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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  Towing Rig - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Bernie - January 22 - 12:50 am

  Purchased this truck in July 2009 (one of the first 2010s. SR4 TRD 4x4. Bought it because I needed to tow a 20 foot travel trailer (about 3800 lbs). As an aside I have a 2007 suburban (5.3l) and it doesnt tow my trailer nearly as well. Truck has been very reliable, get 14 city, 18 or so highway. Towing I get between 9 and 11 (very dependent on wind conditions). Have made a couple of long trips towing I find the truck very comfortable. The interior design is not as good as other trucks, but the engine/transmission combo is superb for a gas engine. Next truck I get will be a diesel though (Toyota?)

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  Waynes Avalon - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By waynekastner@adelphi - January 21 - 7:40 pm

  This car is the best car that I have had. It rides nice and the performance is excellent with the 280 horsepower engine. To top it off I have been averaging 27.5 miles a gallon. All my passengers were extremly impressed with the smooth ride and spacious and comforable interior accommodations.

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  ABS Issues, interior noise - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By angry in antioch - January 21 - 6:43 pm

  So I bought this car, and from day one, under normal driving conditions, if Im braking and I hit a bump or pothole, the OVERSENSITIVE ABS kicks in and increases the stopping distance. Loud and heavy vibration, felt at the pedal. This is an issue that definitely needs to be addressed, I bought this car for the safety rating, but its not safe. I cart around young family and this vehicle is definitely not safe. I regret buying this car. Has only 7k miles on it and I sit and watch it collect dust.

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  Better than a Sub - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By afr - January 21 - 10:00 am

  We finally got rid of our 99 Suburban. I vowed after owning two Subs one a 97 lemon and then a 99 Sub, we were looking for something more dependable than a Chevy, and our quest was fullfilled. Our Sequioa is fantastic, there is not a creek, moan, rattle or any noise what so ever. It handles the snow and mountain driving like the SUV it was inteneded to be and drives like a luxury car on the streets. We drove all the similar SUVs, but none compared to the Toyota. If you are in the market for an SUV think very seriously about the Sequioa, its not cheap, but then again it isnt built cheap either! Opt for the limited and get everything you want on it.

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  Fun, Fun, Fun! - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By LFL - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Drivers area in S2000 and Miata were too narrow; no room for left elbow. Ample elbow room in my 2001 MR2. Contrary to what you have read in some reviews, you do not have to get out to operate the convertible top. Cargo space is indeed limited, but we two have adjusted and have no complaints, even on long trips. Smooth and stable up to and over 100 mph.

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  happy not elated - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By joe driver - January 21 - 10:00 am

  This 2000 SR5 V6 x-cab has taken a beating! The reliability is fantastic! With 215k and climbing fast, it has never stranded me and has required only minimal maintainence and repairs. The power is terrific and mileage is 22-23 ave. I have had exactly 1 tuneup and it still runs beautifully. All that said the comfort level leaves a lot to be desired. It bucks like a bronco on bumpy LA roads, the cab gets fumes or exhaust smells frequently, and the rattles, squeeks and whistles are numerous. Being a professional driver(courier) the reliability and low maintainence outweighs the comfort problems and high sticker.

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  My red matrix is fun and sporty - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By dusterfd81 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car lots of addons you can purchase to make the car unigue to the driver.

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  aerodynamics problem - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Edavis - January 21 - 10:00 am

  The Highlander has a smooth quiet ride until the back windows are open, then all hell breaks loose! There is an unbearable rummbling sound that gets worse as one continues driving. This vechicle is perfect if one plans on never opening the back windows. If you plan on buying a Highlander I strongly suggest you test the back windows first!

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  Honda Odyssey Killer Indeed ! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Romlan - January 21 - 10:00 am

  The best minivan out there, also has the most safety features. No complaints so far, been planning to take this baby for a long drive, and I already know that Im going to have a blast...

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  Dont pass this car up - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By steven - January 21 - 9:26 am

  For the money there is nothing better. Fantastic gas mileage, turns on a dime, rides like a expensive sedan. Great looks, classy radio sound. Fits five adults. Just take it out for a drive youll love it. Only drawback is getting used to the speedometer, its in the middle of the dash. It took me a couple of weeks to get used to it. Get the power package, its worth the cost. Toyota has a real winner here. If you are looking for a reliable car that gets great mileage and is fun to drive dont pass this car up.