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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  Good car for the money - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Debbie - November 24 - 3:33 am

  Just leased a 2010 rav4 limited. Great car except it has not homelink system, no satellite radio, and no bluetooth, but it does have a nav system. If you can do without those items, great vehicle.

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  My new 2008 Highlander - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Terry Hardgrave - November 23 - 2:50 am

  I bought a new Highlander after previously owning 3 other Toyota full-size SUVs..a 1983 Landcruiser, 1993 Landcruiser, 2002 Sequoia. I wanted a smaller, more manueverable, more fuel efficient, but still comfortable car. I also needed the ability to carry seven passengers for short periods once in a while. I am delighted with the car so far. I have had it about a month, and have put about 1500 miles on it. I bought a fully equiped Limited model, including nav system, blue tooth phone, both front and rear auto A/C. It has been a little bit of a challenge to get used to the nav system and also the bluetooth phone. Sometimes it works very well, other times it is frustrating.

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  My Matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Toby A Turner - November 22 - 8:40 pm

  This is the smallest car I have owned and it is great! Gas mileage, fit into the garage, parking spaces, maneuverability and comfort, are all advantages I have not experienced with larger autos. The color is solar yellow and easy to spot on a parking lot! There is plenty of room for my friends as passengers and with the adjustable bucket seat, they can be comfortable too.

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  This car wont die. - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By rolseth - November 22 - 6:45 pm

  My mom bought this car brand new, took great care of it, and passed it down to me with 180k miles. I now have 285,000 miles on this car and have only done oil changes and a couple of inexpensive repairs, along with the typical change of tires and brake pads. I really have nothing bad to say about this car other than that the driver side lock failed. But other than that, this car has been phenomenal in terms of reliability and functionality. It averages around 25-27 mpg. What a pleasure it has been to have such a trouble free vehicle. I could see this Camry lasting me a little past 300k with no issues. Couldnt be happier with the performance of this car. If youre considering one, buy it!

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  Nice Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By gski - November 22 - 1:56 pm

  Just got it! Wow what a difference. Had a Ranger XLT before, its like night and day. The ride, convenience, power, and no rattles. It plain feels like a well built, designed truck.

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  Nice Truck - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By steve44 - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Great truck! Knocks the shine off anything Ford or Chevy ever turned out.

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  Great Looking - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Jeff03 - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car brand new fully loaded except for the DVD navigation (I dont usually get lost) and the car has been excelent towards me. I mostly have been driving it on the highway averaging about 400 miles/wk and with no problems. I was getting about 36- 37 mpg when highway driving. Now that I do mostly city driving I am averaging about 32mpg. Great car for the money. I would not really buy a new one again because of deperasion.

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  MOST TUNDRA - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By sydney bresto - November 22 - 10:00 am

  This I really love my v8 Tundra, well except for gas, but thats the goverments fault. darn :( I look soo cute and its so fun to drive

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  What an improvement! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By riverguy - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Traded in a 2002 Yukon Denali. Everything about this 4Runner is an improvement. Especially handling, comfort and driveability. It will do everything the Denali would do better and will also go off road with authority. Gave up power driver seat only for $15,000 less. Very impressed so far.

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  I never thought Id say this... - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Rich Baker - November 22 - 10:00 am

  They arent kidding when talking about a Lexus-like interior. It is so smooth, build quality is superb, and it can carry large loads while keeping the second row intact with our 2 year old there. I actually like driving the thing. Complaints: I am tall. The seat bottoms are short and I find the end of the seat meets the middle of my thigh and my feet go numb if I dont move around. Also, to remove the second row, the seats are large even when folded, and weigh an ungainly 49 pounds, and it can be a challenege to lift them out without killing your back since it is an odd angle to lift them out. Otherwise, an excellent choice.