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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  Awesome! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By EK - August 14 - 4:13 pm

  Absolutely awesome little SUV - well maybe not so little anymore. V6 power is impressive,even coming from a V8 pickup. Nice size and handling. The only thing I would change is the climate control readout - very hard to see in the sunlight.

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  Impressive - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Gary McHenry - August 14 - 2:13 pm

  Fell in love with it after test drive. I was a die hard toyota fan and switched to a 01 dodge dakota. Big mistake. The 2005 tundra did not disappoint. The toyota quality that I can to know years ago.

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  The Truck - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By tundra21 - August 14 - 10:00 am

  The Tundra is a great truck and will go the distance with proper maint and appropriate care. I have just passed 30000 with no major problems. The only problem ive had is a squeak in the rear suspension when passing bumps. Otherwise a great performer.

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  I LOVE IT! - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By steve k. lee - August 14 - 10:00 am

  HANDLES VERY GOOD& NICE LOOKING WITH GOOD PRICE.I HAVE MANY PEOPLE IN CHURCH WHO,WANTS TO PURCHASE AFTER SOW MY HIGH- LANDER.

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  Driving Happy - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Joe - August 14 - 10:00 am

  First Toyota (and small car) ever purchased, I am very surprised and pleased that an economy compact can have such quality and comfort. Astounding gas mileage, fine handling and ride. Without cruise I too often find myself doing 80. Looking forward to Toyotas reputation of building cars that are long lasting with few repair needs.

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  A happy customer - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By mysterb - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Still in the breakin period, 400 miles. No problems experienced to date. Everything appears tight.

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  Good family sedan - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By joy - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Got this car about two weeks back. I test drove Accord and Jetta. I love its smooth run, good handling and almost noiseless engine. It is very comfortable and fun .

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  I searched two years for this car! - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By moonlightbiker - August 14 - 4:09 am

  After a two year search I finally HAD to get a car when my engine blew. I have to admit I didnt like anything out there. I even disliked the Highlander at first glance but discovered it was the basic I saw. I forced myself to go back and look again after hearing a friend rave about theirs. Sure enough the molding on the side panel for the Limited made all the difference in the world, and when I opened the door... WOW! I was in love. This car feels like a Land Rover when you sit in it. Its more solid than anything else I tested, which was everything else. The interior can only be compared to the luxury of Lexus. It is whisper quiet to drive & amazingly comfortable. I love it!

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  Camry is just a Great Car - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By eddie_k - August 14 - 12:20 am

  I had the 05 Base Camry with a manual trans and got 240K from it. The new version still has everything I need as a big-time highway commuter. Comfort, quiet, power, reliable, good mpg. I drive in the Mts. so prefer the manual trans and its hard to find a stick in a mid-sized quiet sedan like the Camry. This car is seen everywhere of course but thats why you want it - everyone knows how to fix it and parts always available. Base model still has a couple quirks - no keyless entry and only one power plug.

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  Toyota Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By wbell - August 13 - 9:30 am

  I bought a Toyota Prius in Jan. 2006 the gas mielage is great, I average about 51.9 mpg in city and highway driving, never got that kind of mpg anywhere, so my opinion is that Toyota is ahead of other car manufactures in developing the hybrid, I hope the next phase will be either a hybrid diesel or hydrogen hybrids in the future.iThe Prius is a very comfortable car for long trips, I feel like Im driving a big car without the big car gas mileage.