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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  4Runner - The Legacy Continues... - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By shogun2 - November 19 - 6:30 pm

  Ive always loved the 4Runners from the 1st, 2nd and 3rd generations. Though, Ive never owned one because I was always devoted to the Supras. Then, the 4th generation of the 4Runner came out in 2003, I knew it then, this is going to be my first SUV. Its rugged looks and more macho looking body compared to its previous generations got me. This year 2006, I started shopping for the right 4Runner style of my choice - the Sports Edition. Bought it in March 2006, drove it to California in July for his break in period, and my 4Runner performed flawlessly. Handling, comfort and the turn ratio are awesome. Toyota fulfills another expectation for me, a hundred thousands of miles of fun ahead.

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  Awesome Car!! - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By vsf82 - November 19 - 5:51 pm

  Ive been looking at this car for quite some time. Finally decided on the convertible and I just love it!! the ride and performance on this vehicle is just like a Lexus, just like driving/riding on air! The only issue I see is the rear view window should be bigger due to the huge blind spot. There is some road noise while driving, but its a convertible. A/C works perfectly along with everything else. I cant say enough Wonderful things about this car, its nothing but Pure Quality from Toyota!!

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  Recall for sludge - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By vicky - November 19 - 2:16 pm

  At around 113000 miles their is a oil gel/sludge in the engine below the valves. At 131340 miles there was dried oil in the form of coffee grinds in the internal oil screen that filters the oil inside the oil pan cover. WHEN OIL LIGHT comes on at 131340 miles HAVE IT TOWED to your closest dealer or you will be paying for a new engine. Make sure you tell the Service Manager NO ONE IS TO DRIVE IT or let it run at idle. Or you will have major internal engine damage. I was not notified by the manufacture that there was a recall for sludge ... so if it is smoking that could be the sign that it has an oil gel problem and it is covered by the manufacture. At 131300 miles changed front springs.

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  Love my RAV4 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Jenny in NC - November 19 - 12:56 pm

  This is a fun car to drive, nice pickup and smooth ride overall. Good gas mileage, and a pleasure to get behind the wheel everyday. Love the design, small but sleek at the same time. Had an issue with the radio malfunctioning, but Toyota took care of it ASAP - customer service at all the Toyota dealerships Ive been to has been top notch. My first Toyota, and definitely not my last.

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  Toyota solara...Rocks! - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Russo - November 19 - 8:16 am

  Smooth and quiet ride, strong engine, excellent build quality...

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  1st time owner of Toyota Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Beth - November 19 - 6:56 am

  Just purchased my first Toyota vehicle. I chose the camry due to reputation, reliability, gas mileage and quality. I have been impressed so far. I have traveled over 300 miles on a 1/2 tank of gas. Love the smoothness of the ride, is very quiet inside. Love everything about it.

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  Awesome Truck - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mike D - November 19 - 2:30 am

  I bought my 07 Prerunner Access Cab after stepping down from a Chevy 1500 Z71 and I couldnt be happier. While I loved my full size, I love the improved fuel economy and the great pickup my V6 has. It has all the creature comforts you need and is comfortable. I am 64" and have no problem being comfortable in the front seat, although I wouldnt recommend the jump seats in the rear for any adult over 6. Could use a little more padding on the seats, but I love the fold flat feature. Makes it easy to load groceries or bulky items. I love the track system in the bed. Makes it easy to find the best tie down spot for my load. Altogether an excellent buy. Will not be disappointed with this truck.

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  Best truck ever - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Tundra For life - November 19 - 2:23 am

  Ive put a lot of miles on this truck so far. I am very impressed. No problems at all. Gas mileage is impressive 22 on highway. I towed my 24 trailer 1200 miles and averaged 17 mpg. Sold a 2006 Dodge Hemi. Never own one again 2 transmissions and i engine overhaul. And many rattles. I will stick with a Toyota. Best truck on the road.

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  Why did I buy a Dodge first? - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By GI Tiger - November 18 - 2:03 pm

  Great, fun, truck, the V6 power plant is just right for this vehicle. Im glad I bought all the extras (TRD, Prerunner, SR5) with the off road package. This truck does do some weird things though, dont drive too fast in windy conditions, it likes to nose plow, controlling it sometimes is a job in itself. It doesnt drive well on uneven roads at times.

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  Great Truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By D Hanna - November 18 - 2:00 pm

  My 2nd Tundra - totalled the first - but I was fine. New 5 speed transmission is ultra smooth. Engine smooth - low noise at highway speeds - another great ride. Sees limited off road use, but great when needed. Limited towing of 5000 lb trailer and equipment - does it without a problem and up a 10 percent grade hill.