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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  On the Road - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Donald Frank Colvin - October 3 - 9:26 am

  The new 2005 handles like a dream. Is quiet, maneuvers like a cheetah. I have yet to step on the gas full as of now because the 280 HP is way more than it needs. The temperature should be displayed at all times but it is not. I think the new engine is a little more noisy than my 98 Avalon but it is still very quiet in the passenger compartment. The sound system is fantastic. I have only 350 + miles on the car to date and the expected milage is as good if not better than advertised.

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  Reliable gem. - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Sandra Parker - October 3 - 4:22 am

  The car is 2005 and I have never had one major repair needed in all the years I have owned it. This is my 3rd Toyota Corolla, and if I buy another car, it will the same make and model. Most reliable car on the road in my opinion.

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  4wd Trail Edition cant be beat - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4funner - October 3 - 2:20 am

  For years Ive wanted a 4Runner and when they came out with the Trail Edition, I finally bought one. Standard rear locking diff, Multi-terrain 4wd select, multi-speed crawl control (like cruise control for 4wd). With the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension system handles like a car at high speeds. In terms of handling, features, and interior comfort there is no vehicle like this. Cant wait for March when I get to test all the 4wd features in southern Utah. Although I wasnt crazy about having to pay $2400 for the Nav system, the 15 JBL speaker system that comes with Nav is amazing.

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  A Terrific, Fun, and Responsible Car - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By mgenito - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I have driven my new Prius over 5,000 miles and have loved every minute of it. It is a terrific answer to those seeking to drive a more environmentally responsible car, without sacrificing the look, feel, and maintenance of a more traditionally powered car. It not only significantly reduces air and water pollution, but noise pollution as well wehn it slips into electric mode.

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  Fun Car - Comfortable ride & good cargo - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By deitiphobia - October 3 - 2:00 am

  This car is great. It rides smooth, performs ok offroad, is fairly quiet on Higways. Great fuel efficiency.

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  Tundra SR5 - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Steph G - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Tundra as an extra to have a vehicle to lug stuff, if I need to. I looked at GM,Ford and Dodge, and after a (very) short test drive in the Tundra - the others were no longer in the running. Comfort and quietness, smoothness, handling...all great. No problems other than the dealer not installing the bedliner correctly, so it was not under the rails. Sometimes I wish I had spent the $2k more and gotten the Limited with leather and more features.

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  Taco lover... - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By elendil - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I love my tacoma! Ive driven alot of trucks, and this one is the best by far. Even with the I4, it has an adequate amount of power with the 5spd. I would recommmend it to anyone who is looking for a good, reliable truck. I have over 32,000 miles on it, and no problems!

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  Excellent economy car - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By Common_Man - October 2 - 8:00 pm

  We have owned our Yaris for about a month and love it. We thought about buying a Prius, but the 10k price difference made us change our mind real quick. The Yaris sedan looks small from the outside, but is more than sufficient for daily use like commuting to work and running errands. Even at highway speeds (75+), the vehicle is pretty smooth with no vibrations/noise. Seems to handle snow driving (northeast US) pretty well, compared to my previous bigger cars. Fuel economy is excellent (38+ on mixed driving). 20 bucks fills up the car. Leg room is very adequate both in the front and rear. Recommend that everyone buy the power package that includes power windows, mirrors, locks and remote key.

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  Almost 2 Years, and Im Still Loving It - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Nancy - October 2 - 6:06 pm

  I bought my Yaris S in August 2006 and it has been a great car. I thought the slow acceleration speed would bother me, but I take the interstate every day and it has never been a problem. Its a fun car and I couldnt be happier with it. My family is in the car business, so Ive seen (and driven) all kinds of cars, and this one is the nicest under $30K Ive found.

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  nice truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By bjw04toyota - October 2 - 6:03 pm

  Well this is my first Toyota. I was a Ford man but I wanted a truck that was dependable and had a good rep for making them. I put a lot of money down so I wanted to make my money good for something, and I did a lot of research and found that the Toyota Tacoma was at the top of the list of all major points, resale value, durabilty and quality.