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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  Great Ride - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By John Clark - October 22 - 5:50 am

  A real head turner. Has a great feel and comfort to it almost like a luxury car should. Lots of head room for you taller people. More room for travel than meets the eye. Cool suicide doors for the backseats. Option to travel on backroads becuse of a great suspension that only the hardcore could love. Its honestly just a great looking car that is really suited for everyone to drive.

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  great truck - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Gary - October 22 - 4:43 am

  I have found not problems with the truck. when needed the 4 wheel drive is indispensible. have never been stuck and vehicle always starts. Installed an engine block heater for cold climates.

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  Best kept secret on the road today - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Mark G - October 22 - 12:03 am

  If you want a dumb muscle car that is fast off the line then keep looking. If you want a true roadster with phenomenal handling that wont stay in the shop like classic roadsters then stop looking. The Spyder is a very light car matched to a 138 HP engine. It sits low, has rear wheel drive and mid-engine balance. With a convertible top the overall feeling is unmatched exhilaration at any speed. Add beautiful styling, Toyota quality and 27-33 mpg and you cant beat it. I get an honest 28.6 mpg in city driving. The cars responsiveness cant be described. It is a go-kart feel, but with airbags and modern car features. Do NOT buy as an only car. Not enough storage. Treacherous on ice or snow.

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  Good truck - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By ccs - October 21 - 9:06 pm

  This is my first truck and it is solid. I dont need many techies, but would like something that is reliable and safe for day to day driving. Highlander is a perfect choice.

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  First Time - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Mike - October 21 - 11:10 am

  Did a ton of research before deciding on this car. Traded a 2005 Highlander and got a fantastic deal I couldnt pass up. The only thing it doesnt have is the seat warmer, but here in Florida, not needed. It is the I4, runs great, smooth acceleration, braking is great. Drove home from the dealership on the turnpike...doing about 75-80 mph, ride was smooth. I must admit, I have to keep an eye on the speedometer as its hard to tell how fast you are going the ride is so smooth. Interior design is great, very comfortable. My Highlander was a V6. I honestly dont notice the difference in power between the two.

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  I love it! Fun to drive!!! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By JFLY - October 21 - 8:26 am

  I bought this car on June 7th with the following: alloy wheels, bluetooth, 6-cd changer, JBL upgraded sound sytem, heated outside mirrors, dim rearview mirror with compass and floor mats. I never imagined how much fun this car is to drive, you gotta drive it to believe it and know what everyone means when they say this. It is really quiet and rides very smooth. Best car ever!!

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  My Sequoia - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By british1970 - October 21 - 7:20 am

  Very nice and very reliable, the only problem with Sequoia 05 is there is NO automatic door hatch in the back and its hard to operate when it rains or when you have something in your hand and consumes a lot of gas,but the rest is ok its very powerful.

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  My Avalon - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By Lezahm - October 20 - 8:20 pm

  For my retiree life, I have enjoyed the economy of my Avalon. Trunk is very roomy. Would like an American seat. Needs more room in front than back. Dials need to be in front of steering for time, mileage, etc. Toyota should not scrimp on good tires on a new model, as their brand had to be replaced in 15,000 miles, when the manufacturer warranted (with fine print) 30,000. I bought a different brand and paid full price for Michelin which I asked for when purchased but they would not give to me; therefore I had to take their tires if I wanted the car. I did not like that. I got no consideration unless I replaced the shabby tires that came on it from that company.

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  Missed the target, Toyota. - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By eric - October 20 - 5:56 pm

  The Matrix and its sister car, the Pontiac Vibe, are based on the Corolla platform. Ill just summarize by saying that this car, in all trims but the XRS, is tragically underpowered, particularly with the automatic, which is the only transmission available with AWD versions. Its very Japanese. Noise, firm seats, terrible steering wheel angle, and abusive ride are the most noticeable detractions from what could have been a nice car. On the positive side, it fits lots of stuff inside, and sees tolerable fuel numbers. Keep in mind, folks, reliability is a part of quality of life. Consider comfort and usability when considering your next vehicle. Or maybe Im just getting old.

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  Decent, but not what I expected - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Will - October 20 - 2:33 pm

  After several very positive experiences with Toyota, I came up with a downer. Quite evident, the more Toyota grows, the more it has taken some quality control out of there vehicles. I have 6k miles on mine and have an off and on noise that happens at 75-80 (dealer cant diagnose cause they can only drive it up to 70), front dash rattles, passenger door rattles and has had to be towed as it wouldnt start (Thank God I purchased the extended service plan otherwise I would have been really irked paying for towing on a 3 month old truck). I wouldnt mind a littler better mileage but its not bad. Power is good for a V6 and comfort is good as well. I still like it but wish it were better.