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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  awesome - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By wv - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I looked high and low for the perfect combination of performance, reliability and comfort. The 2004 Sport Edition I found was loaded with all the options I desired. Ive had toyotas in the past and have never had any mechanical problems. I dumped my BMW 740iL unreliable dinosaur for this awesome offroad driving machine.

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  2004 Corolla an Excellent Choice - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By John Cecil - October 17 - 10:00 am

  The car is extremely practical as well as flexible with its rear seat back fold down reature. Gas mileage is outstanding, 33-40mpg. Handling is excellent, but it has no pretentions to be a sports sedan. Build quality inside and out is as good as it gets. Automatic xmission shifts without and roughness whatsoever.

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  Best SUV - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By John - October 17 - 5:03 am

  We had 2003 Honda Cr-V. Our new RAV-4 is far superior. Much better performance, handling and much less road noise. The 3.5L 6cyl engine is overkill but we love it! If you got the extra $$ definitely go for along with 4WD. We plan on doing a lot of traveling so extra power and handling are super important to us. Toyota really rang the bell with this model.

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  Downsize - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Lamar Winters - October 16 - 10:50 pm

  Having driven this car for only the best part of a week I must say that I am impressed, despite the "expert" evaluations. Just coming off a Lexus RX330 I had no big expectations but needed to down size and I am a big Toyota fan. I really enjoy the driving experience and my height(510") and arm length adapt to the driving position nicely. I dont have a problem with the engine performance because for me its a change in driving style and a willingness to adapt. Road noise is not all that bad and all this fuss about engine noise I dont get at all. I drove the AWD car initially but did not like the color or performance and was please when I drove away in the FWD, Shadow Mica ... cool!!

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  Best SUV I have owned - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Andrew - October 16 - 8:17 pm

  This truck is everything I like about an off road SUV and everything I needed for small family transportation.

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  WOW!! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Alex Chuang - October 16 - 6:06 pm

  Great truck all around. I wish I had gotten the 5.7 if I knew the truck was going to be this much fun.

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  I am a believer - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By macord - October 16 - 12:30 pm

  We have always been a GM family and had large SUVs and Trucks. My wife just traded in her 2001 Chevy Tahoe which we bought new for a 2012 Camry XLE. This car has it all. Luxury without the luxury price tag. We did about 8 weeks of research before making our decision. It was between the Sonata, Optima and the Camry. Sure Hyundai and KIA are tempting with their warranty and I have to say that is the only thing Toyota is lacking in. It really came down to quality and reputation. The other two companies are really starting to stick out, however I think Toyota is still the leader. Very nice car. Make sure you ask about the Costco program. We paid 200.00 over invoice Renton, WA Toyota is awsome

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  Love my Suv - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By gmoorjr - October 15 - 9:36 pm

  Only 2 weeks old, 1600 miles, Get at least 20 mpg. Lots of attention. Took up Mt. Washington - no problem. Have gone offroad - no problem but would rec. A Trac and locking rear dif options for serious off road. Love it and would buy another.

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  You cant buy better - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By joek - October 15 - 6:43 pm

  I got this for my wife loaded it up with 15 alloy wheel every thing they could put on it. I had lots of cars from top of the line to putters. Nothing can touch this one . After 10 years still the same As the day they brought it to her.Oil changes tires brakes new Hipo struts cold air induction plus chip up. I took over after buy her a Camry in 2009. Still have it never sale it my daily driver. I treat it hard It begs for more.

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  Sienna SE is the best Minivan yet - 2013 Toyota Sienna
  By iselin - October 15 - 5:10 pm

  I recently purchased 2013 Sienna SE after careful analysis with Sienna XLE and Honda Odyssey(EX-L and Touring). Below is my verdict on who wins in each category- Exterior - Sienna SE Tires/Wheels - Sienna SE Tech - Odyssey Features - Odyssey Seating - Odyssey Access to 3rd row - Sienna Dashboard - Odyssey Cargo Space - Sienna Mileage - Odyssey Price - Sienna Drive - Sienna SE Steering/Handling - Sienna SE Winner - Sienna SE by a margin If looks and drive does matter to you, go with Sienna SE with Navigation pkg. If you want to opt for XLE, then Odyssey is a better choice. Odyssey pick up is not so good. Odyssey 2014 still looks bad when compared to Sienna.