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:

• 

  Highlander Rocks! - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By metuka22 - June 27 - 4:30 am

  This was my first new car that I purchased. I absolutely love it! I have never taken it to the dealership (other than service of course) and I do not have one complaint. I recommend this vehicle to anyone looking to purchase a new or used car. Enjoy it as much as I have so far.

• 

  Im happy with my Tacoma - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dave - June 26 - 10:03 pm

  Ive had this truck for about 4 months and Im very satisfied with my purchase. I was a little concerned that the engine might be a bit wimpy but I find it can hold its own in traffic with no problems. Everything seems to be working well. No unexpected wind noise or squeaks, and my radio works great.

• 

  So far so great - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By Retired & carefree - June 26 - 8:40 pm

  Very pleased with the car. It has met or exceeded my expectations. Did a lot of research before buying. This is my 1st full size/luxury car. Its a lot of money but its a heck of a lot of car! With the problems Toyotas reputation is facing today incredible discounts are out there on even new 2011s. But even their MSRP prices beat the snot out of the competition. Tremendous engine, transmission, ride & comfort. Quick as this car is it gets phenomenal mileage. Once youve driven one, you will want it!

• 

  Economical for rising gas prices - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Mel - June 26 - 7:56 pm

  I purchased the Yaris for my daughter attending a near by University, pay her car, gas. etc. Its a great first car OR a great fuel economy car. As long as you take care of the maintenance with dlr, drive easy youll love the Yaris. Its easy to park, easy to maintain, maintenance is minimal (if you take care of it) and with rising gas prices how can you not want a great economical car. I love everything about it, Im sure as newer models come out the Yaris will only improve and become a strong Toyota car. I love the options and yes, there are somethings that need to change or ad (cup holds not in good locations and would like keyless entry) other than that its a great car.

• 

  Fun to drive - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Sandee - June 26 - 5:13 pm

  Big but small I dont ever think I will buy a sports car again. Nice car lots of windows and no blind spots.

• 

  I am so Proud of our Tacoma!!! - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By Donna Burgstrom - June 26 - 4:13 pm

  My husband has used our Tacoma for his handyman business for the past 3 years. He carries a FULL load of tools in the back daily under the shell AND tows a trailer filled with you name it (heavy weight) stuff on a daily basis. It just turned 178k miles and has never had ANY problems. He just put it through smog to get it registered and it went through with flying colors. It is just an awesome truck!!!!

• 

  A real value, and fun to boot - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Doug B - June 26 - 2:36 pm

  Finally picked up my new base 2006 RAV4, 4x4 with the 4 cylinder engine. Very happy with the gorgeous modern interior, nice exterior lines. The 4 cylinder is very strong. I traded in a 98 Ford Explorer with the 4 liter 6, and the RAV4 has nothing to be embarassed about. I took a lot of guff from the ladies at work about choosing a "cute" SUV, but I have to admit that its a very pretty car. Couldnt be happier. Ill supplement if possible after about a month.

• 

  Best vehicle I have ever owned - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By nick - June 26 - 7:40 am

  I have had a large arrray of cars and trucks and this by far beats them all. I do a lot of off road driving and playing around in the mud, and I have yet to be able to get this thing stuck. When I took delivery of this truck I left the lot and headed on a 2000 mi road trip, most comfortable ride and great fuel economy. Does great at highway speeds and around town. I will never get rid of this truck, it will stay in the family for the rest of its life and guess what, it is a Toyota. Its going to be around for a while!

• 

  Great truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By 06tacomatrd - June 26 - 6:50 am

  I bought the V6 Automatic TRD Off-Road Tacoma used from a dealer and Ive had it for about 2 years. Ive put over 50,000 miles on it, drove it across the country 3 times full of my belongings, and have taken it off-road in sand and hills. Zero issues. The only thing Ive done to it is change the oil every 4k miles and bought new tires. Despite having over 110,000 miles on it now, I still get compliments on it regularly. The highway ride is smooth up to 90 mph, even with aggressive Bridgestone Dueler A/T tires. And off-road you would have to TRY to get stuck because this thing is a beast.

• 

  Happy Camper - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By exrep - June 25 - 7:30 pm

  Traded my 2004 Prius with 68000 trouble free miles for the Camry Hybrid. To date, have 25000 trouble free miles and getting 42 mpg, mostly highway driving. More room than the Prius and more comfort. Both great cars.