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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  One Great Automobile - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Scott B. - July 10 - 10:00 am

  This is a well-designed car. The decision to buy this model was mostly influenced by Consumer Reports. The drive is smooth and quiet. The trunk is spacious and the rear seats fold down for longer cargo. The rear seat has air conditioning ducts the kids love. The 4 cylinder engine has ample power and accelerates quickly when needed. Finally, the XLE model has lots of great features.

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  A very happy Toyota owner - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By John - July 10 - 3:23 am

  I have owed Fords,Dodges,Chyslers,Chevys but by far this is the BEST car I have ever owned. I did a lot of research and shopping before I bought my Toyota. With the standard features it come equipted with and the price it beat ALL OTHER CARS hands down.

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  2004 SR5 - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By KK - July 9 - 5:36 pm

  This is my first Toyota, owning mostly american cars/suvs in the past 30 years. I can say I am pleased with the 4runner overall, only having the most common complaint a loose driver seat. I even checked the 2005 and 2006 and its true, "they all do that". Just grab the drivers seat where your thigh would go and rock it back and forth. Toyota did replaced the seat, but had no change. I would buy this SUV again, but may lean towards the limited model or at least electric seats.

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  Like riding on air - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By rodney - July 9 - 1:30 pm

  I have been more than pleased with the comfortable ride provided by my 4Runner. This is by far the most comfortable ride I have experienced from any vehicle I have ever owned. The brakes are a bit nimble, but other than that the vehicle is like riding on air. There is very little noise from exterior extremities, with the exception of a heavy rain. Very little noise, and handles potholes better than I expected.

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  Pleasantly Pleased - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By mike - July 9 - 1:03 pm

  I bought the Yaris because since I wanted Toyota quality and fuel efficiency. It seems to work well and has good performance. I drove the 07 Camry CE manual and did not notice a significant difference from the Yaris manual sedan. I believe its the power/weight ratio... which is approximately the same. A little pricy compared to Korean competitors... I would have paid extra for the side impact airbags and antilock brakes but was told they may never ship the side impact airbags... if so for at least 5 months.

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  Got Lucky - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Pri-ferred - July 9 - 11:53 am

  I was a Legacy owner for 14 years and swore to buy another Legacy. When we were car-shopping after my car died suddenly the Toyota dealer had a Prius in the showroom, a model with all the bells and whistles (someone reneged on the deal, I got lucky). I had wanted a green car, but didnt think I would buy one this time. The Prius is an absolute dream. I live in a hilly state and dont do much city driving, but Im still getting 44mpg. After loving a manual all these years, I instantly got used to the Prius controls: park, reverse, drive. It runs like a dream, makes a little more noise going uphill, but its still quieter than my old standard. If you can buy a Prius, DO IT

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  It doesnt get better than this - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By The Tom - July 9 - 8:13 am

  I bought this 1 year old truck used at a dealer. It gets 18 plus mpg. The access cab area doors open. It has way more room than my 98 Tacoma. It is quiet. It commutes well. Composite bed is genius. My 98 Tacoma was bought back by Toyota in 6/07, for a defective rotted frame. I was heartbroken. This truck purchase is quickly easing my pain.

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  2006 Highlander Limited - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By MDellapenn - July 9 - 4:06 am

  I love my Highlander Limited, it is a pleasure to drive and easy to handle. The only thing I do not like is the fact it has no trim on the exterior, nothing to break the color up. The comfort on the inside is like driving your living room recliner around. It is great and I love my Highlander.

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  2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By JM - July 9 - 1:53 am

  Black 4x4 6sp have about 8000 miles now. Road trip from Denver to LA was very comfortable. Got about 18-19 mpg on highway. City is between 15-17 mpg. Took it offroad couple times, performed very well.

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  This car is my baby - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By jesse arzola - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car 4 years ago and ever since its still running. It cost me $1000 and I put over a grand into it. Im thinking of painting it. It drives better than my neighbors cheap Nissan altima 97 fo sho in yo face manny (my neighbor) Toyota beat your Nissan again