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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  Big Winner - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Mean Gene - December 10 - 11:33 am

  I went out and drove every truck made, plus read every review possible. The Toyota Tundra won hands down. I like the looks of others but a 6 MPG Hemi dont cut it for me. I did have a minor problem with the truck cutting in and out when below zero. But seem to correct itself, mileage around 14 with a K & N filter. Great truck, but I wish all options were avaiable, not by region.

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  Toyota Does It Again - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By dochurt - December 10 - 11:26 am

  We own a 2000 Avalon XLS and it has been the best car we ever purchased. It motivated us to purchase a 2005 as our second car. The 2005 is bigger, quieter and gets better gas mileage than the 2000--about 30 mpg on the highway. For some explained reason, Toyota did not install the double sun visors with extensions on the 2005 model, which is my only complaint. Superb automobile--the best buy for your money.

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  low TCO / reliable transporter - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By Jo Jo the Monkey Boy - December 10 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a reliable car. Toyota has the "bullet proof" rep for quality - and Consumer Reports gave the Echo the highest quality rating of the low-end compact sedans. I am very pleased with the gas mileage - better than Kia, Hyundai, or Chevy Aveo - and Ive really appreciated that with gas prices being so high this summer. I really dont car about styling, acceleration, handling - its a good little car to get me to work. I dont want to spend time haggling with auto mechanics trying to rip me off and I think the Echo has the built-in quality to stay out of the shop.

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  Poor Water Pump Desgn - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By Frank713 - December 10 - 10:00 am

  59.5 K miles and noted the coolant reservoir was dry just prior to long trip Denver to Grand Canyon. Water pump was leaking and very expensive to replace...similar to changin timing belt laybor. Was out of warranty by time...but I called Go Toyota and they agreed to pay for the pump, but not the laybor. Im happy with the truck, but dissappointed with the failed water pump with so few miles...no off road. Mechanic told me pump was a bad design by Toyota and it is a common repair for this truck.

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  I love my car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Erik J. Meyer - December 10 - 10:00 am

  I had one of the first orders for the 04 Prius in MA. The wait for it felt much longer than it was. I ended up reciveing the floor model for the dealership instead of the one I ordered. The difference was superficial, I wanted blue and it was red. I have put nearly ten thousand miles on this car from 10/24/03 - 08/10/04. I love it. I was only mildly worried about being attacked when gas prices peaked earlier this Summer. After all I can afford to fil the tank with premium for far less than what a similar sized vehicle can on the economy choice. Overall I would recommend this car to anyone who has a desire to feel good about what they drive.

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  1999 Corolla, Wifes choice. - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By jlhaxby - December 10 - 10:00 am

  We were looking for a new vehicle in 1999. My wife suggested the corolla because her sister had a 1997 model. We looked at Ford, Chevys and Chyslers, but decided on the corolla. We only drive approximately 7500 miles per year and have had zero problems with the car, except for a dead battery. Just one minor crash into a wall, but it held up well. (The wife did it.)

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  My 04 Doublecab - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By rON - December 10 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Tundra, its the four door four wheel drive model. Lots of room and pulls my boat better than my Silverado 5.3 ever did. The interior is pretty plain.....but the reliability of Toyota keeps me coming back and the Exterior is easy on the eyes.

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  First Toyota - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By 34mcc - December 10 - 10:00 am

  I drove them all and couldnt resist the tundra d-cab, even though it doesnt fit in my garage (at 230 in. you may want to check)! I love the styling it is deceptively larger than most crews. The ride is extremely smooth and quiet..its difficult to keep my wife out of the driver seat. Ideal truck for large families as the back seats and area are extremely comfortable for kids of all ages. The gas mileage for metro commutes is approx 16 with highway reaching 18. The V8 is adequate and I highly recommend a mass air flow filter such as a K&N ($34 on-line), this really improved throttle response and overall performance. Great truck!

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  second time around - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By jlw717 - December 10 - 10:00 am

  I was lucky to get this car in May below sticker. I replaced my 2000 solara convertible with this one. As much as I enjoyed the 2000 the 2004 is a better built better looking car. I work with some who got the lexus hard top convertible and comparing the two I got better value.

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  Happy Senior - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Happy Senior - December 9 - 5:46 pm

  This is my second Prius. I had the smaller 2002 model and traded up to the mid-size. On a 3,000 mile trip last summer from Harrodsburg, KY to Tazewell, VA, Geneva, IL, Fond du Lac and Spooner, WI, Story City and Amana, IA and back to KY we averaged 51 mpg. My wife is finally getting used to the quietness. Its fun to drive and has great cargo capacity. Yes, Im a happy senior citizen. 84 this year.