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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  Chucks - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Chuck - June 17 - 2:23 am

  This vehicle is very dependable. This is my 4th Toyota, I still have 3 since they run forever. Just change the oil and go.

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  Great Gas Mileage & Smooth Ride - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By HCW - June 16 - 9:53 pm

  I have home in city and country and drive between both homes and back and forth to multiple campuses of university. On some days I will averge 200 to 250 miles per day. Gas milage has averaged for the first 10,000 miles between 35 to 37 mpg. Would buy second one for next vehicle purchase.

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  2007 Toyota Corolla Sport - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Marvin Dicker - June 16 - 8:50 am

  Excellent car. I love the way the S model looks. My wife loves it too.

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  Unexpected Problems - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By carlsonr - June 16 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a Prius sight unseen on Sept 29, 2004. I was told by my dealership, that my exact speced car they would be able to tell me when I would get the car in early October. In mid-November I called and the tune had changed...maybe theyd know by Feb 2004. In January they called me...I had a shot at a Prius..not the one I wanted...or I might have to wait half a year more. It was a trac car with 730 miles..they gave me 15 cents a mile, and I had to pay MSRP. Also, because I live in a small market repairs may be a problem (only 1 other prius sold by this dealer). You relly have to want his car to put up with what is going down.

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  Tacoma Prerunner Review - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By fpsakes1 - June 16 - 2:00 am

  I have found that this truck is first class in nearly every respect. The ride is comfortable and I have not experienced any problems with my lower back after an extended period of driving. It is a very responsive vehicle, with no delay in acceleration at critical times. Nor, is there any sway when cornering or at highway speeds around curves. I have no criticisms about the interior decor. (See below about the clock and rear head restraints.)

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  Toyota Owner - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By FLGirl - June 16 - 2:00 am

  This is the second car I have owned and I LOVE it! My first car was a Ford and I had nothing but problems with it. The Toyota Corolla makes for a wonderful driving experience!

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  Great Van - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By WVU_Mountaineer - June 16 - 2:00 am

  This is my wifes vehicle and she loves it! No more "why do I have ot have a van" talk. We took our first big family trip (5 of us) last week and it did not disappoint. There is lots of room to spread out in comfort. The rear trunk well is incredibly deep and swallows the luggage. It rides smoothly and is quiet and handles securely at speeds of 70 - 90. The seats are comfortable. We are very pleased and strongly endorse. Security of AWD a plus.

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  Wow - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By vanagain - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Toyota is famous for quality and the Sienna is no let down. They did an excellent job re-engineering the outstanding Honda Oddessy and making it better. Things like split 3rd row folding seats, simple and intuitive controls on the dash make the Sienna a pleasure to own. With supply begining to catch up to demand, I found several dealers willing to come down between $1,500 - $2,400 from MSRP...OH WHAT A FEELING!!

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  I Love This Car! - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By kimsthe1 - June 15 - 11:00 pm

  I bought this car after visiting the dealership 3 times. After test driving the Nissan Rogue, Honda CVR, Mazda3 & 2008 Highlander, I decided this was the best choice for me, my 1st Toyota! Ive owned 3 Mazdas, 1 Nissan, 1 BMW, 1 MBZ, 1 Subaru (I know, Im a car junkie!). I am also very impressed with Toyotas track record & the fact that my car is 100% Japanese. I have owned it all of 24 hrs and have no regrets. The gas mileage seems ok so far, the car is cute as a button. Drives with a touch of sport suspension. Seats are fine with me so far, no long distance drives yet. I am very happy with my purchase!

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  Everything we wanted and more - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By KY-rak - June 15 - 7:36 pm

  We were interested in a hybrid but did not want to give up performance. A test drive sold us and subsequent use convinced us the Highlander was the correct choice. My wife drives short slow miles to work and marvels when the silent battery is in use. Even open road miles get good mileage for the weight and size of this vehicle. The ride is as excellent and better than the upscale sedan we traded in. I can’t think of a feature I would change or anything that needs improvement.