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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  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.

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  most displeased - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By dlo - January 16 - 8:00 am

  Highly dangerous car in snow and ice and rain. If there is the slightest skid the car brakes lock and you cant steer it so you just hope there is no oncoming traffic till it comes to a stop. CAr has done 360 and gone into soft shoulders in minimal snow conditions. Now it accelerates whenever i go over the smallest hole or skid. I believe it should be incl in recall as sudden acceleration is more frequent. I am most displeased with the vehicle. At dealership was told if is excellent car for good weather conditions and that I should have a backup vehicle for NY winters. It never got the sticker mileage and only gets 42mpg. It takes inordinate time for the heater to turn on.

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  Just unbelieveable - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Charlie K - January 16 - 7:30 am

  Pearl, roof rack, Heated leather seats are great for the back (even in Fl.). Avg 26 around town and on trips to the east coast 33 mpg. Mileage improves if I use ETHANOL FREE gas by 2 mpg. The comfort, space and pick-up are ideal. Its easy getting into and out of and very comfortable driving (being 62") with plenty of storage and cargo space.This car has it all WITHOUT supporting foreign oil!

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  R little secret. - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Johhny M. - January 16 - 6:46 am

  Wow! Everytime I drive this thing I cant help but get this big grin on my face. I wanted four doors and more cargo space than just a trunk could provide. I looked at quite a few cars and other small SUVs but kept coming back to the Toyota. I drove the 4 cylinder Base and Limited and found them quite adequate as I was looking for something with good mileage. Then I drove a 6 Cyl. Sport. The shopping was over! Those of you who have one know the truth. This is a sports car disguised as an SUV! The power is exceptional and never ceases to impress and the handling better than most cars. I cant imagine a better compromise between practicality and fun. RAV4 Sport drivers tend to smile a lot.

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  Bullet Proof! - 1996 Toyota 4Runner
  By fporter - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I now have over 167,000 miles on my 1996 4-Runner, and with routine maintenance I think I can get another 167,000 miles out of it. I have had to replace one wheel bearing in 8 years of service. Other than that, it has been nothing but regularly scheduled maintenance. It even gets over 60,000 miles out of each set of tires. You cant beat that!!

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  The Best - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By AMavalon - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Everyone whos been in my Avalon has commented on its comfort, space, sound system, quiet and smooth ride and best of all...performance! Couldnt be happier!

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  I love this truck! - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By charlie1volley - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I have absolutely nothing but positive comments for this vehicle. I have ridden in many pickups/SUVs, and this one takes the cake. Smooth, soft, powerful ride. Simple, reliable interior, sharp-looking exterior. I have the TRD package and it is amazing. You can crawl up a tree in 4WD Lo and it bear hugs a wet road in 4WD Hi. Dual airbags make it safe for everyone! I love this truck!

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  Great - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Holaimtim - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Great car! I have a XRS its so much fun to drive. Pretty quick for a wagon. Handles amzingly but my one complaint is the seats. Although they r very comfortable i find when i take sharp turns i tend to slide out of it with my seat belt on. Thats my only complaint i love it otherwise

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  Quality ride - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Jeff Patton - January 16 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Toyota after years of buying European cars for quality and performance. What took me so long to see the light? The car is the tightest, best built car Ive ever driven. Quiet smooth acceleration, great fuel economy (27mpg highway at 75mph), flawless fit and finish, and lots of interior room make this the best car in its class. I would buy another one.

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  05 Double Cab Tundra TRD - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By steve-o77 - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this truck for work (copper mining), but I love taking it out on the weekends. The 4.7L V-8 gets the job done around town, but I have yet to see how it tows something really heavy. You should defiantly consider the TRD package if you spend as much time off road as I do (75%). The larger tires and beefy suspension with the TRD package is great for off roads and it rides like a car on the streets. I also purchased the truck with the TRD dual exhaust package. I think you may find an after market exhaust system for less money, but the low rumble you get when you drive is well worth the extra money.