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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  This Truck is Great - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By NUCADET - December 27 - 10:00 am

  Anyone that wants a reliable truck that you can do almost anything with this is the truck to get. I have had it for 3 months and drove it from New England down to GA loved every bit of it.

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  Are you sure this is a Corolla? - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Krissy - December 27 - 10:00 am

  This is our first NEW car and we LOVE it all! LOVE the great gas mileage; am filling up half as much as I used to with the same size Nissan. I thought the visor/rear mirror problem was a silly flaw also, but the rear view mirror is on a ball & socket joint and can be moved right quite easily - problem solved! The ONLY negative thing that we have dealt with on this model is that the 5spd doesnt come with a leather wrapped shift knob like the 4A - NOT FAIR! Its a vinyl that gets HOT in the sun. We have Toyota getting us a leather cover :) A few changes and minor improvements (which anyone should expect from a redesign) would make this car anyones dream!

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  Great car fun to drive - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Kudos - December 27 - 10:00 am

  A great car with the qualities of a Lexus I was looking at the lexus IS 300 and decided for the $20,000 price difference the Corolla had pretty much the same qualities and I know with this car its lexus quality period. Thanks again Toyota for making a fun safe and fuel efficient car. By Andrew

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  My Favorite Car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Fotie - December 27 - 10:00 am

  I love my car. It is perfect and dependable. Very comfortable. I couldnt ask for a better car.

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  Prius Touring Wheels and Tires - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Switchback - December 27 - 12:26 am

  I have just over 300 miles on the car. I got 54 MPG (calculated from fillout to fillup at the pump - not the car computer) from St. George, UT back to Las Vegas (about 120 miles one way) at 65 MPH. This is slightly downhill back home. I have on it 17 inch G-Games wheels and Michelin 225/17 tires. I thought I would dress up the car a little, but also thought I might take a slight hit on MPG - LOVE the wheels/tires - dont forget to reset the tire pressure monitoring system. The dealer said you have to have about 2,000 mile on the car before it really breaks in and you get the best MPG.

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  A Quality Car - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Ernie - December 26 - 12:33 pm

  The ride is smooth, not sporty, but is very relaxing and quiet. The fuel economy is excellent. It is one of the best cars we have owned.

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  Awesome Car - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Janet- NY - December 26 - 12:30 pm

  I have had my Prius for 10 months and I never looked back. Sold my (lemon) Audi A6 and my new prius is great. Truly a smart car. Love the smart Key, gas mileage. Passing the gas stations all the time. Everyone who gets in the car also comments how roomy the inside is. If youre thinking about it, stop thinking and do it!

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  Happyowner - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Happyowner - December 26 - 12:13 pm

  Best and smartest vehicle I have ever owned. Very reliable, economic to drive. The size is perfect fit to park in garage and parking spaces. Has great pickup when needed on the highway.Plan on driving this vehicle for long time. Would highly recommend this to any individual or small family.

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  S is fun - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By steve - December 26 - 11:56 am

  Best Toyota Ive owned. They get better and better as I buy them. Have bought 4 Corollas for the faimly and my daughter is about to buy an 05 S just like the one I purchased.

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  My Best Vehicle Ever! - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By AZ RLC - December 26 - 1:03 am

  I bought mine new and currently have 190,000 miles on the truck. I have replaced the timing belt, water pump, serpentine belt and and the power steering lines, all around 100K. Other than the regular maint stuff there have been NO problems only some rattles, which are because of the 2 miles of washboard road that I have driven over 6 days/ week for the last 3 years (plus driving through a small river to boot). It is the Lexus of trucks and I plan on reaching 300,000 if I continue to run synthetic oils. No real towing besides a 2500 mile move pulling a 7000lb trailer. I love this truck, and nearly bought another 2001 last year.