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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  Love this car!!!!! - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By gdad10 - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Best car Ive ever had and that includes Caddies, Fords of all kinds,Olds and Buick. The only one even close was a 1970s Plymouth Valiant.

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  Sequoia rocks - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By Jacque - August 24 - 3:36 am

  No issues since buying new. Great in the snow and on regular surfaces. Fun off road. Lowest cost per mile as far as I can tell. Neighbors new Tahoe has been in twice for mechanical glitches...

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  Overall great vehicle - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Rox - August 24 - 12:00 am

  Overall great vehicle, replaced brakes last year, but OEM tires after less than 30000, Michelin now make it exquisite to drive and handles like a car. Could be quieter with better sound insulation/window design. Interior could have used better layout and some adjustable light interior would be more user friendly especially at dashboard height and rear seat area. Windows interior front are very hard to clean.

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  Good ride good truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Kenny K - August 23 - 10:16 pm

  A very nice driver. Good pick up on the freeway. It is very comfortable to drive and sit in.

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  A taste of luxury - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By William Solawetz - August 23 - 6:36 pm

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  Love it!! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By adventure - August 23 - 5:16 pm

  Have been looking at different sport utility for many years, since 2004 hurricane season. After seeing and reading about the FJ for one day and test drove it the next day. The decision was made!! Have had the vehicle for 3 months now, love driving it and never have to worry about driving in the areas that are prone to flooding. Love the smooth ride, it doesnt feel like Im driving a truck. It feels more like Im driving my sienna, but taller.

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  Great Truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Spacemark - August 23 - 5:10 pm

  49,000 in 21 months. No issues, just a piece of rubber moulding around the door replaced. I have the long-bed, 4X4 with towing package.

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  Great Van - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Sandy - August 23 - 1:16 am

  I just purchased this van 3 weeks ago. I LOVE it! I came from a grand voyager (99) and can not believe how far vans have come! This van Is wonderful! It has all the features I wish I had in my last van. We have a place in North Carolina, and can not wait until we get to take it there. This van is very thoughtfully made. It has the busiest moms in mind! I looked for a long time and finally found this one. I am glad I waited and found the Toyota Sienna

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  First toyota - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By otto mattioli - August 22 - 2:30 pm

  Excellent entry/exit makes this the best size for my wife and I, both in or late 60s. We dont have to crawl under a steering wheel like some of the newer cars or climb up like some of the big suvs seat/steering wheel adjusment is great. Would recommend this wagon to anyone I can.

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  Dissappointed - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By jhunter - August 22 - 9:13 am

  Most people I talked to said they loved their Camry and would buy another one. As of right now I would not. My 07 Camry pulls to the left and I have taken it in twice and the dealership says it is fixed. Like others have said the cruise is not the best and sits at 5500 RPMs for an extended period of time and accelation is poor from stop signs most of the time. Also, the shifting in the transmission is herky jerky.