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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  Wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Eliana - November 20 - 2:10 am

  I went from a Chrysler Town and Country to a Sienna and the difference is unbelieveable. The ride is smooth and the comfort cannot be beat! Our family has 3 under the age of 3 and we all fit comfortable, even with all the diaper bags and strollers! Great buy, Great car and the 10 airbags are a plus with little ones riding in the back seat!! The 6 cd changer, the mirror to see what is going on in the back and the Homelink system are added bonuses!

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  ten years and going... - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By One Ower - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Great dependable comfortable and efficent. Used as a family ride and a commuting vehicle. Good on trips, especially before the dawn of the SUV and Mini-Vans rose up to create visibility challenges. Cant beat the value we have gotten out of the first 10 years of happy ownership.

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  Its A Toyota - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By kvnh2os - November 20 - 2:00 am

  I have been happy with my 98 2DR XCab 2WD. I wanted the 4WD, just too pricey. I would not use 4WD but maybe 5-6 times a year. Even though its 2WD, its still a Toyota. I have taken it places that Jeep Grand Cherokees wont go. All in all, its a great truck. The only real complaint I would have is the front end of the truck looks ugly to me. Not as well styled as other model years.

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  Wifes Choice, Not a Mans Car - 2000 Toyota RAV4
  By Rudy2000 - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Great Toyota reliability, excellent build quality. A bit under powered, but OK for daily commute. Great gas mileage.

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  Sweet - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Joeyyyyyy - November 20 - 2:00 am

  I thought was hooked on Hondas until I got my Solara. The Solara is roomier, more stylish, quieter, and more ergonomic than any Honda engineer could dream up. It gets a little less gas milage and is a little heavier than the Honda. Just shut the doors and feel the difference in how solid and tight this car is. It is fun to drive. Honda makes a great car, but this is a step up in the right direction.

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  best truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Picky - November 20 - 2:00 am

  I am an engineer and I reserched all the trucks and read at least 20 differnt articals. The tundra comeout on top for what I and about 90% of truck buyers use it for. I do some heavy hauling and have towed 2 trucks with it with no problems. This truck has great power and a great ride. (This is the best truck out there)

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  great japanese car! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By my_toyota - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Its really powerful on its class for 130hp than other japanese cars. nice interior and exterior, rally-feel suspension and dashboard. the car come with front and rear stabilizer bars and it is very good on cornering but only for dry condition. it is extreamly dangerous on wet condition because the car come with firestone tire. my car was having a short distance skid when i step on the brake on wet condition on the second day after i got the car. ill upgrade the tire to either yokohama or turanza and 16-inch alloy wheel rather than 15- inch since the car got no ABS.

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  BEST PICK - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By BILL GIBBS - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Never drove a car I like more. This car drives like a dream. relieiblity, ride comfort, and safety top the list for me. Unlike the Honda that seems to drive like a sports car wantabe.

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  Wonderful Experience - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By FirstTimeOwner - November 19 - 10:56 pm

  I own the 3.5L V6 XLE Camry. I switched to Toyota after owning German cars for 13 years. The Camry drives very smoothly, securely hugging the road while curbing. The V6 has enough power at all times: on highways while accelerating and from a stop-start state. It is well laid out inside as well. I am completely satisifed with this car. I have had no problems whatsoever - the peace of mind of owning a car that retains its value is priceless. Camrys end up an asset even after 5 years and 100k.

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  Quality and Customer Service Failing - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By SUV Woes - November 19 - 9:46 pm

  I bought my Highlander new and I have been disappointed in the quality and customer service since that day. The SUV had rail dust that required several treatments but still exists. My front differential began leaking at 42,000 miles and it was repaired. But at 65,000 miles it is leaking again. Told cost to repair is 1,900 and no break from the dealership or the corp. Factory tires had to be replaced too soon and the rear rotors as well because Toyota installs cheap ones now. Ive learned to stay away from Toyota and always buy the extended warranties.