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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  the best of the best - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By jimmy - June 2 - 8:10 am

  "Wow this truck just surprised me" I buy trucks, I love trucks and when it came to buying my new truck I looked at many others, but looking at reviews and reports, and a lot test drives later, this is the best large suv out there.

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  Very happy with Highlander - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By Excellent SUV - June 2 - 8:00 am

  1 month since I picked Highlander fully loaded. Love power and room inside it. Very smooth in city and on highway.

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  Great Car To Own - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Bobz - June 2 - 1:43 am

  I bought the car in 94 and its been running perfectly since than. It had been hit from behind and hit truck/van in front twice, body shop works had taken the original muffler out, and the replacement wasnt perfect. The original battery lasted ten years!

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  Does what its supposed to do - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Ryan - June 1 - 8:26 pm

  The Corolla, like all Toyotas, has been built with precision to be reliable and practical. I got the S model so I could look good at the same time. The car is fairly fun to drive too, thanks to a smooth and peppey engine and a precise 5 spd manual. I was looking at a Mazda 3, which I still think is more fun and better looking, but the price was right on the Toyota (probably because theyre revamping this model for 2008)with 0.9% interest and $750 cash back on a lease. Its built for smaller drivers (Im 6) as evidenced by the steering wheel being close to the dash and high seat height. After about a week I found an acceptable driving position, but still no thigh support.

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  Love this car!!! - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By DeeDee - June 1 - 5:56 pm

  I have been waiting for my Chevy Impala lease to expire and couldnt wait to get my Camry (I never considered any other car). I am extremely happy with my choice and this car has gone beyond my expectations. The ride is smooth and quiet and this car is just plain fun to drive. I got the SE model and the exterior is simply beautiful to look at. You cannot beat the quality of this vehicle nor the great resale value. It is like night and day going from my 2006 Impala to this car. Every time I drive it I love it even more. Test drive one, the quality speaks for itself!

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  Hidden Value - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By gkunz - June 1 - 12:46 pm

  Hidden value. Purchased my Echo to travel to work and back. Mostly interstate miles. Could not be happier. Worth the $ my husband now wants another. After over 150000 miles with no major repairs. And still gets 40+ miles per gallon. A hidden treasure. Its sad the Echo was discontinued.

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  Lovin the Sequoia - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By LuvSequoia - June 1 - 12:36 pm

  I chose the Sequoia because I did the research and read a lot of comments posted on this very website. I am very pleased with the Limited 4X2. The ride is what I expected, but even better. I love the turning radius, when once was disappointed with the Tundra radius. The Sequoia is very sleek in its interior design. It is very spacious and love the tri-climate control. Gas mileage is about 16-18 hwy. The body is huge and the front end takes some getting use to when it comes to parking. I am very happy I went with an SUV, as a long time truck person, I am pleased.

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  Love it - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tank - June 1 - 8:56 am

  I love my Tacoma, i think I have talked about 3 people into buying my truck. The thing is built well, barely have to do any maintenance on it. I got my truck with 23 miles on it, now it has about 117,000 miles. My baby has not let me down yet, it drives well in the snow, rain and basically loves going off roading from time to time. I would suggest my Tacoma to anyone.

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  Awesome Av - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Vinman - June 1 - 7:40 am

  had the limited avalon for a month and it is an incredible car. smooth, sleek and fun to drive with more options than you can remember. Priced right when compared to other vehicles of this quality. everywhere I go people ask about it and look at ...ive been driving it for a month and a half and have only seen 2 or 3 other on the road. took a month or so to get the car from the dealer but worth the wait. Mine is silver with grey interior with every option except the NAV. auto wipers, air conditioned seats, reclining rear seats, auto start and push button start, rides like a dream. couldnt ask for a better car...

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  Fun Vehicle - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Ronnie Butts - June 1 - 7:00 am

  This car is fun to drive. The front seats are larger and very comfortable. The back is very spacious and very nice. We really love this car. We had a 2002 before this Rav and this one is a complete turn around. LOVE IT