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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  TACOMA 4WD 2.7L 5 SPEED - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By KEEP-ON-TRUCKIN - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive always wanted a Toyota 4wd pickup, and I bought one about a year ago. It took me a while to get used to the 2.7L engine and the 5sp. But I was used to high reving engines, and this one almost runs like a diesel. Keep the revs low and change gears early, and she runs great. This is definitely a truck engine. You can feel the torque on the low end. I had an old Mazda B2000 and Nissan Frontier, and liked them both. But they would bottom out if I carried a heavy load. Not this baby! The Tacoma is made for haulin! But dont get the 4 cyl if youre always in a hurry. It has plenty of power to haul and tow, but its not a race engine. MPG: 21-22

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  Good Old Reliable Corolla - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By liane - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Theres really nothing to hate driving a Corolla. Low-end CE I admit, looks bland but the Sporty S really looks great and the road and wind noise is very minimal and for economy car, this is something to brag about.

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  They get better and better! - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By steve B - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Had to give my 2001 Corolla to my daughter so I picked up a new S. My son has the Corolla LE 2003, one daughter has a 1999 LE, and the wife has a 2000 camry. The 2005 S has the best ride. A great improvement in comfort and road feel from the 2001. I would rather have this car than a BMW. It sits higher than the older Corolla and has a very solid feel and response. The backseat is still just a tad bit small for a tall person when the drivers seat is back. That is the only very minor complaint. For the money, this is the very best! Honda does not get close to this one.

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  Dallas Review - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Z - June 3 - 10:46 pm

  After looking at Dodge and Ford we agreed that the Toyota Tundra would be a better deal. Not financially, but overall including workmanship, resale value, size, comfort, amenities and visual appeal. Buying it one year used brought the price down right where it should be. I love the space, the smooth ride and the quiet interior. It doesnt have a great turning radius, but everything else is top notch. I plan to get the mileage out of this one. Just pricey.

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  my first toyota prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By pete bogumill - June 3 - 10:26 pm

  I am tired of the fact that gas prices are forever climbing so I bought a Toyota Prius. I love the car. Its fun to drive and it is a well made car. I am averaging approx 50 m.p.g. so far this summer. I have about 6000 miles on it now and I have no regrets. I hope toyota keeps their quality forever. I couldnt be more happy with this Toyota Prius. Thank you.

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  Time To Downsize - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By SuperMom - June 3 - 7:10 pm

  After driving large SUVs and minivans for the past 15 years, it was time to downsize. I still need a vehicle with plenty of cargo room because I do the purchasing for my husbands business, but was ready for something smaller, sportier (without compromising on luxury features), and big enough to comfortably seat our entire family of 5 when the 3 kids are home from college. The Venza has met all of my needs and has been a great car! I also considered Lexus and Acura crossovers (both were much more expensive, and the Venza had more features that I actually wanted) as well as the Highlander, but the superior second row seating and gas mileage of the Venza made it the clear choice for me.

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  My Sequoia Ride - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Ron - June 3 - 11:03 am

  I really like the Sequoia. It really met all my familys needs. We didnt buy it for the GREAT gas mileage (HAHA). This is our family car. Everything is great except for the poor gas mileage.

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  Greatest Bang for Buck - 2011 Toyota Tundra
  By lobstah - June 2 - 10:24 pm

  This truck has the greatest bang for buck. Foremost, the dbl cab will carry 3 adults and has a 6 1/2 ft bed. This is extra for ford and not avail. for GM. Second, the drive train is incredible (5.7, 4x4, TRD), acceleration is smooth and power is always there. My gas mpg is improving, about 16.7, 80% highway. Quiet and smooth ride for a truck. Bluetooth hands free for cell phone was easy to setup. Headlights work great! Previous trucks Ive owned had weak headlights compared to the Tundras. Interior looks are good, but compared to recently remodeled trucks, they are appear basic. However, the Tundras capabilities will still go tow to tow with todays ford, dodge and gm trucks!

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  Too cool - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Grandma Patty - June 2 - 7:26 pm

  Its been a lotta years since I have driven such a fun comfy cool vehicle. It reminds me of my old jeep scrambler but so much better. The looks, the questions about the FJ from so many people is amazing. Its like having a custom build vehicle. Then again it is. It was fun designing R FJ with all the extras we wanted.

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  Great Combination - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Yoke - June 2 - 5:23 pm

  So far a great truck. It drives great, fits in my garage, rides smooth and stable and has good high visibility, good bed size w/ decent hauling ability. I started with the larger engine but after being stuck with unwanted options, I tried the 4cl. The acceleration is not great but neither was the 6cl. w/ auto. The smaller engine w/ 5 speed gives me more than adequate power for highway merges, etc. The smaller engine also gets very respectable mileage (about 21 mpg overall) although I do a lot of highway / rural driving. The SR5 with alloys was a real complete package for me. 2 kids (9 and 7) fit in the rear seats with decent leg room but the srtaight backs would get old on a long ride.