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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  Keeps On Rolling - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By JeffN - July 19 - 8:43 pm

  We just found and purchased our 4Runner for my 16 year-old son. I have kind of "borrowed" it and love the vehicle. It has 130,000 miles on it and have been bringing all the maintenance up to date. It was fine when we bought it, its getting better with maintenance. I started out at 16 mpg and have worked it up to almost 19 mpg so far. It runs strong and handles well. Its still tight with no squeaks. I may have to find another vehicle for junior but we did make the right decision.... I was hoping for 2-3 years out of it but it may out live me....

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  New 2006 Camry Exceeds Expectations - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By AllanL - July 18 - 6:33 pm

  I only have 500 miles on my new LE 4cyl. I have averaged 31 mpg with combination city/Hwy miles. Handles well, and looks great. Upgraded to leather and so far very happy with the decision. Enough power to be safe and respectable in traffic. Initial rating may be the best car I have ever purchased. I have owned two toyotas before with excellent results from both.

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  Best Truck Ever! - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Bric - July 18 - 4:06 am

  I drove every large truck when deciding on this truck. The large toyota, now with its more powerful engine, just cant be beat. I totally disagree with the editors about the chintzy quality of materials. The others, especially Dodge, were not even close. The only thing you truly give up is the ability to tow more than 7K lbs, which most truck owners wont ever use.

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  I love my car! - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By atardi - July 17 - 3:56 pm

  This car is the best one Ive ever had. Its built nice and it looks nice. This car drives smoothly and its way to good on gas. I had an 1997 mazda protege and if you know that car its a lot smaller than the toyota i have now, but that car spent double on gas than what my Toyota Corolla 2010 does and the miles i put is what i have driven so far in 6 months. Oh and at stadium Toyota they treat you so great even after you have already purchased the car.

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  Runs great. - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By chicagocamry - July 17 - 10:13 am

  Traded in RWD sports car for this FWD sedan to deal with Chicago winters and never looked back. This thing just keeps going and going. Did some regular maintenance (oil, brakes, tires, battery, struts), but no mechanical problems for 8 years now. Has over 120k and drives like new.

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  Wow what a terrific car to own and drive - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Lin Bradley - July 17 - 10:10 am

  We looked at a lot of cars and drove some and this is the best one we were able to purchase. No other drove with such smootheness. This is the best year for this model. I like it even over the Altimas. Go get one! You wont be sorry. But, they are hard to find. Sorry maybe I got the last good one in Portland, OR. Good luck!

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  Love It - 2007 Toyota Highlander
  By Linda & Nick - July 16 - 7:06 pm

  We made up our minds to get another Toyota, this time the Highlander. Love it. Not too big, not too small, its just right. It handles smoothly and I have the feeling of security in it. Would suggest this auto to anyone who is looking for safety, height of 4 wheeler, and ride of Lexus. Very comfortable, love it, love it, love it. Cant go wrong buying this one. Well worth it. No negatives on this car.

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  Tacoma LX -Ext Cab - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By Stafford - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely no repairs other than front brakes replaced at 75,000 miles. Vehicle is quiet and solid with no rattles.

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  GREAT CAR!! - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By amol - July 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car on June 23rd, 1995 and I have already put on 200,000 miles, yet Ive only had to service the car ONCE!!! And that was about a week ago!!! A great car!!

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  tundra - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By mucwa - July 16 - 10:00 am

  love it!!!