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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  LOVED this SUV - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By SpoiledWife - January 26 - 5:40 am

  My husband bought this 4Runner for me used with 100k mi on it. I had no problem with the miles as it was all still as tight as the day it was new. I put another 40k on it before I traded it in 2 weeks ago. I loved it. There is room for 4 large adults comfortably, 5 if one is a smaller child with no car seat. But I have had 5 with one in car seat many times and it wasnt too bad. I never once had any doubts about getting in it and driving where ever I needed to go. I routinely got 18.5 mpg mixed and 21 mpg highway. With the back seats down it can hold a lot of crap. The front seats are ok for short distances but over a long drive the seats can get hard.

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  Love it! - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By ksgirl1 - January 26 - 5:26 am

  I bought this car used in 2/11. It now has 101,000mi on it. I have it serviced at Toyota and it always checks out fine. So far I have been nothing but pleased. I have put 22,000 miles on it and have taken it on several long 2 day road trips. It is very comfortable. I have two small children and the backseat has tons of space for both of them and all of their stuff. Love the reclining back seats and built in sunshade. Trunk is huge. I have all the bells and whistles and love the navigation, built in Bluetooth etc. We just recently replaced the battery, other than that no issues. Would highly recommend.

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  This truck can easily pass the 300k miles - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Sergio A - January 26 - 1:33 am

  Last 4 ever!

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  Best all purpose suv out there - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By joe - January 25 - 9:23 pm

  It tows, it goes fast, it is fun to drive, it is a lot more comfortable than our RAV4 on long trips. There are a lot of complaints about gas mileage, but I average 28 summer and 24 winter.

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  The Best I Ever Had - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Sam - January 25 - 3:00 pm

  I bought the 2008 Yaris 9-14-07 and went on vacation. 44 mpg on the interstate, 41 mpg city and interstate. 3500 miles and not one problem. Am I happy. The only thing I didnt like was when you drive on dirt roads, the rear fender wheel wells have no guards and the road noise is bad.

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  I had a 87 bmw but I love this SUV - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By new4runner - January 25 - 3:23 am

  Originally, I wanted a lexus RX 350 but I really needed a practical family car to transport my teenagers. I have loved this car. My friends with mercedes are asking me if I like it. Yes, I really do. Just got it and someone keyed my car. No problem, I do have insurance. Its a shame someone would do that to my beautiful red 4Runner. Just wish it had a light on the window control panel. When it is dark, I cant find the correct button. I also wish it got a little better gas mileage and had a panel that shows how much gas I was using per mileage and how much gas/miles left to use.

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  what a great 1st truck! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By phil - January 24 - 10:10 pm

  I am very impressed. I drive a 2005 Mercedes 320 CLK Cabriolet for my everyday driver, but this truck is becoming my favorite ride! The wife & I "fight" over who will drive it to work. We got the speedway blue, with the TRD offroad upgrade, and get compliments wherever we go. Love the Toyota quality & reliability. I expect this truck to last us for many years.

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  Best Car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Bruce - January 24 - 9:13 pm

  I have a 120 mile round trip to and from work and this is the best car I have ever owned. Bought it new and other than tires, oil changes, serpentine belt and a new battery, thats it. The car is great. My son has a 2003 and has had the same experience. Going the speed limit I can average 43 mpg on the interstate. I now have 155,000 miles on it and am sure it will make it to at least 300,000 and beyond. This care is flawless mechanically. Now all my family including my wife and daughter have bought Toyotas.

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  Texan loves her RAV4! - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Helen - January 24 - 3:33 pm

  Ive had my 2007 RAV4 Limited for a little over 7 weeks and truly love it! Enjoy driving it. I was hesitant about purchasing a 4 cyl SUV after owning a V6 mustang, but it has great get up and go on the freeways and great handling. I feel safe and secure behind the wheel and the visibility is fabulous. Even my husband loves it. Toyota has made a superior and sporty looking SUV.

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  Loved it - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By loved it - January 24 - 2:43 pm

  I was in the military and stationed in California. I drove from California to Texas all the time. So put a lot of miles on my car. I also got in a wreck and totaled the car completely a few months after I got it. It was dark outside and I was able to drive the car with it totaled all the way to work which was about 20 miles and to the shop to drop it off which was another 10. IT STILL RAN!!! I never had a problem and loved the gas mileage it got. I went 1200 miles from Cali to Texas and had to fill up 3 times. Thats not bad! I love this car and miss it deeply!!! Only got rid of it cause I had another baby and there was not enough room in the backseat for 2 car seats plus another person.