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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  almost perfect - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By thunter - January 3 - 3:23 pm

  I test drove a Camry LE, 4 cyl. automatic and a Camry SE V6 automatic. I fell in love with the Camry LE, 4 cyl. and purchased it in early February. It has plenty of power to merge on to freeways here and more than enough oomph to manuvere around traffic so I felt the V6 didnt add that much to the performance. I also preferred the Camry LEs traditionally tasteful interior to the SEs more metallic tones. So far, its been almost perfect.

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  I Love my 4Runner! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Stevec9999 - January 3 - 10:00 am

  First of all, this is the first Japanese automobile that I have ever owned. That said, I will never buy American again! I wish I could give a balanced review giving both the good and the bad; but, I honestly have nothing bad to say about my 4Runner. Great feul effeciency, responsive ride, comfortable interior, quick acceleration, awsome sound system, etc... So far so GREAT! -- GOODBYE FORD --

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  Got one of the First off the Line -2003 - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By L. - January 3 - 6:36 am

  I love this truck. One problem is the back hatch. If Im not careful all groceries fall out when I open the back hatch. This problem has cost me dozens of eggs :) Also the hatch window opens with the remote key, but I have to start the car to put it back up -- not convenient at all! Other than those things...I LOVE THIS TRUCK...and I know my daughter is safe. Thats the main thing.

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  Quick Get-away - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Harold Powers - January 2 - 7:13 pm

  Great Car, very good performance and acceleration.

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  Gas mileage is "sick" - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By George - January 2 - 1:30 pm

  Trading in my Infiniti G35X "rocket ship" in on the Prius. Decided to go green and couldnt wait any longer for a plug-in hybrid. Mileage is ridiculous. Getting 72 MPG commuting to work! (mostly back roads). Highway mileage is averaging 65 MPG at 70 MPH. Have to force myself not to stare at the display as getting higher MPG gets to be a game with yourself. It is very comfy and the leather seats are top shelf. Fit and finish is excellent as you would expect in a Toyota. Bluetooth works great and the voice Nav is fun. Just say "Im hungry" and restaurants start populating the map. Ride is smooth and very quiet. AC is like ice.

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  02 Sienna XLE Minivan a Great Vehicle! - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By Ken on 9/11/2009 - January 2 - 6:43 am

  What a great vehicle. This van has traveled all over the US and Canada in all types of weather. Never had a problem! It has hauled the family with 2 children and dog very comfortably. It now has 96,000 miles, and with proper maintenance every 3-5000 miles, it has been the best van we have owned (2 GM previously). The Sienna has even pulled a trailer on occasion showing lots of power. Gas mileage has been about 26 mpg highway/21 mpg in town. Toyota by far knows how to make a reliable, stylish vehicle with performance! We have purchased 2 additional Toyotas and once again they are excellent.

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  Nice Ride - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By DJK - January 2 - 4:06 am

  I have been driving this truck (TRD Offroad, 5.7L) for 3 weeks now, and have found very little to pick on. The truck is powerful, quiet and refined. The suspension handles rough roads well, and the steering is responsive. The auto/man transmission allows the use of the transmission for braking, making quick slow downs or stops easy. The turning radius is excellent for a truck this size, making it maneuverable in tight spots. The seats are comfortable and the cab has plenty of space for 5 adults. Some of my buddies who are hard core Chev and Ford truck enthusiasts are impressed with what they see. My last truck was an 03 Tundra Ltd, and I feel this truck represents a big step ahead.

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  I LOVE my Solara - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By fifi - January 2 - 3:06 am

  I bought my Solara brand new in 2003. It was the first brand new car Id purchased in about 25 years. I would not change a thing about this car. I absolutely love the way it handles, the way it looks and the fact that I havent had to do anything to it except regular maintenance. I intend to drive this thing until it falls apart. I am so happy I bought the 2003 model because I have been completely unimpressed with the newer body styles.

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  My Silver 2009 Prius - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Chessie - January 2 - 2:23 am

  Ive had my 09 Prius for 2 weeks and 400 miles. Ive driven two round trips of 150 miles each and some city driving and have an average of 52.5 MPG so far. Ive read that the mileage goes up significantly after break in. Cant wait!! Feels like Im driving a concept vehicle. Displays and controls are easy to understand and use.

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  Toyota Reliability Again! - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By GeorgeNfla - January 1 - 4:00 pm

  This is my second late model Tacoma. The 2.7L-4-cylinder engine performs very strongly, yet returns decent mileage, high 20s. The truck fires off with the ignition so quickly, barely hear the starter. I own a base Tacoma with automatic as the only option. The only option I wish I wouldve gotten was cruise-control, other than not having that, its a perfect truck without flaws. I would recommend it to a friend.