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:

• 

  Sienna 2000 - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By DSJ1 - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Good reliable, family vehicle. Very easy to get small children in and out of. Rides very comfortably but has some extra noise values.

• 

  The best small car - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By Constantino - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Is a nice car

• 

  Outstanding car, some annoying features - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Eric_ - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Overall the XRS is outstanding for its price range. Handling is superb. Power isnt there till about 6000rpm+, but so what. It makes for excellent fuel economy most of the time, and more than enough power when you need it. Tonnes of room inside. The XRS has superb braking, comparable and often better than much more expensive sports coupes.

• 

  My 1st 4 Runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By ownertobe1 - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I spent 6 months researching and looking for a new SUV and could not be happier with the purchase I made. I spent less money then I thought I would and received a fully loaded SUV with great styling and unmatched reliability. I looked at the Explorer, Yukon, Land Rover Discovery, and Ford Expedition. If you do not need a third row seat this SUV is an excellent choice.

• 

  A Very Sweet Ride - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Xeos131 - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Before I actually purchased my Corolla, I did extensive research on every car in its class. Let me tell you, I made the right choice. This was my first car, and I wanted it to be a car that would be economic yet sporty, and fun yet safe, not to mention reliable. So far, my cute Corolla S hasnt disappointed me yet. It has gotten head turn after head turn, and all my friends love it. If you are thinking about getting this car, do it! None of its classmates come close, in my opinion, at least.

• 

  amazing - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By mreyes6868 - April 8 - 10:34 pm

  i love my tundra, its fast, powerful, reliable, and good on gas. never had a single problem on it. the 5.7 liter v8 is the only way to go, tows like a dream, i tow my 10,000 lb toy hauler up steep hills doing 70mph..... in my 05 ford 6.0 turbo diesel towing the same trailer i had to go peddal to the floor up hills and speed would drop down to 40 mph. in my tundra i feel much safer than the ford and much more powerful, i have NEVER had to go peddal to the floor on my tundra. my ford overheated twice on me. my tundra tows my trailer in 100 degree weather up steep hills without any problems.MY TUNDRA TOWS 10000 LBS BETER THAN MY FREINDS DODGE RAM 1500 TOWING 4500 LBS. its the best truck ever

• 

  2006 Toyota Avalon Limited - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By CWernke - April 8 - 8:16 pm

  This is our second Toyota product purchased in the last 2 years, first one 2004 Highlander. I am continually impressed with the build quality and value of Toyota products. The Avalons ride is incredibly quite and stable. Great value for the money

• 

  Front end rattle - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Kurt - April 8 - 8:43 am

  I had this car for only about a month when it developed a loud rattle in the front end on both sides. Took it back to the dealer and after a "test drive", they found no problem to fix and didnt hear any noises from the front end. They replaced some plastic clips holding a cover under the car and sent me on my way. The noise is getting worse and nobody seems to care. Going to an independent mechanic soon to get his opinion.

• 

  A Great Sporty Car - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Boston - April 8 - 2:30 am

  My third Solara (had 4cyl and SLE). The V6 5spd is the best! Much more power(200hp) than 4 cyl and much more fun to drive than SLE. Not a sports car, but has a real sporty feel. If you really enjoy the driving experience, you must get the SE V6 5spd! Very quick acceleration, silky smooth and quiet, but responsive and sporty handling. Fine overall quality of workmanship (virtually trouble free). Great bet for the mid-lifer who didnt quite make it to that sports car.

• 

  I Love this economical sweetheart! - 2008 Toyota Matrix
  By Nina Wilson - April 8 - 2:10 am

  This is my 4th Toyota and I have been blessed with economical bliss with this vehicle just like the others. This is a car that works hard all day and then cleans up easily to play in the evening. Sharp looking. Back seats folds flat to make a level cargo area. Will carry 5 people comfortably and gear in the back cargo area.