted, per recall, & twice Ive noticed there is a lapse between my acceleration & the response of the car. Scary...

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  2006 Toyota RAV 4 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By John Paradiso - August 15 - 6:23 pm

  Exceptional quality and amenities for the price. Handles well and has surprising power for a 4 cyl. Plenty of room for both passengers & cargo. All the benefits of an SUV but rides like a car. Tight turning radius a bonus.

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  RER Sienna Owner - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By I.M.Satisfied - August 15 - 3:06 pm

  Absolutely no complaints. This van has been ultra reliable and durable. Planning on buying another Sienna van within the next 12 months.