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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  I LOVE OUR 4RUNNER LIMITED - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By cbaumgar - December 8 - 8:50 am

  Weve had the truck for one week and have yet to take it off road, but were anxious to do so. It is appealing to the eye, gets good mileage for a vehicle of its size (averaging 20 mpg combined open freeway in the a.m. and stop & go in the evening). Interior and exterior appointments are excellent and well constructed.

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  Best Buy Ever - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4Runner man - December 7 - 8:36 pm

  I bought my 4runner Limited 2wd certified vech, I have had this vech for six months, the more I drive it the more I like it. My Limited came with all the features, JBL sound system, Nav system, rear camera, driver and passenger air bags, sunroof, night time rear view mirror, compast, 17 inch rims, running (lit) boards. The ride is smooth and swift, runs on regular unleaded, gets 18mpg in the city and 24 on the hwy. I have put six thousands trouble free miles on this vech, maints is low change the oil and drive, I live in the land of Cars Los Angeles, You name it we drive it and still prefer my 4runner Limited because it fits in every where from Beverly Hills to beaches of Malibu.

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  Im In Love! - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Amy - December 7 - 7:10 pm

  The gas mileage is excellent!! My husband and I also have a 2002 Ram 8cyl truck so we mostly use the corolla for driving. Ive been approached twice in parking lots by people admiring my beautiful car and I have nothing but great things to say! I love my car!

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  Incredible reliability, perfect size - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By litespeedn - December 7 - 3:01 pm

  Bought this car new in 2006, now have 168,000 miles. In well over 1 million miles of driving, this Highlander has been the most reliable, comfortable car I have ever owned. No repairs have been needed at all, just routine maintenance - oil changes every 10K miles with synthetic oil, also replaced the coolant, timing belt, and spark plugs at 90K. Car is still on the original brakes! On 3rd set of tires. This car has great acceleration, good mileage (average 25.5 MPG, and I tend to drive fast), great room for passengers or gear. AWD with stability control is great for low traction or slippery roads, although I dont offroad. I have the Limited version with navigation - nav system still good, but I had to buy a new disc on eBay to get updated roads. Car structure is still solid with no rattles. I dont see any new vehicles that compare with this one yet - the new Highlander is too big, and small SUVs are overstyled and lack room inside. I hope to keep this car for a few more years.

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  DBL Cab Ltd Tundra is the clear winner! - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Jim - December 7 - 12:30 pm

  I have been a GM buyer since 1987 (6 trucks). I purchased the Tundra with moon roof, navigation, leather and sport package (21" Rims). I looked at GM, Ford and Nissan and there was a clear decisive answer when completing the pros and cons list that most logical personalities perform. The handling, safety, amenities, predicted reliability, comfort, and eye appeal makes the Tundra the top truck. I dont find myself needing to tow over 7100 lbs, but this appears to be the only significant advantage the Titan has over the Tundra. For me, it was between the Titan and the Tundra. With over 200 problems for every 100 Nissan autos off the show floor was the nail in the coffin. Tundra is my #1 pick!

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  Old Friend - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Sara - December 7 - 2:48 am

  Original owner, 204K miles. Have a V-6, Limited -- which is the same engine they are putting in Highlanders now, I believe. I did have to replace the charcoal canister last year ($1200) but otherwise have only changed oil, tires, and battery. My mechanic thinks it will go another $100K miles. At almost 9 years old now, this car has exceeded every expectation I have for it, and probably will cause everything I own after it to not live up to expectations. I have done everything in this car. My kids have grown up in this car. If I had kids of driving age, I would make them drive this car. Best car purchase I have ever made.

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  I love my Corolla! - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Samantha - December 7 - 12:33 am

  I purchased my 2010 Corolla after having a 1992 for many years. The 2010 is roomy, sexy, and in a manual transmission, super fun to drive. Toyota has really stepped-up its game with the redesign. I adore my car! I honestly feel like Im driving a little sports car when Im in my black Corolla. Also, great stock stereo! Im blown away and turn many heads on the road. YES, it really is a Corolla!

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  Great Economy Car - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By Mercara - December 7 - 12:13 am

  I bought a used car with 60K miles and used it for about 75K miles before giving it to my nephew. This is a great starter car or college student car. Extremely reliable and great gas milage. The car is quite peppy for a 1.8 Liter engine. I would totally recommend it for anyone looking for an economy car.

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  Good in Canadian Cold - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Mike M - December 6 - 12:33 pm

  I bought car in Quebec City Canada and am very happy with the car. First tank of gas 31.75 litres for 464 kilometers or 34.3 mpg US. The car has a very good reputation here in Quebec and is all I need. The lower mileage achieved is due to driving in the snow all the time. It is solid on the road and the power button gives it all the pep I need. My prior car was a SAAB 9-3, this car is way better in comfort, rear vision and any other category you can think of.

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  Rav4-Toyota style - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Rustycab - December 6 - 11:16 am

  Love the car and it handles well. Enough room and height that you can see. Not so big that you cant park it and it is really fun to drive. Love it and I only have 3,000 miles on it.