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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  First new car in 30 years. - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By P. Kusch - January 31 - 11:30 am

  I Have no regrets about buying this car except some disappointment that the manual transmission gets a little worse fuel mileage than the automatic. I think a six spd. manual would be nice, but I realize few people who buy Camrys buy manuals.

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  2000 Tacoma SR5 TRD Extended Cab - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By dh - January 31 - 12:20 am

  This is the 2nd toyota truck Ive bought. Mechanicals in this truck are far better than my 1988, but interior materials are too cheap. Driver arm rest falling apart, various plastic parts are breaking. Driver seat is built for 58" and Im 62".

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  Incredibly functional, not comfortable - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By JohnMcdougal - January 30 - 11:10 am

  To be fair, I should note that this car belongs to my parents. However, on trips back to California, I have driven their Prius thousands of miles. While its functionality, basic competence, and incredible fuel economy are indisputable, we all find the seats relatively uncomfortable. They are small and stiff, with virtually no lumbar support. Even as manual seats, they should have more adjustments. And even though the driving position is fine in terms of front view, I find the steering wheel placement uncomfortable. Beyond that, the ride is too stiff and jittery over rough pavement and too loose and wallow-y on curvy roads. If comfort and performance are high on your list, not the car 4u

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  Pretty fair automobile - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By carehta - January 29 - 2:00 am

  From an engineer eyed perspectice, every detail in the car is visibly designed from deploying people needs, no fancy or costmetic things, real needs in comfort and safe aspects. Mechanic design is simple to handle and construction is realiable.

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  very satisfied - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By david b. - January 28 - 2:46 pm

  The fuel economy is as good as my previous vehicle (Chevy blazer) averaged just over 17 MPG 60% hwy, 40% city. My driving style is a lot more conservative due to the price of gas. The tundra has a lot of room and excellent interior storage areas. Excellent turning radius/easy to drive. Previous reviews hammered the transmission for down shifting too much. Havent had that problem. Did have some problems w/radio/stereo. It would turn on/off, change stations. Dealer replaced it and havent had a problem since

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  Expensive repairs - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By A.Barnett - January 27 - 10:46 pm

  I switched from SUVs to this car for fuel economy. It is fun to drive, but repairs are costly. Air conditioner repair was over $1000 and the brake rotors warped at 39000 miles -another $550. Toyota acknowledges no responsibility. This is my last Toyota.

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  Echo Fun - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By dalsing1 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is great for fuel economy and it is really a fun little car to drive. Nice size for parking in cramped places with surprizing room on the interior. Easy control for viewing of all instruments without losing sight of the road. Like the center readings for Miles per hour, temperature and, fuel guages. Really a neat little Car!!

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  4x2 4 cyc ext cab sr5 - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By 16yeartoyotafan - January 27 - 10:00 am

  My Toyota has been great. I purchased it new. It goes to the dealer for regular maintenance, it has been to the dealer once for a CHECK ENGINE light, which apparently was my fault for adding a K&N air filter, which the dealer suggested I remove. I did, no trouble since. It has 58k miles on it, still runs and looks like the day I bought it.I avg. 22/29 mpg.

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  Home on the Road - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By JayBaugh - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding vehicle for long-range trips. Conveniences abound. Very comfortable for all passengers. Top- rated performance for class.

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  Oops! Its missing a few things - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By avaddict - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Missing things taken for granted in top trim lines;Auto dim rear view mirror; compass;more features/info on travel computer;tonneau cover vibrates with sun roof open;at price, better tires. Still trying to figure out cruise control;O/D lock-out button engaged accidently;Delivered with drift-left (tire pressure).Thats it after 2 mo. GOOD STUFF:Great fit & finish inside/out;excelent paint;Front seats (leather)very comfortable,good adjustment range; very happy with premium radio/cd system.Good gas mileage 21-22 city,31 hwy.Dont need a Town&Country mini-van anymore but like the seating height & car-like drive,someextra room for vacationing? This vehicle is just right.