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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  New Tacoma Xtracab - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By TexTacoma - May 3 - 10:00 am

  I just turned 1000 miles, and I couldnt be happier. This truck is great. I have three kids and they all fit in the back seat. The truck runs great, and is a blast to drive. I will update this at 10,000 miles and well see if its the same.

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  What a sexy model - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Arvind Bhanushali - May 3 - 10:00 am

  I am so happy to see that I made an excellent choice by buying Toyota Corolla, I was about to buy WV-Jetta, but nothing is like Corolla, to fun to drive, great take off, great vision. Looks great from behind.!!

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  Great Minivan - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Scats - May 3 - 3:56 am

  Owned a 3 Chrysler T&Cs prior. After my second experience with a blown transmission, went with the Toyota quality. Sienna drives very spirited and is much more car like then my previous van. Fuel economy is close to 26 mpg on the highway which I think is fantastic. I look forward to my first long trip with it in the future.

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  Highlander is a very good SUV - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By hammon44 - May 3 - 3:20 am

  I have owned my Highlander Limited for almost 8 years and have put on about 90,000 miles. Purchased it at 33,000 miles. The SUV has been very good. It has been perfect for everything Ive done in the last eight years including multiple cross country road trips and hauling stuff from the home depot. Even the roof rack have been very helpful. In 2002 the Limited edition had more features than I need from a car. Leather has held up very well. Very comfortable ride. Only one major repair needed. The SUVs computer failed three years ago. Cost over $1500 to get it replaced. Have had 4 sets of tires which is excessive but could be due to buying lower tier tires for the first 3 sets.

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  Love it but the Rear Defrost needs work! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By lrlquist - May 3 - 2:13 am

  Previously owned a Corolla & during a lapse of judgement went with GM for awhile. Back to Toyota with no regrets. 30 mpg, comfortable ride, easy access to everything. Plenty of power but no metro driving means no need anyway. Have 2 teenage boys and they have plenty of legroom in the back which was main reason for moving up to the Camry.

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  Best Car ever in the last 12 years - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By robertverma - May 3 - 12:06 am

  This car can easily beat many of the luxury cars in style, performance, comfort and features. I bought it used and will be driving it until many years to come. The only drawback I find is that it doesnt have iPod Jack which Im going to have installed. Every time I drive the car, I appreciate it even more then last time. Fuel economy is unbelievable, it gives me 30+ on the highways. Im a car lover and even though its not really a drivers car but Im willing to compensate only that part with everything else in the car. The rear seat room is like a limousine and it even reclines. I am never worried about the repair costs, its like driving a German car with no maintenance

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  Best truck on the market!! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Scott - May 2 - 11:10 pm

  I love my Tacoma!! I have driven all kinds of trucks and this one is the best hands down. Its doesnt have rattles after several miles, its quiet and powerful!!

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  An Excellent Value - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Mathewsv0 - May 2 - 9:00 pm

  I recently purchased a 2008 Toyota Camry CE with the five speed manual transmission and I must say it is truly a pleasure to drive. The clutch has the right amount of travel, the shifting operation is smooth, and the power of the engine is great whether youre driving in the city or on the highway. The fit and finish of the interior is excellent with a lot of shoulder and head room. The seats are also positioned in a way that is very comfortable. In this price range it offers quite a bit. Im only twenty years of age and Im impressed with this car even though it is marketed towards a different crowd.

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  Escalade to Prius V - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By pirate131 - May 2 - 8:54 pm

  Picked up the new car yesterday. So far very pleased. We got the Five with the advanced tech. package, remote start, floor mats, etc. However, this is a big change for me. My Escalade had a 6.0 litre engine with 375 hp. It will take time to adapt to the hybrid. But it wont take any time at all to get used to better fuel economy. Comparatively speaking, Im going to enjoy stopping for gas. The new car is great, fun to drive and handles very well. Iphone tied right into the car. Still need to set up entune. Ill update this review in 30 days.

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  Best Vehicle ever! - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Brian Petersen - May 2 - 6:59 pm

  I have had my 2008 SR5 V6 for 7 years and it has proven to be the most enjoyable vehicle I have ever owned. Perfect reliability, useful utility configuration, great comfort, excellent audio system (I use MP3 CDs), and a great looking design. With normal dealer maintenance there have been no problems at all. The only design elements that you need to adapt to are the heat/air buttons, the poorly located power window switches, and the low contrast multi-purpose computer display. I have no trouble with winters in Iowa, and always look forward to driving this sharp looking model. I installed a chrome horse head hood ornament so I could always look between a horses ears as I drive... I like to think of it like riding an ultra-smooth horse.