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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  One Fine Truck - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By The Kentucky Kid - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Had this truck for four months now, and absolutely love it. Its not perfect, but its definitely a quality vehicle. Ride is a little bouncy, especially on concrete interstates (asphalt is smooth as glass). Couldnt afford the V6, but the 4 cyl. does fine. I dont do a lot of heavy-duty hauling or towing, so the HP is more than adequate. Getting 21 mpg avg and as much as 25 mpg on the open road. Its a great hill climber, creek splasher and rock rider and Ive spent many fun hours off-road, exploring places Ive never been before. But clean it up and shine it up and, man, it takes to city streets like a Jaguar to the jungle. And chicks love it!

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  Loving it! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By PAX5formerowner - January 26 - 10:00 am

  I was a BMW owner for the first time and had a 2001 X5 for 2 years. I loved that car . . . so I thought. Dependability NONE! Decided to go for the Toyotal quality and what I got was an SUV with a better ride than the X5 -much better and $12,000 less in sticker price. Saved a bunch of $$ going with the Highlander and thought I would sacrifice something, however the quality is superb to the BMW and the ride is wonderful. Roomy, fun to drive and love the leather package. Got the Limited with everything and glad I did. Wonderful vehicle and should have went with Toyota 2 years ago instead of the X5. Sacrificed nothing except more $$ in my pocket . . . .

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  Love the car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By bmxer - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Im getting 38+ mpg with style.

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  Top of the Line - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bill - January 25 - 6:16 pm

  This is my first Toyota since a Corona station wagon back in the early 70s, and boy have things changed. It feels even more solid than the 94 Dakota it replaced, and its at least twice as comfortable to drive. Havent had the chance to put all the off road features through their paces yet, except for checking that everything works, but I already have some very interesting "roads" in mind to try it out on. The double cab configuration with the short bed is just about perfect for what I have in mind for it. Fuel economy is nothing to write home about, but for a truck this capable, its not too shabby. Reliability remains to be seen, but Toyotas reputation is very high in that regard.

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  Life is Good! Thanks Toyota! - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Dean - January 25 - 8:06 am

  I bought my 4Runner as a CPO a few years ago, the first CPO I have ever purchased. It has been superb! 19- 20 MPG in the city and about 23-24 MPG on the highway, marvelous comfort, great stopping power, very low cost of maintenance.

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  Love it!! - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Kao W. Brown - January 25 - 2:23 am

  I had a Town and Country which turned out to be a lemmon. I love my Seinna. We have two young children and the attention Toyota put in this car to make it a family car is great. We have taken several long trips and she drives like a champ. This car also looks sleek and its a Toyota.

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  Undisputed Champion - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By VEGA - January 24 - 11:30 pm

  I drove the new Silverado, Ford F-150, Nissan Titan, and the Dodge Ram with the 5.7. The new 2007 Tundra with the 5.7 destroys the competition. Handling, power, acceleration, braking, and looks, plus resale value and reliability of Toyota.

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  My Dream Car - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By Tomika - January 24 - 11:13 pm

  For the last couple of years I have longed for the Sequoia. I got a great deal on the SR5. I do wish the steering wheel had radio controls on it though. I also wish it came with backup sensors, but other than that i as so pleased. I only hope that as the years pass i will still be as happy.

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  We love this car! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Barbara - January 24 - 7:30 pm

  I bought this car without ever driving it as there were none in the showrooms. It has exceeded my expectations in every way. Coming back from Buena Vista, CO to eastern Iowa, we averaged 50.8. It has plenty of zip and we are easily able to pass slower traffic even ascending on mtn. passes. I have a back injury and the seats are plenty comfortable. With lots of room in the back we can transport fishing equipment,instruments, & plenty of luggage. Good leg room. There are many nice amenities such as two glove boxes and other places to stash glasses,etc. Being able to observe the gas mileage every five minutes has turned me into a more conscious driver. And with near zero emissions its a no brainer.

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  Best 4cyl ever driven - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By JScev - January 23 - 6:43 pm

  I have had this car for over a yr and i love it. i have had minimal problems. i got back and forth to college and i get around 40 mpg. i do have exhaust, header and intake to help but it is still very good. My parents have an 04 civic ex and my celica GT blows it away, as does it smoke the 02 cavy my bro has.