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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  Its HUGE!! - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By nancyk - November 1 - 7:00 pm

  Owned a Tacoma extra cab previously. Bought quad cab site unseen- its enormous! Toyota blew up Tacoma like a balloon. Love the power and room, but feel like Im driving a dump truck. 57 y/o lady and its much more truck than expected. Hear the vibration that others note. Drove the same model at dealer, and vibration was worse than mine. Everything else is usual Toyota quality. 23mpg hwy-comfy/roomy for husband, me & dog on long trips. We have trouble with visibility on right side. Gorgeous and feels very safe- would love to have had this when kids were young. Hope I get used to the size (mammoth- not the Tacoma Im used to!) and hope to keep for many years as with other models weve owned.

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  Great Investment! - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By carmature - November 1 - 8:13 am

  I have this car for about a week now and I love it. Very conservative with gas usage. Simply chic is what I call it!... Nothing too fussy... gets you there from A to B in a comfortable way. Very affordable.

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  One year - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By E - October 31 - 5:36 pm

  Ive had my 4runner for one year today with no problems at all. The V6 is quick, handles great. I love my truck.

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  My Camry - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By bytescot - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Purchased car used with 39000 miles. At 60000 miles had to replace left steering rack. 75000 had to have a valve seal replacement and timing belt. No other problems and now have 104000 miles.

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  camry 1996 - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By normandeau - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Excellent used car purchase. bought 3yrs old with 60,000km, Drove to 200,000 without a mechanical problem.

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  Very Reliable - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By stacyaol - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I have 35,000 miles on my car and have yet to do any work on it, save oil changes. I expect to go close to 100,000 before any major engine service is necessary. Definitely recommend for people on a budget.

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  solid truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Beckett - October 31 - 10:00 am

  unfortunately looks like Darth VAder, but a very good truck..not as ungainly as the Chev or GMC, more friendly to driver than the Ford...fairly good size compromise...runs great...Ill keep it maybe next yrs will look better and the door arrangement will be better

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  Toyota Avalon 2008 - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Harley Carroll - October 31 - 5:50 am

  Fun to drive, ride is smooth and good but I dont care for the jump seat on front passenger side. The cushion you sit on is too short, they should have made the passenger seat like the driver seat, on a long trip it is irritating and uncomfortable. The seats could have used more padding. I like the way the car handles and the mileage is great. The exterior of the car could be sportier.

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  Toyota Review - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By pam seaman - October 30 - 10:20 am

  I like to drive the car, but I am 59" tall and the drivers seat is just ok. Visibility roadability are great. Gas mileage is very good. There are little bare spots on in the paint work.

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  Honest and true - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Jason Dorsey - October 29 - 4:36 pm

  Pros: Still has plenty of power for a 4 cylinder and scoots up to 80 in no time. The GPS is a must!!! Comfort is respectable. (Apply leather conditioner to soften up the feel of sand paper for leather.) Very spacious and as a package (Hybrid) comes with many perks. The smart key is awesome but takes a couple days to get use to. Plenty of small storage places. Cons: Only expect an avg of 34 MPG. Big disappointment!! On the highway at 55 MPH with cruise control you will avg 44. But I travel a lot and cruise at 75 not 55. Also be aware that your trunk space is not what you expect. The batteries take up a lot of the trunk. The plastic in the car is okay except for the handles on the doors.