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 first car - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By senioritis - May 22 - 4:00 am

  Had the car for about two weeks now. Im 17 years old and am satisfied with this car. I wish I had gotten the v6, but the 4-cylinder engine has proven to be more economical, getting a lot of miles to the gallon. Wish that it came with 17 inch rims like the SLE models. But other than that, its a great car.

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  this is the best of the best - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By 4 by 4 monster - May 21 - 6:50 pm

  awsome ride. v8 has 282 hp, UNBELIVABLE. get fully loaded

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  An Extremely Sturdy Car - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Miguel Angel - May 21 - 5:50 pm

  Trixes are bomb-proof! Im the kind of driver who doesnt go particularly fast, but doesnt brake for anything, either. This car has taken three years of continous punishment: every corner taken at the traction limit, hundreds of handbrake turns, about three months of serious gravel driving, 8in deep potholes every day, many track days, being half-sunk in waste water (this is Mexico City, you know)... all without a glitch. Minor rattles in the dash, the standard battery lacks capacity, and thats it. A very capable little car when pushed (can consistently beat Megane RSs in the hands of a good driver), even with an auto transmission. Overall, a great car.

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  So far so good - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By lad500 - May 21 - 5:50 pm

  Owned 06 Sienna AWD for a month: so far so good. Read numerous blogs about the run-flat tires: tire pressure guage doesnt work with them, numerous people had flat tires they didnt know of until became dangerous. So, keep checking tires for problems; dont rely on guage. They also wear out early; costly to replace (can use regulars, but no spare storage area). Not too happy about poor mileage, but not too bad for AWD that can seat 7. I just tried removing middle seats to see if it makes a difference, but hard to do. Almost gave up when one happened to pop out; they are extremely heavy, & I dont need them all the time.

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  2000 MR-2 Spyder - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Sonia Allen - May 21 - 5:10 pm

  My Spyder turns heads everywhere I go. It is so fun to drive and it handles like a go kart on rails. I have had many sports cars in the past but this one is my favorite.

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  Great with improvement needed - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By biglakebubba - May 21 - 11:43 am

  First year, every thing was fine. MPG was steadily increasing. Now mileage stinks, 15.3, max. highway. The trailer towing wiring is in a vulnerable place under the bumper. It drags off when you go off-road. Lazy engineering. Put it in the bumper. The wipers have issues. Build up of snow/ice while driving will hang pass. side up in extreme weather. Now only one wiper works and it is going to dealer. Do not buy dealers remote start or steps. Remote starter too expensive, $600 and does not work or will not let you start it without getting out, locking the doors, then getting back in. Now it does not work at all even with new batts. Steps are too short to use to access bed. Otherwise great.

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  Bouncy Bouncy - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By magnolia - May 20 - 5:26 pm

  Overall, a great car. The ride is bouncy on side streets at slower speeds. Our other car, a Focus, is also small, but has a smoother ride.

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  Great technology but less on comfort - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Blomman - May 20 - 4:10 pm

  It is a great car, gas mileage, space inside. However it has left things to wish on comfort. The seat settings are very basic, no heat in the seats even though it is the top of the range version.

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  I love this car - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By dave_hudson71 - May 20 - 9:33 am

  I love my Camry. I chose a straight drive. It seems to give me more power, and better gas mileage. I cant say enough good things about my Camry. Everyone I know that has one seems to feel the same way.

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  Just Bought Another Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Jimmy - May 19 - 9:43 am

  Have 43,000 on 2006 Prius, will pick up my 2008 Touring Prius tomorrow. Car exceeded every expectation, to include overall engineering (to include human engineeering). I believe the Prius is the most misunderstood vehicle on the road and everyone that ride in this car leaves with an outstanding impression.