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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  Untouchable - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By xscoobeex - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven nearly every type of pickup before I purchased the Tundra. The Tundra outmatches its competition as long as youre looking for a lightweight pickup. Because Toyota does not offer a 3/4 ton pickup that is the only reason it isnt the best compared in that category.

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  Great Trucl - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By amoral63 - December 17 - 10:00 am

  cant really see the clock, hard to reach stereo,

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  Good News/Bad News - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Chimo - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Came to the 4 Runner after 2 Explorers and a Mountaineer. The big difference is the loss of storage space. Whether it is the loss of the room under the back seat for such things as the umbrella or the sunshade, fire extinguisher etc. or that neat place in the floor at the rear for storing the tow hitch and the adapters for towing the space just isnt there. Fuel economy is running at 18 mpg at an average speed of 24 mph. The camera for reversing is a novelty but we preferred the sensor set-up.The choice of colors is very limited and they are all boring. On the plus side the fit/finish are at least on par with Mercedes.

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  Awesome to own, drive and live with! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Champ306 - December 17 - 10:00 am

  The new 4Runner has to be one of the easiest to own vehicles that there is on the market today. You get Toyota quality in and out, marked with a vehicle that is purposeful and stylish. I love the way it looks on the outside, especially the Sport models, the rims and scoop look so much better to me. The interior fits me great, I am 63" and fit no problem, room to haul junk in the back, features and pockets everywhere. The sunroof is quiet, the stereo rocks, the ride is unheard of in an American car or truck, yes, its that good.

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  Love it! - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By T Martin - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I traded in a 2001 Volvo V70XC fully loaded--that has been nothing but one problem after another since my second year of ownership. (Had to have a new transmission after only 54000 miles!) I am very impressed with the comfortable ride, and ease of driveability of my new Highlander. I didnt get the Limited, because after owning the Volvo, I realized I didnt really use half the "bells and whistles" my Volvo included. I would advise going for the leather though. (I did) I was not impressed with the quality of the cloth seats offered in the Highlander. I look forward to many happy (trouble free) years of owning my new Highlander! :o)

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  First Toyota after 6 Honda - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By dmoose - December 17 - 9:06 am

  After looking at cars and trucks I decided to take the plunge with a Hybrid. I drive typically 45 miles one way to work and needed something to help with the cost with gas. After leaving a V6 03 Accord, I love the Camry. It has enough power for me and I cannot believe all the bells and whistles it comes with as standard. If you can spare the extra $ I would recommend the nav to experience the extra input on gas miles. Also love the quiet ride when the engine has not picked up yet, but even as it kicks in it is very quiet. Driving in Cleveland with cold weather (below 32 last week), so waiting for MPG to go up... getting around 33. Best was 38 MPG.

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  Still excellent after 28,000 miles - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Mike - December 16 - 12:20 am

  Excellent car. Does NOT require the "dealer recommended" maintenance services. Follow what Toyota recommends. I have had ZERO problems in 28,000 miles. Average 50 mpg in spring/summer/fall and 46 mpg in winter. I added a tint to the upper portion of the windshield to assist in sun blocking. I will be buying another.

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  Fine Car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Mark - December 15 - 5:40 pm

  My wife and I bought this car almost three years ago now used. We love it, it is a very good and reliable car, never have any problems at all. Typical Toyota reliability, and preformance, I woudl recommend this car to everyone. If you are able to find one the manuals are great, not as smooth as our other car, a honda, but still shifts well we have 75,000 miles and still orginal clutch.

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  05 Tacoma sport 4 dr - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By John - December 15 - 11:53 am

  It isnt a compact truck anymore the 05 has gotten a little larger it has a real aggressive look to it, it runs and drives like a car the v6 has lots of powerand gets decent mileage I have been averaging about 19-20 mpg with trafic, should do beter on the open highway . I was going to get a 2004 but drove them both and with 60 more horsepower it is a wolrd of difference, I got the prerunner with the sport package so it has all of the color keyed door handles and mirrors and I got it in Speedway Blue, a truly awsome color I get a lot of compliments on the truck.

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  First Toyota - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By First Corolla - December 15 - 11:20 am

  I was either going to buy a Yaris or the Corolla and when I drove up to the lot there was a Barcelona red Corolla and a red Yaris. The salesman thought I should get the Corolla because of the more roominess and other options. Best friend has a Yaris and he gloats how it gets better mileage but I dont think I have made a mistake in getting the Corolla. I put about fifty miles a day in it so I was looking for fuel economy and I love the style of this car. The color turns many heads and it drives great! I get about 31 miles a gallon in the winter and it goes up to 35 in the summer. Eighty percent of my driving is freeway. Its a great car.