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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  Love my Tacoma - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Cleveland Ohio - February 8 - 3:26 pm

  I purchased this truck new. This is my first pick up truck. It has lots of power for a 4 cyl and rides nice. I purchased it as a second vehicle so I didnt get all of the extras just AC and sliding rear window. It seems to get around 21-23 MPG mixed mostly city driving. A few months after driving it i did experience the feeling of riding over railroad tracks when decelerating. I heard it was due to the torque converter not disengaging but since the tranny shifted excellent, I didnt want the dealer to mess with it. It seems to have gone away on its own and I havent noticed it all Summer. I like the fact that if I get my speed up to 38 mph, the od kicks in and will stay eng down to 30.

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  Perfect in every way. - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By dskinner - February 8 - 1:30 pm

  This vehicle replaced a Mazda Miata, which I loved dearly. After owning the Spyder for less than a week, I forgot all about the Miata! I love everything about the vehicle.

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  My Matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Chris - February 8 - 1:10 pm

  Has been the best car Ive ever owned. Mileage usually about 30mpg, sometimes more if highway only driving. GREAT cornering and handling ability. Fun to drive with enough power to pass safely in reasonable situations. Back seats lower flat instead of the SUVs that dont go all the way down flat, so is great for cargo. A truly great vehicle!

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  A decent value for your money - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By CaMrYmAn - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car just recently, because my parents have owned them for years now, and they seem to be great cars. I believe that the 4 cylinder can be a bit sluggish at times, but it pays off in gas mileage. The only other con I seem to find in my camry is the suspension. Its a bit rough on bumpy roads. The reliability cant be beat by any other when it comes to the engine. It never fails me. I have not one problem at 93,000 miles.

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  Tundra - excellent performer - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Fred Creath - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Impressive truck. Test drove the other Big Three truck manufacturers before visiting Toyota. Sure glad I did....the Tundra had a noticeable superior ride and performance. Silky smooth V8 and the transmission is so fluid that you cant tell its shifted unless youve either pegged the accelerator or youre watching the tach move.

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  Built to last - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By Baranowski - February 8 - 2:00 am

  The Tundra is a smooth riding truck. It has handled heavy loads without any problems. The six disc CD stereo is a pleasure to listen to. It handles great in bad weather.

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  Toyota is the only choice - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By digitalgothic - February 8 - 2:00 am

  It is the most reliable, great looking, handling truck I know of. We have all kinds in my family, and it is clearly the best.

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  Wind it up, Baby! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By New car smile - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I had the 02. Its a joke in comparison to the 04. Totally different cars. This time I got the whole package,(nav sys,leather, etc.). Glad I did. The outside looks good and the inside is FANTABULAS! When considering the price, comfort, power, etc, Toyota hit a home run this time. The factory tires are very pricy,( 17" low profile) and hard to find. I found out the hard way. Its a long story! Bottom line, Great car!

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  timkarr review - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By timkarr - February 8 - 2:00 am

  What can I say? Toyota really knows how to build one hell of an SUV! Exceptional quality throughout the vehicle. Vehicle rides surprising smooth and quiet, especially for an SUV. NICE! :-)

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  Itll last forever - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By bobmarley - February 8 - 2:00 am

  One thing that is great is how long your car will last. My boyfriend has an 1985 Toyota Corolla and his car is still as reliable as mine. This is what encouraged me to purchase one. I would suggest this buy for anyone.