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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  Not that sure yet..... - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By mark - November 10 - 8:00 am

  Got the Trail model in mid January, actually came down to the 4Runner vs a Lexus RX...not your typical comparison. After trading in a 2002 Pathfinder, i figured i would stay with the "truck look". However, although the body look and style is really nice. Its a bit bigger than i thought, (or would have liked). At about 3000 miles now, I cannot even reach 17 mpg, doing about 50% highway,, thought it would be better. The BIGGER concern is today, after braking coming up to a red light, i had a sudden surge of acceleration. This was not imagined, it was VERY REAL. While i was braking, the car had a sudden surge of power. It did stop right away after that so i am going to contact Toyota.

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  Owner of vehicle - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By don - November 10 - 6:36 am

  Nice truck, long distance hauls are uncomfortable, seats still are not well padded, it is sporty and has looks, braking is still a little sluggish.

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  2006 TRD Taco Review - One Year In - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By CFFuts - November 10 - 4:16 am

  Its been almost one year since I purchased my 06 TRD Crew Cab Short Box and overall it was a great buy. It has been very reliable, gets relatively good mileage (at 11.2k miles, Ive averaged 17.75 MPG) and is fun to drive.

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  Great so far - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Bob - November 9 - 9:43 pm

  Traded from an 03 MB C240, and this car is vastly superior. Quieter, smoother, more fuel efficient and has had no problems except for the clip for the rear sunshade came loose, easily repaired by dealer. Have almost 25000 trouble free miles so far and everything holds up way better than my MB. I am satisfied with everything unlike my previous car which was in shop 18 times for warranty work in less than five years, and according to the courtesy driver, is normal for MB.

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  Good Truck Tacoma 2wd V6 6m/t - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By tslick76 - November 9 - 5:03 pm

  I think the Toyota Tacoma V6 is great strong Motor and the 6 speed m/t works fine (I find the oil changes very easy to do, I love the location of the oil filter). But, I have had some problems with chipping paint also. Furthermore the seating position is a little low. Also no iPod connection, my company work van has one. Also I wish the Tacoma had pop out wing windows (my 2004 Tacoma did). The Tacoma has great looks and it will be easy to sale. I suggest getting the tow package (6500lbs), the Tacoma is strong and can handle towing and off road driving. Its easy to beat up any truck, but in 10 years this truck will be still on the road (reliable).

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  The Best of Many Worlds - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By P. Onsager - November 9 - 2:36 pm

  I spent a lot of time deciding on a car. I was almost sure I wanted a Civic Si, but when I randomly saw and test drove the XRS, my search had come to an end. It combines comfort, very decent styling, excellent interior materials and build quality, and easily the most rev-happy engine in its class. It can be driven mildly, as it doesnt actually hit 170hp until high (6-7k) rps but if you actually enjoy driving, its a blast. Love revving way up in 1st and youre good to go from there on out. Combine these things with the fact that Toyota has maintained a reliability record that with Honda has been on the decline, and you have one great car...if youre lucky enough to find one!

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  What a great car! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Kelly Robinson - November 9 - 2:06 pm

  I really enjoy my Yaris, I get great gas milage and It is a great car for anyone that doesnt want to pay that much for great quality

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  RAV4 twice - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Deanne - November 9 - 10:53 am

  I traded my 2003 blue RAV4 L package for a 2005 black RAV4 L package. I enjoy my car because it is the right size for my family of four. Not to mention, where I live we have a lot of hills and small side streets. So, the size is perfect. I had a mishap with my 05 car after driving it for eight days. The car cut- out while I was driving...It was determined the fuel pump was bad:( All in all I would not trade my toyota for a another model car!

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  wouldnt drive any other car. - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Jerry22 - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Love it, its a hybrid that I can live with. Its easy on the road, and easy on the enviroment. Its a car for the future. Its a car for the now. It shames the Suvs, even though the people in them dont know it.

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  what about resale - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By resale? - November 9 - 10:00 am

  First Toyota I have ever purchased, I have always driving "Ameican made" the car is everything I hoped except for the resale after one year the vehicle resale lost 1/3 of its value which surprised me with Toyota reputation of quality and resale value..