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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  TRD Tundra - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Harley1 - October 28 - 12:20 pm

  This truck has not caused me one seconds worth of hassle, and has never failed to perform flawlessly. Toyota quality is the real deal, believe the hype. They are expensive, but are well worth it in the long run. This truck still looks and runs like new. Once they fixed the front brake problem on the 99 and 2000 models, this is THE truck to buy.

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  Over 150,000 trouble free miles - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By philt5 - October 28 - 8:35 am

  I have driven my Camry Hybrid now for 4 years and 152,000 miles. The only time this car has been to the dealer is for regular fluid changes and a rattle in the dash when it was new. I am still on the original front brake pads. I changed the rear brake pads at about 130,000 miles. The car still drives like new. These cars are turning out to be extremely reliable if the regular maintenance is done. The dealer told me he has a Camry Hybrid taxi cab that comes in for maintenance and had 490,000 miles on it last time he saw it. No repairs, just maintenance. Lifetime fuel consumption averages at 37mpg with normal driving. Ill keep driving it and see how far it can go.

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  Surprised by the quality - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Frank - October 28 - 7:53 am

  I just purchased my 2007 Highlander, and have had it for about a month now. Im blown away by the quality and ease of use of the navigation system and the overall feel of the Highlander. In the city Im averaging 29-31 mpg, with 27 mpg on the highway. Im not a lead foot by any means but It has much more power than I thought. I love my Highlander, and do not plan on letting it go before I put 100-200 thousand miles on it.

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  Good Solid Truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Maldivan - October 28 - 6:30 am

  For the last 10+ years Ive owned nothing but Chevy Ext Cabs. This truck stacks up well against it. The V6 is amazingly nimble and if towing isnt a consideration then the V6 is an obvious choice.The Chevys ride smoother but not by much. The Toyota is the quietest truck Ive ever driven, Im sure the undercoating has a lot to do with it. I decided to go with the Toyota for the simple reasons of reliability and resale values, not to mention its a very nice looking truck. Im very pleased with the truck so far and am still amazed at the Power the V6 has.It will be hard to give this truck up. I think Chevrolet has lost a customer.

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  A Good Work Truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By tvrehas - October 28 - 2:13 am

  The truck is solidly built and takes on construction sites with ease. The interior materials are top notch and the seats are very supportive. Though compared with other trucks the rear seat is tight and space to store items is scarce. Also, expected gas mileage on the highway to be better than 18 mpg.

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  Great reliable car - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By kdan - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Reliable, long lasting, comfortable car.

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  FUN! - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By IBM - October 28 - 2:00 am

  This is a very fun car to drive, although i only wish it hd the lift so i could be 180HP.

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  Masterful Matrix - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Ilove2camp - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Matrix for almost a year. What an awesome car! Ive packed it with my family of 4, loaded the rear to the ceiling, and stuffed a luggage rack with gear and mountain bikes and then climbed the mountains around Flaming Gorge Utah. It didnt miss a beat! I love the styling. We still have people stop us to talk about the car.

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  fun fun fun - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By toastychunk - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I have loved driving this SUV! I got the V8 Limited in all black - real head turner. I agree that the MPG stinks but that is the price to pay to sit up high. We got this SUV when we knew we were going to have twins - they are arriving soon and will be traveling in style. I like all the added touches on this new model.

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  NexGen SUV - Worth the wait - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By JMU - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I was about to purchase my 4Runner earlier but waited until the appearance package on the SR5 that provides color keyed fenders and siding was available. Glad I waited. Dont know why Toyota put that grey cladding on in the first place. Major improvement in almost every way from the earlier 4Runner. I was almost going to get a Highlander but when I test drove the 4Runner I was sold. I thought it even had a better ride than the Highlander. If youre thinking about an SUV drive this one. It has the others in its class beat hands down.