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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  Remember its a Toyota "TRUCK" - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By parder - August 24 - 8:46 pm

  One month so far. Replaced a F150 with Tundra Dbl cab. F150 drives like a caddy, Tundra like a used Mack. Bouncy and loud. Great looking,but take it for a long test drive to make sure. Gauges hard to see,2 front seats,yet cupholders (good for long trips across Sahara),but no map pockets? Radio system confusing & impossible to reach(steering wheel controls dont really help). Cruise hard to reach and tells you it is on when it really isnt. Hard to control gas pedal, small brake pedal. But, typical of Toyota & Honda-you get what we give you and like it. Great towing capacity but highly overrated as everyday driver for performance and comfort! Oh, dont forget the $100 oil changes.

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  Worth the money - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By verified - August 24 - 6:20 pm

  I have had this car for 4 years. I bought it as a compromise between mpg and comfort as I commute over an hour to work. I have only replaced the battery and tires in those 5 years and have put 200K+ miles on. Performing past my expectations.

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  Priorities in order - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By TonyC - August 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle primarily because of the Great Gas Milage and the Super-Ultra-Low Emmisions for of the car. The ride and other items on the car were a secondary thing. I have nothing but good things to say for the car. It has met all my needs. I do wish it had more in-town range on batteries though so it ran on NO gas around town!

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  My baby died @ 130,000 - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Dead Leg - August 24 - 10:00 am

  130,000 Death Mark I loved my car, got it in GREAT condition - I treated it like a baby. (Barely drover) anything broke I fixed it. But after 130,000 everything died. Could not pass admissions, AC out, Leaking transmission fuel and oil.

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  Great gas mileage!!!!! - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By green leaf - August 24 - 10:00 am

  The Prius has great gas mileage! The highest I have acheived is 58.8. It has surprising power too. I had five adults in the car with the A/C on, while passing 18-wheelers. There are problems with it. On my car, the build quality has been disappointing, and so has the reliability. It is in the shop now for a new rack-and-pinion.

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  My first truck - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By Brandon - August 23 - 4:16 pm

  Well I purchased this truck after my first car (1996 Mustang) finally was a endless money pit. I had the mustang for 7 years. After alot of research I wanted either a F-150, which I couldnt afford new, or a Tacoma. I was impressed by the Tacomas looks and its mid-sized flavor. The regular cab is decent size and the auto transmission is ok. I wish the truck was more aggressive. The tires look tiny and dont fill the wheel well. Im taking it in for its first oil change this weekend. The silver color looks cool. I dont like the plastic bed or wimpy leaf springs out back but with a budget truck I guess I couldnt ask for more.

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  Toyota is getting stingy - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Piyux - August 23 - 1:30 pm

  I recently got a 4Runner Limited but I had the opportunity to review the SR5 in detail as well. The 4Runner is a great SUV, reliable, efficient, safe, and powerful but on the 2010 I was disappointed to know that Toyota no longer puts the cross-bars in the roof, the mudguards are gone and there is no running boards anymore, not even for the Limited Edition. That is unacceptable. The dealer says that during the 2010 summer these accessories will be available but of course you will have to pay $$ for them. Isnt that ridiculous?

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  Got caught up in the Hype - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Ernie K - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Owned 97 Caravan (110,000 miles), toss of a coin between this or the Odyssey. Newer Chryslers had to much plastic. Got caught up in the Toyota hype. Have 4000 miles, 3000 from recent vacation trip. Hopefully the reliability will overcome the disillusion I currently have. The issues maynot effect shorter drivers as much (62"). It may have more cubic feet but not as practical or useable as my Caravan (with the exception of the fold down seats). Not stable in high winds or near large trucks traveling at interstate speeds. Alignment scheduled!!

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  Great little car! - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By busymom7 - August 18 - 11:16 pm

  This incredible little car is fun to drive and gets awesome gas mileage, even in town. My fifteen year old keeps bugging me about driving it and THINKS she will get to drive it when she gets her license - but theres no way she will get it away from MOM! The interior headroom is surprising. My six foot four husband fits without brushing his hair on the roof, much less his head! Love the pep, love the zip. Great little car!

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  Sound System Inferior - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By First Toyota - August 18 - 10:00 am

  All mechanical components seem to be ok. Premium radio system has noticable noise out of drivers side tweeter. Over 5 attempts to fix problem still no solution. Speaker, radio unit, and amplifier have been changed. Toyota has no solution proposed. Speaker noise exists on am, fm and cd settings. Very frustrating.