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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  Cant beat the gas mileage for the price. - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Jon - September 1 - 8:46 am

  Just bought a new 06 Corolla CE, auto, pwr locks/windows & mirrors, I have 750 miles on it, gas mileage is great, 37mpg on second tank. May pick up some after break-in? More than doubled my Silverado mpg.

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  This car is great - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By billngb1 - September 1 - 7:33 am

  This is my second Camry and Toyota has to my amazement been able to improve on my previous model. The 6 speed transmission has helped with the engine noise especially when accelerating at highway speed. Downshifts are quicker and the fuel economy is 35 mpg on the highway in less than ideal conditions. I will not consider another GM or Ford in the future. Becasuse of their poor workmanship and inability or unwillingness to resolve past problems I will soon be an all-Toyota owner.

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  Just what I needed - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By JungleLove - August 31 - 5:03 am

  I love driving this car. Driving any vehicle is a privilege not a right, and driving the 09 corolla seems like an amazing privilege to me. Not the speediest car, but thats not what Im looking for. I drive down and up a canyon five days a week and my avg. mileage is 37.5 to the gallon. Automatic lights, auxiliary plug for my iPod, volume and station controls on the steering wheel, room for a massage table in the trunk. Perfection. Sweet.

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  Number one used car on the market. - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Omega - August 31 - 2:00 am

  No flaws. This is a perfect used car. Large, elegant, Reliable, comfy. The only thing is the power. It has no pickup. (4-cyl)

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  Looove It! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Miss Brown - August 31 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my 1999 Solara for the Corolla S and this is the cutest car Ive ever owned. It has terrific gas mileage (I commute 80 miles a day) and the body is so sporty. I see other people driving it and I think, "Gosh thats a cute car" and its mine! I get so many comlements on it; it is definitly a head turner. Just so that Id feel better about the downgrade, I got leather seats and it looks sharp!

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  Crew Max Limited Edition Review - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Pbrogno - August 30 - 6:13 pm

  This is my first pick up truck and I love it. I traded in a 2007 BMW X5 for the Toyota Tundra CrewMax Limited. I have put over 4K miles on the truck in 2.5 months and everything has been as expected. The 5.5 foot bed works for hauling ATV, (Louisiana Guard Dog), furniture, etc. The back seats have so much room and I have my seat back. I get 14 mpg city and 19 Hwy. The power is amazing, NAV is awesome and voice command technology with bluetooth is great. The back up camera is a little misleading because it is meant to view the hitch, but with the sensors it gives you a good gauge of distance. The rear sliding window is a great plus. This truck gets a lot of attention and looks great.

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  Great new design - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Reno - August 30 - 9:30 am

  So good I sold my BMW 750il

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  Most Reliable Car Ever Made - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By seandicks - August 27 - 5:40 pm

  I purchased my Corolla BOCH in May 2008 because my Escort died on me. As far as I can see the Corolla was the best all around car ever made. Ive put about 4000 miles on it and all Ive had to do was put an O2 sensor on. I painted the drums and calipers, put a cold air intake on it, tinted the windows, nice system and alloy wheels. Ive only owned 2 cars but this one blows the escort out of the water. It looks really modern for its time and has not failed me yet. There is 144000 miles on it now and Im hoping to get upwards of 200,000. I know that it will surpass my expectations for it is known for its reliability. Im getting a (1995) Maxima soon so well see how it compares.

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  Not As Dependable As Is Widely Believed - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By dethark - August 27 - 10:34 am

  Purchased my Corolla in March 2002. At this time (June 2011) there are 49800 miles on it. Here is every problem Ive ever had with it over 9 years in chronological order: - steering wheel was slightly out of alignment, tilting to the left a bit; Toyota straightened it under warranty - AC cut out while I took a 600 mile road trip; only happened once, didnt need to fix it - squealing started off and on from the engine/belt; had belt replaced but squealing continued; sources online say its a belt tensioner problem; happens inconsistently; havent fixed it yet - crackling distortion began from rear speakers - rear wheel bearings needed replacing, $1260 for parts + labor

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  Good car; not for family - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By 1999camry - August 27 - 3:33 am

  I drive a 99 Camry and love it, so when we has our first child and my wife needed a vehicle to replace her 94 accord coupe we went with Toyota. The RAV (sprt pkg)is sharp looking. We now have two kids, and it has become very cramped. We have had the car for a little over a year now and have had the ck eng light on for most of that time due to a failing cat converter, though weve not had any trouble yet. We also had to replace the main computer because it was causing the tran to slip- Toyota covered this pricey repair at no cost to us (thank you!), despite the fact that we are not the original owner and it is outside the orig warranty.