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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  Roomy ride. - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By Becka White - August 9 - 10:02 pm

  My husband is 67" and to find a car that he is comfortable in and still have room for someone to sit behind him and still have room to move around. The only thing I am unsatisfied with is the road noise.

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  Satisfied - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By redhatgranny - August 9 - 9:56 pm

  Enjoy driving my Camry around town and on the highway. Bought the car new in 2002 and purchased the extra warranty which I have not had to use. Like the electric seats and lumbar support which can be adjusted during long trips. Gas mileage corresponds to suggested average 25/30. Replaced the tires with 80,000 mile warrantied so Im set to drive for 100,000 miles.

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  Cant be beat! - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By J. Wilkerson - August 9 - 9:30 pm

  This is an car not only for the family, but is fun for the Daddy too. Until looking in the rearview mirrors, I cant tell for Im driving a car or minivan. Well manner, and super handling. The one negative I would have to say is the noice level. My previous minivan was a Chrysler TandC and it had noticably less road noise then the Toyota.

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  Great engine - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Glen - August 9 - 2:53 pm

  Very impressed with my new RAV4 limited V6 AWD. The 269 hp engine is superb, far more impressive than my previous car (Audi A4 quattro 2.0 turbo). The interior is well designed, perfect for a solo driver that often brings along the wife and kids.

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  Well designed - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Rex - August 9 - 9:10 am

  After spending some time with my Prius I can say its a great car with just a few issues. In power mode its plenty fast. I have no issues accelerating up to highway speeds. I would however, like a car that feels a little more nimble. Although it turns fairly flat, it just feels bigger than it is, a little sluggish. Brakes are indeed "grabby". Overall well designed, I get about 48 on the highway, 52 in the city. Its a real joy to "idle" or drive without a gas engine going. The seats are a bit hard for my liking and I dont appreciate the little interior squeaks and rattles. None of my other Toyotas did that. I dont have a problem with visibility.

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  Great Legroom - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Bill - August 9 - 8:13 am

  I stand 6 ft 5 in tall, over 220 lbs and until I sat in the 2008 Highlander the only crossover vehicle I could physically get my legs behind the wheel was an Enclave or a GMC Acadia. The new Highlander layout is comfortable has plenty of knee room and even with the sunroof I have at least 2 in of headroom. As an SUV it has an excellent ride and handles well at highway speeds. Plenty of power and even at 70 mph there is still lots of pep left for passing. Beautiful exterior styling and finish. 19 in wheels improve the looks and the ride.

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  TRD Sport - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By skysharks4 - August 9 - 2:36 am

  The styling is awesome and aggressive. I like the whole mid-size truck concept. The ride is a little stiff but that’s the way a truck should feel.

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  We are a Toyota family. - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Bill n Dewie - August 8 - 11:33 pm

  My partner and I purchased this 4 Runner as a replacement to our 2004 Highlander. It is a great SUV and is much more substantial that the Highlander. We travel to Aspen often and it charges up Vail Pass without hesitation. What a great car!

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  Love my Matrix - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By RM - August 8 - 9:56 pm

  Great performance, so far has been reliable. Ive enjoyed driving this car. Handles great. Headrest is very uncomfortable, causes pain in the neck and back. A little hard on fuel. Other than that I would say Matrix is a great car, I have a S AWD.

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  This is what I dreamed about!!! - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Earl Smith, Jr.` - August 8 - 9:36 pm

  I test drove one of these (Limited & Fully-loaded). Its hot. Way better than the plain models before it. Its got speed, its smooth, and you could practically live in this spacious, and wonderful car. This one came with an awesome sound system and dual dvd head- rest. I passed a maxima (that tried to race me) in flying colors. Toyota really did it this time. I would buy this before the 2005 Lexus GS I feel in love with, plus the 2006 GS is messed up for as exterior styling.