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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  Best Midsize Truck - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By SC - December 28 - 11:30 am

  After driving all the midsize trucks, Toyota was my pick. I would do it again even though there a few complaints, the primary one being that it has 3 or 4 impossible to find intermittant rattles, each being heard only when hitting its own unique road bump. Perhaps the firm riding Off Road package causes some of the problem. Also, a small nitpick: whats with the cloth arm rest on the door that will look soiled within a year? This is a truck, not an Avalon! Additionally, the engine fan causes excessive noise, even during fast idle warmup. Finally, there is no tailgate lock. After 3500 miles there has not been any warranty work required.

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  Good Choice - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Jim - December 28 - 11:03 am

  This is our 1st import. Went from SUVs, so realize that change. Comfortable ride to the grocery and up the east coast. Low road noise. Good gas economy. Good acceleration, especially for a 4 cyl. Im 64", wife 54". We both fit well into the vehicle without problems, even the back seat. Sound system is very nice.

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  Good all around car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Joe C - December 28 - 3:33 am

  Car drives great and what a big savings in gas.

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  Best of both worlds - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Thomas Howe - December 28 - 1:43 am

  Not too many cars that go from 0- 60 in 7 seconds, yet get 32 mpg on the road. Also, the fact that theres lots of room in back with the seats folded down is a major plus. Are you reading this, bicyclist and skiers? It handles great and is a pleasure to drive long distances. I regularly took 1000 mile round trip drives and it never missed a beat. The extra kick pas 6000 RPMs is addicting. It looks cooler the longer you have it, with all of the ground effects, but that did have its down side. The front spoilers were too low and I was always scraping them on curbs, sometimes damaging them. I would have kept it, but decided to get a 4X4 SUV for the Wisconsin winters. I miss the gas mileage.

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  Almost Lexus Like...... - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Ren... - December 27 - 11:50 pm

  Lots of room, plenty of power, clean dash and great materials inside and out..

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  Very Pleased - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By 1948dave - December 27 - 2:26 pm

  I traded a Tacoma 4x4 @17+ mpg for this hybrid. I no longer need a truck and I couldnt be happier with the Camry Hybrid. It been cold here, but Im still averaging 36.5 mpg. I couldnt be happier.

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  Incredible little car - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By ajb240 - December 27 - 12:59 pm

  I have owned this car only for a short period but it is fantastic. I have owned and driven many cars in my time but this has quckly stolen my heart. I love this little car. It drive like every boys childhood dream of owning a Hotwheels, only this is the adult version. This car is not practicle as you might be able to carry a gallon of milk. It is not a smoth riding car and it can be noisy with the top up. It has one job and that is to put a smile on your face, and that it does everytime you drive it. My 1st day getting it on the hwy I took a cloverleaf at speeds that would have put another car in the ditch and I didnt even know it. But I had the biggest S(&T eating grin on my face.

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  Great mid size RWD SUV - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Wyatt - December 27 - 3:03 am

  I’m very happy with my 4Runner and with a little tweaking plus a few accessories I will like it even more. Hopefully the TRD supercharger will be available soon. So far (three tanks) my mileage has been slightly better than advertised which is always a pleasant surprise.

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  Love My Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By BigFoot - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I have 10K miles on my Sequoia, and have had absolutely no problems. I was very surprised that my wife loves to drive it as much as me. Fit and finish is excellent. Buy one, you wont regret it!

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  Great car, but somewhat uncomfortable - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By SignASL - December 27 - 2:00 am

  We have nothing but priase ofr the 2003 toyota echo, except for the comfort and the legroom of the seats. My boyfreind is always the one driving, so I am always in the passanger side seat. There is hardley enough legroom because of the glove depatrment design (which is rounded and sticks out far), and the seat is so uncomfortable due to the back design. If toyota would have allowed for me legroom and better back support, this car would defenatly be a 10!