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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  2007 Tundra crew cab 2x2 - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By conwaychevy - November 2 - 4:46 am

  Very solid truck, no road noise, not so great on gas, but a 5.7 16 mpg around town is not too bad I guess. Only draw back, the bed walls are so high, it is hard to reach in and put stuff in the bed or remove it. I did not get the running boards on the truck when I bought it. I recommend the steps; trucks are so new, not much for after market gadgets for the 07 yet. No regrets, very solid truck, gets a lot of stares and questions from people as they see the Tundra redesign for the first time. Very satisfied customer.

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  Camry V6 LE - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By rs - November 2 - 3:16 am

  Bought this car new 6 years ago because I loved the lexus ES300 but did not want to pay $35k. Has the same engine and transmission which has been a pleasure to drive. Smooth, powerful, quiet, and very smooth shifts. Every time I drive a rental car, I cant wait to get back in my Camry. The original General tires were garbage. Try a set of Dunlop Sport tires for much better handling and wear. 89k miles now and never, ever a problem. All I do change the oil and do very little scheduled maintenance. Other than some wear on the steering wheel, still runs and looks like brand new. Had an Accord which I drove for 100k miles but this car has been even more reliable.

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  Such a good Choice - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By CupidT - November 2 - 2:33 am

  It is my first car purchase and I LOVE IT. I love the shape of it, I love my red lights on the inside, I love being able to see the song playing on the radio. Im tall about 511 and my knees dont hit the steering wheel.

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  Such a good Choice - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By CupidT - November 2 - 2:33 am

  It is my first car purchase and I LOVE IT. I love the shape of it, I love my red lights on the inside, I love being able to see the song playing on the radio. Im tall about 511 and my knees dont hit the steering wheel.

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  I love my 2009 Rav4 with V6 - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Nelson Conroy - November 1 - 3:46 pm

  I leased a red Canadian built RAV 4 with the V6. This vehicle provides phenomenal power, styling, comfort and economy. On the highway the RAV is ultra smooth, especially between 65 and 70mph (110 to120k/hr). The interior is extremely spacious with plenty of headroom and lots of storage. I recommend the 270 horsepower V6. Amazing acceleration, however great fuel economy. I chose the flashy red exterior for a sporty look. This is the best crossover SUV in its class. I highly recommend this vehicle. Thank you.

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  My 1st Toyota - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By walt - November 1 - 3:03 pm

  Typical Toyota quality. Great engine, looks, handling. The mechanical AWD system is amazing for Canadian winters (esp. with M/S tires). Had it for 5 years & expect to keep it for another 10 or more.

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  Better than before - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Todd1 - November 1 - 2:20 pm

  I upgraded from a 2002 RAV4 that was totaled in an accident, and the 2006 model is an improvement in nearly every area. I was impressed with how the 02 RAV held up in the accident, so there was no hesitation to get another RAV to replace it. The 06 model has plenty of cargo room. I love that the seats dont have to come out to make room for large items. The 4 cylinder 4WD model has plenty of power, whereas I thought the 02 model felt underpowered. I am very happy with the safety additions of anti-lock brakes and side curtain airbags. This car is great, and you cant go wrong with Toyota quality.

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  Excellent Car for a Mother of 4 - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By lmk6 - November 1 - 1:55 pm

  I have had the Sienna for 2 1/2 years now. It has never had to go in the shop for anything except maintenance. It has been very reliable. This is my second sienna. My first one was rear ended by teenager while I was stopped waiting to turn left. Nobody was injured except for the car. Having 4 kids, the ability to move the second row seats next to each other is a big plus. The second row seat that is mobile has a seat belt attached to it instead of the wall. Since I have the second row seats next to each other there is a nice walkway to the back. My only complaint with the Sienna is that the tires that come with it do not last. Overall, I am very pleased.

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  2002 Camry LE - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By flgatorgal - November 1 - 10:00 am

  After buying previous vehicles that seem to break down before they are paid off, we wanted to end that cycle and invest in a car that we could keep for awhile. Thats how we chose our used 2002 Camry LE! We have found it delightful to drive (after driving a minivan for years!), powerful (its a 4 cylinder) enough to scoot out into traffic, roomy to hold 5 adults comfortably and quiet ride on the road! It looks like a smaller car on the outside, but all of our Honda- owner friends are amazed at the roominess the Camry has inside! As you can tell, we are VERY pleased!

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  I Love My Little Yaris! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Laurie - November 1 - 3:20 am

  I bought this car a little over a month ago, and have really enjoyed it. Its my first new car, so Ive been really careful during the "break in" process. I can tell it has gotten smoother during this time. The steering is awesome! I also have come to really like the center console design. Its easy to use and find all the controls. Sometimes I wish there were a tachometer, but its not a big deal. This is a great car for anyone who just wants a buzz-around car! It does great on the highway as well, although it has a harder time accelerating on hills (and with more than 2 adults in the car). But I still love it for what it is!!