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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  Poor Brakes - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By tbots - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Toyota for whatever reason installed rear drum brakes on this truck and they dont work! I have already replaced the front brakes once and they are going to need replaced again soon and the rear brakes are like new. Why? I use this truck off road and get in mud and water, the self adjusters for the brakes rust and dont work where as if it had rear disk brakes they would work fine. The Tundra and all off-road trucks and suvs should have a switch to disengage the anti-lock brakes for off road use. If you try to stop in mud at slow speeds while going down grade the anti-locks keep grabbing and letting go but will not grab long enough to dig into the mud to stop you.

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  2000 Toyota Avalon - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By Joe Mulé - May 4 - 10:00 am

  The smoothest driving car Ive ever driven.

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  Great Car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By bubba waller - May 4 - 10:00 am

  This xle 4 cyl has good pickup with great gas mileage. I am 63 and feel very comftorable in this car.

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  After 5-years and 86,000 miles pleased with decision - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By bg53 - May 4 - 7:29 am

  I purchased this truck new in 2007 after comparing it to the other offerings available. The space in the back seat of the CrewMax is what really pushed it ahead of the competition at the time. Overall, Ive been pleased with the truck. There were no issues during the first 4 years. This last year had a replace the water pump & rear wheel bearings. Not real happy about this, but these two items tend to fail on pretty much every vehicle out there at some time during its life span. With the cabin space and off-road capabilities, I consider this vehicle the ultimate SUV. Works great for my family.

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  Good value - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By DB - May 3 - 9:46 pm

  Have had for 4 years. Smooth, quiet, only replaced tires during this time. Dependable, and enjoyable to drive. Excellent sound system. Very reliable. Expect to have this car for many years to come.

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  Toyota corolla... Do you have to say anything else? - 2013 Toyota Corolla
  By gdogpile - May 3 - 1:01 pm

  Do careful research and test driving and there really is only one option and no competitors. You simply cant find a car with the size comfort quietness and safety. Plus fuel economy is the same as the yaris and the echo before it except in town. Reliability... Its a toyota. Just change the oil and it will keep running forever. We live in our car and put about 800 km on it every week. I upgraded for the 2008 Yaris. It makes sense they dropped the Yaris sedan, for just a bit more you get a car you could live in with the same gas milage. Yaris had legendary dependably but it was a point A to B kinda car. To spend money on any other compact would be a a choice that is not based on facts.

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  I dig my new SE V6 - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By burre - May 3 - 12:23 pm

  Took delivery last week of my black on black SE V6 with 400 JBL sound system. This car seems like the perfect driving machine. I dumped my 2008 Cooper S Turbo for this, as it was too small and not good for family or road trips. The SE is faster, much bigger and far more comfortable to drive for long distances. It is the perfect balance of sport and sedan. I cant imagine someone needing a better car than this. My family likes it way better too!

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  Excellent Truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Mat - May 3 - 10:56 am

  Great reliable truck thats been in the family since new. Bought it off of my father, who just puchased a new Tundra. There has been no problems what so ever, as this truck has served my father right. Great design exterior/interior. Good solid truck.

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  Toyota can do no wrong. - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jeff - May 2 - 11:06 pm

  Wow. This is Tacoma number three. First, Id like to say thank you Toyota! The one thing I said when the Tacoma came out in 2005 was I wanted Charcoal Gray! Well, that happened this year and I love it. I got a Magnetic Gray 4x4 V6 Double Cab SB TRD Off-Road. I love it! All the new features are so easy to use and work exceptionally well! I have my iPod hooked up to the JBL sound system, my phone linked to the bluetooth! In a truck!

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  versatile, good looking, good value - 2013 Toyota Venza
  By donpnelson - May 2 - 7:12 pm

  Ive only had my gray XLE AWD for a few days but so far Im pleased. I was looking for a reliable, good looking ride with decent mpg and utility thats reasonably fun to drive. The Venza is great looking. The sheet metal which hasnt changed since the model was introduced in 2009 looks great from all angles and is enhanced with the bold 20" alloy wheels and the dual chrome tipped exhaust. Most notable change is the grill which looks good Its nicely equipped including the entune audio/nav system with backup camera, power tailgate, smart key, homelink Solid feel, reasonably fun to drive, quick and nimble. Good headroom (no sunroof) was essential as Im 6-6. Seats are comfortable.