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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  Keeper - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Pete in Alabama - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Previous vehicle was an 89 Toyota pickup. Hoping the new Tacoma will be as reliable. After 3 or 4 hours on the road, the firm seats get slightly uncomfortable and 19MPG is lower than Im used to but it was expected. The ride (on and off road) is great even with the TRD package. Acceleration is OK. Recommend DrawTie hitch receiver and Line-X bed liner. Have towed light loads so far with no problems. Hope to enjoy it for 10+ years.

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  Major Disappointment - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By JayEx - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I am extremely disappointed that when you let the rear seats down to utilize all of the rear cargo space, you have to slide the front seats forward to make room. I am 61" tall and this situation makes it very uncomfortable to drive. The Highlander I traded for this auto was much more satisfactory. Had I known this deficiency existed in the 4Runner, I would still own my Highlander.

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  Best Economy Value - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Bart 15 - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding car that delivers more than what you pay for. Toyota delivers outstanding fit and finish throughout their entire product line - even the economy end. Have had two plus four hour trip and felt very comfortable - offers excellent back support. Very impressed with the smooth transmission. I have the LE with leather package. Wish they offered heated seats but understand the have to create some differentation to sell the more profitable Camry. If you need a great vehicle that delivers comfort, reliability, and quality the Corolla cant be beat.

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  AWESOME - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Greatjobtoyota - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I did not want to buy a mini van at all, but when I saw the new Sienna I was in love. It has the best options and look. I didnt want to feel like I was driving a mom mobile and I dont with the Sienna. Very satisfied with everything about it.

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  Great car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Joe Chiesa - February 22 - 10:00 am

  A great car to drive. I am glad it was a Camary. Restful after a long drive of 10 hours. The lumbard back adjustments is a great feature too. I like all of the storage pockets and door storage pockets.

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  How do I hate thee? Let me count the ways... - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By rhodeislandred - February 22 - 8:47 am

  For transparency purposes, I must disclose that I grossly underestimated my love for the driving experience, and that I live in New England. 1. Cold weather made gas bladder (tank) shring from 12 gallons to 9, resulting in more frequent stops at the gas stations. And no, it does not expand when the weather warmed up. Did I mention the wildly inaccurate fuel gauge? 2. Zero lumbar support makes it uncomfortable for those long drives youll be taking since the mileage is so great. 3. Speaking of great mileage, its the best feature, as long as the weather is warm and the pavement dry. New England only meets that criteria 25% of the year. I averaged 30 mpgs. in the cold weather.

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  My 2nd Corolla! - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By calledmac - February 22 - 8:00 am

  This is my second Corolla. My first was a 93 base model and my new Corolla LE proves to be even more outstanding! I left the Toyota brand and drove a Nissan Sentra for a few years, the whole time wishing I still had my old Corolla. So glad to be back! The LE has a very nice design and is fun to drive. The steering has not been a problem for me, nor has the gas pedal or floor mats.

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  Happy - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By Steve - February 22 - 4:30 am

  Bought the Sienna XLE Pkg #6 (nav, DVD, etc) in May. Have 9.5K on it now. Took 3,000 mile road trip in September. Very comfortable. Mileage averaging 18 mpg. Not one problem. New 3.5L V6 is great,. The Siennas not as cool as the Odyssey and is a bit boring to look at, but its reliable, comfortable, quick, and my wife is happy (after all, what else really matters?).

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  My Review - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Nando - February 21 - 11:43 pm

  The car is everyhing and more. Excellent road manners with even better fuel economy. Great set of standard features. Typical Toyota reliability, nothing but perfect.

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  Easy car to drive - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Barbara Ware - February 21 - 10:13 pm

  Relatively easy car to manuever in city, good gas mileage, economical to operate, just a good all around car for the money.