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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  Critic of tundra - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By bill case - July 14 - 2:00 pm

  My last truck was a 1500 gmc and while it was a decent pick-up this truck is heads and shoulders above it.The 5.7 is powerful and the 6 speed transmission is real smooth. I have a 24 travel trailer that weighs 5800 lbs loaded and it pulls it with no effort at all. Dislikes: I dont like the way it revs when you first start it cold. Its almost 2000 rpms and holds for about 10 to 15 seconds. The gas gauge reads 1/2 full and only takes 8 gallons of fuel and the oil gauge holds slightly below the 1/2 mark. Ive never had a car or truck that didnt hold a least 30 lbs oil pressure when driving, but Im being told that this is normal. Im keeping an eye on it and hopefully it wont go lower.

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  I Like My Toyota Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Greg Warmoth - July 14 - 1:06 pm

  My Yaris is the 2 door hatchback, red with the 1.5 liter engine. It drives nice and smooth with little road noise. It seats 5 but more like 4. Dont expect to haul a lot of baggage but this is more for the commuters than hauling anything. Fuel economy is around 39 on the road, about what Toyota shows it at. The stereo is simple but works well. The gauges are in the middle of the dash so if anyone doesnt like the instruments being to their right to look at the speedometer than this wouldnt be the car for you. This is an economy car, no bells and whistles, but its reliable at a cheaper price. Price of the car and gas mileage.

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  Reliable Camry - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Veldboom - July 14 - 2:00 am

  This car has been outstanding except for sunroof wind noise. Since the dealer indicated such noise was normal, I could not even get it fixed under warrantee.

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  Toyota Tacoma - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By tennisond - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I have only performed normal maintenance on the truck. Great Machine.

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  get a honda - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By honda85 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  This car is supposed to get at least 26 mpg. Over the past years it has only gotten 17!!! I dont live where there is tones of stop and go driving either. This car is not what its made out to be. The engine is very high strung and noisey. And, if you dont mind having every car passing you when youre getting on the interstate, have at it!

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  .... - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By sommer - July 14 - 2:00 am

  i think that the celica is an ok car. Except it is really light, so be careful. It hydroplanes in water VERY easily. I was in an accident because of this very reason. I like my car, if only they made it safer. I thought it was the tires at first until i got new ones. Just be careful.

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  CHEAPER ROOMY LEXUS - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By JoeMar - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Owned nearly 3 yrs. with 48K on it. Quiet, smooth, efficient. Roominess with Lexus quality. No major problems and no hassle yet with this car.

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  A true - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By greggds - July 14 - 2:00 am

  The V8 supplies a great deal of torque, and even for a vehicle weighing in at over 4000lbs, you definitely will have no problem merging into traffic. The interior is extremely nice and comfortable, and the double-tiered cargo system somewhat compensates for the lack of cargo room in the rear. The exterior is visually pleasing in the limited, and a step-up from the plastic cladding of the SR5 and the Sport Edition which were designed to decrease dings and scratches caused by off-road driving. The Air-Suspension is a must for off-roaders and/or those who will be using the 4Runner for towing.

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  Toyota keeps doing it right!!!!! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By fluke817 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  A vast improvement over older model(had a 1999model). Great p/u w/8 cyl engine. Excellent steering,braking,creature comforts outstanding.Ride could be a little bit softer/more refined. A competent vehicle both on/off road.Blind spot on both right and rear side could be easily eliminated w/ a larger 3rd window. As a salesman, doing 20k miles + a year, ts a great way to go.Fuel mileage, combined city & highway appx 14.5-15.0 miles per gallon w/the eight cylinder,and a heavy foot. A true Toyota Winner!!!!!!!

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  4 Cylinder - Better Than You Think - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By CHM - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I think most people assume that you need the V-6 option with the Highlander, but if your driving is mostly suburban, the 4 cylinder is more than adequate. The 4 cylinder also does well in highway driving. I chose the 4 cylinder because I wanted to maximize my fuel economy, but still get into a somewhat larger SUV. (I used to drive one of the mini-SUVs)