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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  Should have had a V8 - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Dale - October 23 - 9:26 pm

  I had the V8 in a 05 Tundra and got better mileage than this one with a 6 cyl but it has the power. If you get the V8 you will get 2 or 3 mpg better at least. I think I will wait for the hybrid when I get a new one. I really love this truck and the reg cab looks tougher than the dbl or crew

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  Great mileage, looks, handling, & space - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Armada 305 Man - October 23 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased the car (2005 model). . . Im 62" and about 250lbs. and was amazed at the room this car offers for its size. Cost of this vehicle was excellent, looks great, offers excellent features, and has great versatility. This is the first Toyota Ive ever purchased, so I hope its as reliable as my 3 Nissans were. I like this vehicle much better than my 2001 Ford it replaced.

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  Drive By Wire - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Joe_P - October 23 - 10:00 am

  I couldnt be more pleased with this "Personal Car". A joy to drive, and compared to most, takes the curves "on rails". Main reservations center on the "drive-by-wire aspects: a brief hitch in throttle, shift, and brake response while a "chip" considers the drivers intentions. Most serious reservation: the vacume assist brakes which stop OK, but only after the pedal is half way to the floor!

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  All the Toys! - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Mom of 2 boys - October 23 - 10:00 am

  I agree with the other owner of the XLE Ltd AWD. Get the best with all the toys! I love everything! We got the van to hold the whole family, including the grandparents. The fuel expense took getting used to though, going from a car to paying $40+ to fill up the tank , hurt.

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  GREAT VAN!! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By arnie98683 - October 23 - 10:00 am

  This is my first van and I love it. It drives just like a luxury sedan. It is very quiet and feels so smooth on the road.

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  GREAT CAR - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By CMG - October 23 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car and like the others said it doesnt look like a regular Camry it is so sporty with the spoiler and 17" wheels. There are not a lot around so that makes them so much more unique. I have the one with the Navigation which is AWESOME. The leather is really nice and not so tight like in most cars...there is more give to it in my opinion which makes it more comfortable. This car drives so nice that on the first test drive we knew this was what we were going to get. We didnt really have an idea what to get but we knew on the first test drive this was it.

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  WOW!! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By jay lenn - October 23 - 10:00 am

  Great car, excellent handling, less road noise, great value

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  Great SUV. - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Bright - October 23 - 9:10 am

  I have just been driving this RAV4 2007 for one months and I love it. It is fun to drive. Smooth and quick acceleration. Smooth ride though a bit more shake on flat roads than my Camry. Gas milage is lower than expected 21mpg. only 19MPG in my first 2 tanks (mostly city plus some highway). This make the small gas tank (only 15.9 gal) more inconvenient. I have to fill gas every 200 miles.

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  Zoom zoom zip away I go - 2009 Toyota Tundra
  By Danny - October 23 - 5:27 am

  Had this truck for 4 months and love it handles great off road is great turn the traction control and airbags off it it will do some awesome things fuel mileage is a little less than good but it is a 4x4 truck I have towed a 15000 pound bulldozer with no problems owned fords and Chevy trucks and even a dodge or two but my Toyota trucks are here to stay 2009 tundra 4x4 with rock warrior trd package is on tough truck

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  Had to have it. - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By joerdie - October 22 - 7:43 pm

  Test drove the Prius and had to have it. The Civic has nothing on this car. So far, I have spent most waking hours thinking about it over the kid that I have on the way.