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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  Best Truck Ever - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By George - January 21 - 5:06 am

  I have owned Ford 350, 250, 150, and Toyota Tacoma. This is by far the best truck I have owned except for the Ford 350 Diesel. It is powerful, handles exceptionally well, great interior and exterior. Love the tail gate hydraulic assist. Resale value and quality is what keeps Toyota above the rest!!

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  Big Little Truck - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Taco Grande - January 21 - 3:06 am

  Its a little bit big for a compact/midsize. Despite what some people are saying, its noisy (clutch fan and mechanical noises) compared to a lot of cars and SUVs. No alloy wheel option for the base model at all. Sits a little high for a street truck (2x4). It handles like a truck with no rear sway bar. ATRAC is a waste of money to me. ABS is OK though (expected now). Mileage could be much better with a little effort from Toyota. The body looks good for a little truck. I had a TPMS and radio problems, but the dealer fixed them. Toyota knows very well about the radio problems. Im betting they have to replace about 75-100% after the sale.

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  Love It!! - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By Biffers - January 21 - 12:00 am

  I love my 4Runner. Always wanted one and finally found the right one. For its mileage, there is not one squeak or rattle inside. I went from a large truck to this, when driving it feels like youre in a station wagon :) I have a couple friends who have 4Rs with 300000 miles and up, proper maintenance and they will go a long time. Only thing is the fuel mileage in town is around 15mpg . Not too bad for a heavy suv. The comfort and ease of driving it well makes up for that though. Highly recommended!

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  Excellent Purchase for the Second Time!! - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Mindy - January 20 - 6:30 pm

  We bought this car to replace my other Camry that is 10 years old. I will say it is such a fun car to drive! I love all the safety features it offers. I drive up and down the interstate daily and feel confident that I am in a safe car! I got all that I wanted with no compromise. We still kept the old Camry to drive around town to save miles on the new Camry and my husbands 04 Toyota Tundra. I will only ever own a Toyota! Excellent made cars and trucks.

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  A stylish green machine - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By 2010-V - January 20 - 4:36 pm

  After a three week adjustment period, I have grown to enjoy driving this car. I must say that it is vastly different from anything I have even driven before. It gets a lot of attention around town and on the highway and is quite different from any of the former generation Priuses. The styling and color (classic silver) are eye catching. Overall, I am very pleased with my purchase.

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  Cute and Sporty - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Janet - January 20 - 4:20 pm

  I test drove the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Subaru Outback, Saturn Vue, and the Hyundai Tucson. I decided on the RAV because of Toyota reliability and the fact that its so cute! I have the light blue metallic. Sharp! I am coming from driving a Ford Explorer for 10 years, and loved it. It had all the bells and whistles, but fuel economy prevailed and I finally traded it in with 125,000 miles on it. The RAV is fun to drive and my big teenage boys say the back seat is roomier and more comfy than the Explorer. Love the MP3 hookup and the rear door doesnt bother me. I really wish the driver seat had more adjustment features. We are getting about 23 mpg. Not bad. Have to break it in more.

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  Limited 4x4 nav, dvd, lux, airbags - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By micmcp - January 20 - 12:20 pm

  Excellent vehicle - drives great compared to chevy/ford - always feel in control - no over steer or under steer problems - nice, tight steering wheel. DVD works great. Touch screen navigation requires vehicle to be in park to enter a destination; however, you can use the other features while driving. Air vents are loud with fan on high - especially in 2nd and 3rd rows. Could use more cup holders in front seats - one each on long trip is not enough. No squeaks or rattles... great truck overall! Very happy with my purchase!

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  Nice car but some safety issues - 2010 Toyota Matrix
  By totafan - January 20 - 1:03 am

  This Matrix XR is being driven by a pair of 60plussers involved with elderly care thus requiring transporting elderly person plus wheelchair. This works well due to the relatively high cargo floor and hatchback.

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  Meant for comfort, not active "driving". - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Ron - January 19 - 9:30 pm

  Just bought a 2008 used, with 33k miles. Replaced a 2001 Solara SLE. Avalon seats have more adjustments, but less padding. Faux wood steering grips not as comfortable as leather. Road noise well-muted. Its so quiet at idle that I got confused once and didnt realize it was still running. LOVE the smart key. Good sound system for a car. LCD is real nice for the radio and climate controls. No squeaks or rattles, feels like driving a Swiss watch. BIG car, but doesnt look or drive like it. Controls oddly placed, but most-used ones are on wheel. Handles comfortably, but not "fun" to drive; powerful, but not a race car. Wafts you along in your own little bubble instead.

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  Perfect! - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By R.B. - January 19 - 11:46 am

  Toyota is the only make that I will ever buy. The SUV runs great, smooth, quiet and has so many niceties that it makes driving an enjoyable experience. The body of the 4Runner is bold and modern and the internal configuration is very user friendly.