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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  Does it all... - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By jgoff - January 18 - 6:40 am

  We were looking to replace the 1996 MT Car of the Year which was the Dodge Grand Caravan. After having that vehicle, we didnt think we could do without a van. Our 2006 Sienna LE AWD does everything our old van did, plus its got AWD traction, and better ground clearance (6.9"). Exterior dimensions are near identical to our old van. Power is similar, but brakes are far superior. Seating versatility is very good, but both vans have their pluses in this regard. The Sienna seemed quieter and a better ride than the Odyssey. Storage and versatility are strong points for this vehicle. Storage is everywhere....even the arm rests! My only concern so far is the run flat tires with no spare.

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  Love my Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By shrink2477 - January 18 - 3:30 am

  I would order this car again without hesitation. Its fun to drive, gets good gas milage, is well designed, and has been an overall delight. Gas milage runs 45 in hot weather, and about 40 in cold. Not bad. High intensity headlamps are fantastic. Im totally satisfied.

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  First Toyota - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Craig - January 18 - 2:50 am

  My first Toyota but Ive had numerous Japanese sedans. What separates the Avalon from other Asian performance sedans is that it has 268-280 hp yet takes regular gas and frequently gets more than 20 mpg. That alone is worth considering this car. Numerous reviews commented on what a good car this is but its not "athletic." Ive found the contrary with the Touring edition. The suspension is ideal and is mated nicely with the power of the vehicle. It feels very non-American because there is absolutely no bounce, no matter what kind of surface Im driving on. Ironic since this is a large luxury sedan that was designed and built in U.S. Make a stick shift option and a less Camry-like exterior.

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  One Tough Truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Buildn - January 17 - 11:00 pm

  I have purchased a certified preowned Tundra SR5, 4x4, TRD, Double Cab. This truck only had 10,000 miles on it! Cant beat Toyota quality, Used to own a 2000 year Toyota Tundra. What helped with the decision is Toyota offered a 7 year 100,000 bumper to bumper warranty! It was a no brainer. This 08 is actually a lot of fun to drive!

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  I recomend this car to any single person - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Malan - January 17 - 11:46 am

  Ilove the performance of my car. I bought it almost 3 years ago, an no problem at all. One of my nephews bought a convertible SOLARA VLE V6 and he is enjoying his car. He drove it once to Florida with no problem. We both enjoy the ride and looks of our cars. Thanks for asking. G. Malan

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  Toyota Does It Again! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Rainman - January 17 - 9:20 am

  Ive bought Toyotas off and on since 1982: 82 Tercel, 86 MR2, 01 Highlander, and now the 05 Tacoma PreRunner. The one constant in Toyotas engineering is that it keeps getting better and better. This upgrade to the Taco is no different. They are not resting on their laurels, and clearly want to retain their market share by creating an ingenious double cab with quality and features second to none. After only about 1200 miles of driving, I can tell this truck will be in my stable of vehicles for a long time ... well beyond the time it is paid off.

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  Camry Woes - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Taffy - January 17 - 6:10 am

  1) Idles too fast - will move down road at 5-6 miles per hour w/o touching gas - very dangerous at stop signs as it will surge forward. 2) Cruise will not hold on hill - set at 65, up to 75 at bottom of hill. 3) Brakes - when brake applied, car surges/jogs forward before taking hold. 4)Poor gas milage 14 to 19 in town; 29 on highway. 5) Poor craftsmanship on interior. Carpets not down right, cap cover for seat track comes off. 6) Shifts hard/jerky 7) Drivers side auto up/down window- cannot put down several inches - goes all the way down or all the way up 8) Upon resuming cruise, it will accelerate so fast you are thrown back in your seat-like being shot out of a gun.

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  Great dependable car - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Joel - January 17 - 2:20 am

  Had this car for nearly two years now. I drive about 30000 miles a year, mixed of highway/city driving. Only had regular inexpensive maintenance done so far with no single issue. Comfortable drive, great fuel economy and good looking car.

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  Great for an inexpensive car - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Heather - January 16 - 3:10 pm

  Most of my driving is in a small town with stop lights or signs at almost every intersection, and I am still getting 28 - 30 MPG. I love the roominess of the interior. The seats fold down completely flat so that you can really load this car full of cargo. My only complaint is that in order to depress the clutch completely, you are too close to the accelerator which can get uncomfortable if you are driving for awhile. I bought this car for economy and did not expect it to be as nicely appointed or to ride as well as the more expensive Toyotas or Volvos I have owned in the past. It isnt and it doesnt but its not bad. Its roomy, and, for what I paid, it is an excellent car.

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  New Tacoma - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Shawn - January 16 - 1:03 pm

  Im hoping this truck will match my 1986 toyota pickups reliability. I must say that so far the ride has been lots of fun! Better gas mileage than my s-10 zr2 and plenty of pep for a 4 cyl. The interior is a step above the colorado and ranger, the ride is much more refined as well.