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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  I love Toyota! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Marlyss - August 30 - 8:00 pm

  It does about 22 miles in town and 28 or 29 on the highway. It has a real smooth ride, and we do like Toyota. This Rav has been really good mechanically and visually. Mine is an automatic, 4-door, with sun/moon roof. What sold me was being able to take off from a dead stop, into traffic, without hesitation. Thats important to me, having driven so much in Milwaukee and fast traffic. It also turns on a dime. The steering is quite excellent, and I can turn really sharp, to fit into and get out of tight spots when parked parallel. People are always stopping me to ask about mileage, maintenance, and how much I like it. I tell them I love it! It is fun to drive and we think its great!

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  More than meets the eye! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By pclocksmith - August 30 - 5:11 pm

  You wouldnt believe me if I told you but Im going to anyway...I was able to fit a full size refrigerator in my Prius. Thats right. There is so much more space inside than what it appears to have from outside. I am a locksmith in Panama City, fl. And I use my Prius as a service vehicle. Having more than enough space in the back (without folding seats) to accommodate all of the tools and equipment required to do my job, and the way I have it configured, I can store supples, locks, etc. in a cabinet beneath my machines. This car is amazing! It has more than paid for itself with the extensive city driving I do and with a lumbar pillow, is plenty comfortable for driving the 8+ hrs a day!

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  It is too COOL!! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By theran9 - August 30 - 12:40 pm

  I have only had my Fj for a week but I totally love it!! It is so retro but so new...it handles good and is so fun to drive..I have the 6 speed manual...fun fun fun, I had forgotten how much I loved a standard !! The Fj is sure a head turner...wow...I have had people follow me until I stopped, just to get a look. I think it is a vehicle that you either love or hate...I happen to love the old school look that Toyota has given it. My Fj is voodoo blue..and is so reminicent of the old fj40s...so cool..I love it, and the interior is so spacious you will not believe it. The model I have is a 4 wheel drive and has rear diffy lock!!!!.....lets see that on an Xterra...The Fj cruiser is COOL..

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  Very Cool SUV - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Gary M - August 30 - 7:06 am

  Comfortable, powerful, quick and nimble. This is my 3rd Toyota. I was going to buy another Jeep Wrangler till I test drove this vehicle. I am impressed with the quality and feel this SUV has. Shifts like butter and handles like a dream. Quiet and spacious has plenty of room for my stuff and kids. Strongly recommend this Toyota product. Test drive one and youÂ’ll be hooked!

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  06 Tundra One Reliable Truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Don Stowe - August 30 - 12:13 am

  This is my second Tundra, owned the 2000 when it first came out, with never a problem. The 06 had recall for new lower ball joints, never had a problem with it. The 2000 was never in the shop, not once. The 06 as a recall as mentioned and 2 oil changes but I usually do my own. This is one reliable truck very responsive and tough with good fuel economy for its size. I would not hesitate to own another, sold on the quality of the vehicle. The ride is excellent, have made several trips to haul various things. Pulls my utility trailer loaded and with the bed loaded too very well. Can put a 1/2 ton on the tailgate and ride. The truck can haul a heavy load. Tundra is one solid truck.

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Carl - August 29 - 11:16 am

  First off, people need to understand the main purpose of this vehicle - plain and simply, fuel economy. Once you get past the stiff seats and lackluster acceleration, the fuel effeciency is mesmerizing. Ive driven my new Prius almost 1,000 miles and am averaging 50.8 mpg.

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  Versatile - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Watercooled - August 29 - 8:43 am

  Very versatile car. Great ride. Range is a bit on the low side. Has enough power for city driving and merging with traffic. Have yet to take it on a long roadtrip with a load of luggage, kids, bikes on the back, and the A/C running while that 18 wheeler is running up behind me...

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  Awesome - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By jp - August 29 - 7:46 am

  Purchased 2010 prius 1 week ago and have been having a ball ever since. Replaced a 2004 Lexus gx470 which I absolutely loved but got tired of spending so much on gas and being such a drain on the environment. Was a bit worried about the comfort of the ride as the Gx was so comfortable. The prius has not disappointed in that regard. Drove 450 miles this weekend and was comfortable the whole time. The pick up is more than adequate on the highway, as well as in the city. The noise level is very low on the highway and the handling is great. The amount of room in the back with the seats down is enough to keep my 150 lb. Newf. comfortable for a 150 mile ride! All in all extremely happy!

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  Love our Sienna!! - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Alison - August 29 - 6:23 am

  We purchased our Sienna just before our twins were born. We have absolutely loved it! We love the look and the quality of the workmanship. The Sienna drives so smoothly and we love the anti- lock brakes! When we started looking for minivans the Toyota came out on the top of our requirements in every area! Its the best purchase we have ever made!

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  New Buyer Reflection - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Dan - August 29 - 2:20 am

  Just purchased a Rav4 with a V6. Given the size of the vehicle I had lowered expectations on comfort/ergonomics and general features. Pros to date - * Its quick. The V6 does indeed pack a punch. * Much roomier inside that its smallish outside might suggest. Cons to date - * Steering wheel is small and only telescopes a couple inches. When I move the seat to a comfortable position I feel like I am leaning forward to reach for the wheel. * Seats are small, compared to the larger SUVs. A sore posterior on longer trips has been the result as the body weight is less distributed.