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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  My car, totaled, but I walked away - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Charles Finley - December 28 - 11:38 pm

  First, the Camry is very comfortable and very reliable. Other than the regular maintenance, I have never had to have anything fixed. I was just in a major car accident, the Camry saved my life! A minivan pulled out in front of me, I didnt even have time to go for the brakes. BAHM! 60 mph! The car did exactly what it was built to do, all of the airbags deployed, The engine compartment collapsed and the engine dropped down. The passenger compartment was undamaged. I walked away with only a small cut on my finger and some heavy bruises from the seatbelt! The Camry is totaled, but Im okay!

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  Only A Toyota..... - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By lighteninglarry - December 28 - 7:33 pm

  Very pleased with this truck,almost bought the Dodge/w hemi but so glad I did not!! Plenty of room for three kids,had an 04 double cab TRD but to stiff & to small. At first my wife liked the 04, but drove the 05 and loves it! No doubt best truck on the market today!!

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  Like A Dream - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By BroncoTBone - December 28 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 1996 Tacoma a few months ago, and have had nothing but beautiful experiences with it. It drives very well, has a buttery smooth (if a little stiff) manual tranny. The ride is a little harsh, but its a truck, not a Lexus. It tackles gnarly dirt trails, and twisty mountain pavement with equal tenacity. The V6 is tremendously flexible, and has a wide, useful powerband. The only complaint I have is the lack of power options (windows, mirrors) but I didnt buy the truck new, so I cant whine too much. Id recommend a Tacoma to anyone who needs a capable light truck.

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  98 4 Runner Review - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By brian9123 - December 28 - 10:00 am

  Just change the oil and keep going. This vehicle is the standard of reliability.

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  2003 Toyota Sienna - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By Dianne Scott - December 28 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Sienna I have owned, the first being a 2000 model. I absolutely love it! It is comfortable, easily holds 7 people and rear cargo, is pretty economical on gas, and WOW does it go! I love the way it drives like a car. The only think I really dont like is there is a serious blind spot on the right rear side, but I have learned to compensate for it. Also wish the paint was more durable. I travel in my business and absolutely cannot afford to have my car in the shop. I have owned a Dodge Caravan (loved it but went thru 2 transmissions after relatively few miles) and Ford Windstar, again transmissions and it was a lumbering gashog! Not a mi

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  Love the Sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By arwenone - December 28 - 10:00 am

  With two children and a baby on the way, it was time to move into a minivan. My oldest child gets carsick, so that immediately limited the field to the MPV and the Sienna for the side roll-down windows. The Sienna won out for its large size, extra features, extra seating room, ride, and value. I have no idea how I made it so long without a minivan, and I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone and everyone.

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  I love my yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By I LOVE MY YARIS - December 27 - 7:33 am

  Very affordable, Cute design and shape, very spacious. This Car is Hot!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  In love with my car - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By CJK - December 27 - 6:06 am

  My husband researched all SUVs in this size range & the Rav4 seemed to come out tops in most areas. With 2 small kids we were truly looking for a used Pilot or Highlander (for 3rd row). But with my 05 Forester lease coming due we ran out of time finding what we wanted in our price range. So I decided on a 3 yr lease of a Rav4 Limited and I AM SO HAPPY! Ive only had it for 3 days but at least at this point I could totally see myself buying it at the end of the lease. Its comfortable, roomy, handles wonderfully, and is lovely to look at. Went with Pyrite Mica color with gray leather & love it. I was concerned about comfort but with the pwr & lumber its great. Average 24 mpg so far.

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  Wow great car - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Corolla - December 26 - 7:40 am

  This is an amazing car. Fast and comfortable. Great gas mileage. perfect for people who are on the go.

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  A Must Drive Sedan - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By NJJOE - December 26 - 5:56 am

  Purchased new/used with 1400 miles on it. Compared vs V6 Accord (less style room/performance),Turbo 4 Passat (less room/performance/reliability/premium fuel/price).The V6 is powerful. Car is extremely quiet and the SE has tighter handling.Trans is silky smooth w/no hesitation as I have read about. Car feels substantial and w/7 airbags, safe. Brakes/ABS are even/secure. Trunk is big and rear seat very comfortable for 2 and will seat 3. Headroom/body room comfort great for my 61" 250 lbs. Steering feel is good but not BMW road feel although this car beats the 3 series in many areas of "we need 1 car to do it all" types. Eats less gas than I thought at 27 MPG w/50/50 city/hwy driving. Give it a serious look.