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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  Great SUV!!!! - 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By S. Haider - October 1 - 6:53 am

  We bought the LC with 150K miles on it and it still drives like a new car. We also own a Lexus and I could not tell the difference in the ride. With the windows up it is as quiet as can be, there is not a single squeak, rattle or noise anywhere. the V8 is smooth as silk. In one weekend we fit 2 families in the LC and went to and from the mountains (7K ft. elevation) to the beach and it performed flawlessly. We will be keeping this vehicle til the wheels fall off.

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  Best Value - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By boda - October 1 - 4:40 am

  Needed a full size famly sedan for under $30,000 with a good reputation and value for the money. Toyota was my first choice, Honda was 2nd after test drove the Toyota I was sold, my wife wanted a moon roof leather int and my son wanted a V-6 engine, so I purchased the Toyota Camry XLE V-6 color super white very happy with the XLE V-6 the car drives like a dream, after getting all the options that the XLE V-6 offers I dont know how we lived without them. I added window tint that helps with night driving and factory mud flaps. We love this car!

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  Lived to tell - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By Tom Clark - October 1 - 4:16 am

  This was an excellent vehicle for my family. I purchased based on the history of quality and safety of Toyota products. It was an excellent truck. I recently was hit at a high speed and rolled it at least twice... and I was safe and secure in the cab with minor bumps and bruises. My next vehicle will be another Tundra.

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  Excellent value, great mileage - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By shouravv - October 1 - 12:00 am

  I bought my 2010 basic Corolla A/T 3 months back and I must say that I am loving it. I was initially considering a Yaris, but the Corolla was just priced well enough for me to switch. I am a city driver and am getting 30mpg average. But when on freeways, staying around 55-60mph gets me over 45mpg easily. The engine gives decent acceleration and the brakes are not touchy, the standard speakers (4) are decent and the dash-board layout is straight-forward, and overall the exterior is respectable.

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  Thrilled - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By KYMom - September 30 - 11:40 pm

  This is my 4th minivan. Second Toyota and by far the best. Only thing I miss is the storage compartments in the door handles. If thats all I can complain about life is good. My children are thrilled with the larger screen and I love the Navigation System. Very pleased with the new leather interior as well. A quality looking automobile.

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  Pure Drive For Years - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Reid Hardy - September 30 - 5:28 pm

  To this day my 1995 Toyota Camry zips me from place to place with absolute joy. This car just wants to be on the road and it truly does feel at home. The suspension articulates every detail of surface to your hands allowing you to truly understand what is happening. If the ride is rough then youre driving somewhere the Camry doesnt want to go. With this being said, I have indulged in a little dirt road rallying and the suspension is tremendous for handling. There is a true feeling of being glued to what ever you are gliding across. In tarmac situation there is just enough roll to make you avoid pushing the car to hard, but since it has a 5 year old childs center of gravity, you really have to be pushing it to begin to feel this. I have the front wheel drive 4 cylinder LE model with a V6 version available, but I have never felt under powered in this car, of course you will not be beating anyone off the line. The automatic transmission is solid 90% of the time. It is alittle sluggish. The steering is light and responsive yet I would say it causes a slight disconnect with the drive, like you would be able to throw the car into a barrel roll while steering with on finger. While for day to day driving this feature is wonderful, the lack of feedback from the steering will allow you to over steer if not concentrating on where the traction is. Throttle is very responsive and breaking is wonderful until you really need them. The AntiLock system loves to engage at opportunities when a fast controlled stop would be possible, so in emergency situations go ahead and floor to avoid having the antilock system pulse you right into the back of someone. High MPG and a decent tank makes this perfect for commuting. Features are not the plentiful, but instead of having a billion buttons that do little, every knob produces a noticeable outcome. A/C is one of the quickest I have ever experienced. After sitting in 90 degree Georgia heat it will be blowing cold after about 30 seconds of running, something most new cars cant manage to do. Wiper controls arent perfect. either a little too slow or a little to slow, but this is only for the pickiest of wet weather trekkers. Comfortable interior with lots of room despite the size. Having the steering wheel block the gauges when in the perfect driving position has been the only real issue for me. The beautiful thing about this car is first impression is the lasting image you are given. It feels the same as the first day I drove it which I assume varied little from when it drove off the assembly line. Ive had no mechanical issues and see nothing happening anytime soon, as is the story for many Toyota of this time. I promise that if you enjoy the test drive then you will enjoy the car as long as you own it.

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  Spicy TACO - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By sfetty - September 30 - 4:26 pm

  I have just over 8000 miles on my Taco and am very pleased with the truck. Adequate power, comfortable ride, good looks and fun to drive.

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  Great Gas Mileage - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Dan P. - September 30 - 2:53 pm

  My wife and I were looking to replace our 2000 Accord SE (122K miles) and with the continual rise in gas prices, we decided to think "green". Anyway, we decided to look at the Camry and Altima Hybrids. We decided to go with the technology leader, Toyota. Im glad we did because the car drives great and were getting a little over 37 MPG, not bad for a car with 350 miles on it. Thanks Toyota!!! The mileage should get a little better too!

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  So much FUN to drive! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By coco - September 30 - 2:13 pm

  I actually have the 5 door hatchback!! Our van was falling apart so we replaced our gas guzzling 2000 Venture van with the Yaris, and we wish we had done it earlier! The interior is clean & simple. The car is fun to drive! The many compartments are awesome & I really like the cup holders, they are easy to grab and sip. I drive each day and we really needed something that is easy on the gas, which this is. To me the Yaris is the real "smart car"... great on fuel & seats 5 people!

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  MR2 Spyder is great! - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By me - September 30 - 11:20 am

  I love this car for handling in town and around winding roads. The soft top is easy for one person to put up and down while in the car despite what other reviews might say. I had it down in about 6 seconds when I thought it would rain. I like the up and down shift buttons on the steering wheel. The body style sets it apart from any other in its class. Beuatiful body design resembles the Porsche Boxster. I love the bright yellow color on our car. I dislike the fact that it has hardly any storage. No trunk space.