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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  Better Than I Thought - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Jeff - February 1 - 1:33 am

  My wife and I had the car for 6 weeks with 2500 miles. The car is very quiet, solid, and lives up to Toyota quality. I traded a 3 BMW and the Solara is as quiet and comfortable as the Bimmer. I was impressed as to how quiet the ride is with the top up and also with the top down. The navigation system is a bit busy but it keeps my wife occupied during out short trips to the beach. Im happy I bought the car.

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  The Best - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By machelle - January 31 - 1:36 pm

  I just ordered my third new Land Cruiser (2007 model). At 110,250 miles, my 2000 handled better, drove tighter and was a smoother ride than every test drive we took of other comparable 2007 SUVs. The Land Cruiser has only needed two repairs (a starter and CD electrical problem) all these miles. It has reliably gotten me out of sticky situations numerous times ranging from snow packs in the Rockies to an approaching hurricane on the Florida Coast. The third seats are not as comfortable, but are great for hauling my daughters middle school basketball team. The seats all easily tuck away in several formations for hauling everything from small trees to luggage. We couldnt go anywhere else.

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  Bert the traveler - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Kathleen Williams - January 31 - 12:29 pm

  I just bought the car and I already love Bert! Hes dependable and fun. Everytime I drive him we cracks me up. I love the gas mileage! So far no maintenance and I believe it will stay that way. If I ever have to replace Bert it will be hard to for the price. Bert is a 5 speed manual. Ive never driven around standard (Im 54), but Bert was a breeze to learn to drive. Ive driven and had other cars that I thought were great. Bert delivers! Hes not fancy or high tech. I got him with 131,000. Hes a good road tripper. My son bought a 2009 that he loved. I helped him pick it out. Berts 9 years old and he looks amazing and he drives great. I wasnt buying a Ferrari, but Bert is my favorite car Ive ever known. Dont expect expensive technology with whistles and bells. Do expect to have fun everytime you go. I got more than I paid for it. I love Bert and I will replace him someday with his family of Toyota. Plus he was made right here in the USA. I love America and try to buy from this great country. Shame on you if you dont!

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  prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By pookster - January 31 - 10:00 am

  great car,great gas milage,fun to drive,no problems.we have two of them

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  Avalon 2009 - 2009 Toyota Avalon
  By bmallek540 - January 31 - 9:43 am

  I purchased the Avalon Limited edition in mid January 2009. After driving around town and on an extended trip I have to say that the Avalon is probably the smoothest driving car I have ever driven. For the size comfort and ride I am very happy. This is a great car for long trip freeway driving.

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  Pegs Avalon - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By Pegs Avalon - January 31 - 12:53 am

  Enjoy driving my car. Do both in-town and out-of town driving. Have maintained regular service with Toyota dealer in area. Replaced 4 tires within last year. No major mechanical problems. Cloth seats.

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  Really well designed car, efficient. - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Matt S. - January 30 - 5:26 pm

  My Dad still drives his 94 Camry. So when I wanted a reliable car, I went with Toyota. The 2010 Corolla LE is fantastic. Very aesthetically pleasing design, comfortable seats with height adjustment. TONS of standard safety features (A big selling point), good enough engine with unbelievable fuel efficiency. A great AM/FM/CD/Aux sound system comes standard, as well. I did not encounter a very touchy steering wheel at all. It controls very well. The brakes are responsive and stopped me quickly in wet conditions without a skid. The abundance of standard airbags and ABS makes me more comfortable to transport friends or family.

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  great truck!! - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By skylerlynn - January 29 - 2:22 pm

  My dad gave be the truck when I went to college in Virginia. Its been great! I drive there and home 4 times a year. Thats 1679 miles from Wyoming to VA!! 25 1/2 hours and its still running great! I love it. I also pull the horses, not to school but locally. I would definitely buy it again.

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  beach car - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By beach buggy - January 29 - 9:00 am

  This is a right hand drive driven in Australia. Ive driven the rav in the rain, on the beach, dirt roads and from short trips to over 6 hrs at any time. It will go just about anywhere with great comfort. It has more than enough room and power from the 4 cyl. I can get about 500k from a tank of petrol.

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  Im going to drive this into the ground - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Brian Hoeft - January 28 - 12:03 pm

  I would still purchase this car. The only complaint that I have ever heard of for this car is the road and engine noise. I only heard that comment about a year after I purchased it and didnt honestly notice it until then although now I do. A+ for breaking ability. B for acceleration. A+ for forard view. C for rear viewing ability.