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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  Very Happy - So Far ! - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By John M - October 25 - 8:56 pm

  I returned my G35X after the lease expired. For a lot less money I got a very good car. The V6 is quite powerful. The cabin is quiet. The MPG is better than the G 35X. Fit and finish are also very good. The fact that the car was built in the USA is an extra bonus.

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  Best Truck Ive ever owned - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By KC - October 25 - 6:03 pm

  I purchased my truck as a demo model in 2006. It has been flawless. I have always owned domestic trucks in the past, mostly Fords. The build quality of the domestics pale in comparison to my Tacoma. I have 45,000 miles and every panel is as tight as the day I bought it. No squeaks, rattles, or faulty interior pieces. I absolutely love my truck, and cant imagine parting with it, unless I was replacing it with a new Tacoma.

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  Very versatile vehicle - 2010 Toyota Matrix
  By Special Ed - October 25 - 5:16 pm

  Have driven over 2500 miles, and averaged between 29-32 mpg. Relatively quiet ride under 70 mph. Very roomy interior with comfortable front and rear seats with good visibility. Easy for older people to enter both the front and rear seating area. Plenty of cargo space and with the rear seats folded flat to the floor, will accommodate large objects. The basic 1.8 engine has enough power up hills and passing on highways along with better fuel economy.

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  Thoroughly Impressed - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Adavis - October 25 - 1:43 am

  I wasnt even looking for a Toyota because I alreadly had an 06 Camry Sedan, but when I saw the Solara on the lot and then got inside I was floored. Everything else I was looking at was running at or above 30k. This car is incredible and it was under 25k. I love it. Buttery soft leather, sunroof, 6 disc CD changer in the dash, top quality stereo system, velvety smooth ride (its like it talks to the road),and a huge trunk! I should have known Id eventually end up with a Toyota. This is my 3rd in 6 years. Can beat the quality for the money!

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  2008 Sequoia - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By snugabug - October 24 - 8:20 pm

  We absolutely love our new Sequoia! We had a 2005 4Runner that was fine, but we now have 2 1/2 year old twins along with a 65 pound lab and definitely wanted more space everywhere within a new vehicle. My husband and I are truly die-hard Toyota fans, and were waiting for the new Sequoias to arrive. We are extremely pleased with the way it rides, the comfort of all the seats and were really impressed with how easy it was to actually drive. We both thought it may, for the lack of a better description, "float" as you drove it. However, it is very easy and fun to drive. It provides tons of space and just enough gadgets to keep everyone happy.

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  Great Value - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Sam - October 24 - 3:16 am

  The all new 2005 Tacoma is truly a great new Truck! The new design inside and out is awsome.Nothing is the same from the 2004 models,and the price is great also.The increased HP is unbeliveable and the new brakeing system can get you out of a jam.I love it and think anyone would too!

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  Energizer Bunny - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By P Holloway - October 24 - 2:50 am

  We purchased our Prius with 7,000 miles on it (original owner left country). It has performed exceptionally well except for the electronic issues that were repaired by removing and replacing the computer screen (Toyota covered it). Only other issue is Tires. The vehicle is heavier than most and you need to ensure that you purchase tires recommended by the owners guide to ensure that you do not risk the tire "rolling" onto the sidewall in a higher speed turn or situation where you must "dodge" an obstacle at higher speeds.

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  Great car for the price! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By kris roop - October 23 - 2:26 pm

  This is the first Toyota that Ive purchased. Its a great car all the way around. Gas mileage is wonderful, lots of extras! Peppier than I thought it would be for a 1.5 liter 4 cylinder. Neat interior design as well as the front end. A lot more attractive than the corolla! I will definitely purchase another vehicle from toyota.

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  Not many cars offer the blend Avalon has - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By happyowner - October 23 - 6:56 am

  If you have a shopping requirement for lots of room, fuel efficiency, 5-star NHTSA ratings all around, Toyota-like reliability & resale value you may find the list is quite short as I did. A 3600lb sedan with true seating for 5, 95mph 1/4 mile trap, and real world 32mpg regular in rural driving seems like a contradiction to me but this car is proof otherwise. Comfort and performance are well documented and all of it is true. Fun to drive of 8 because I find myself looking forward to driving it almost as much as old RX-8. Only 2 things wrong with the car so far if picky: the rain sensing wipers dont activate in misty conditions and the wood panel on driver door is misaligned.

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  Tradition Continues - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Lane - October 21 - 10:46 pm

  I love my truck. Its fun to drive. Large cabin provides comfort on long trips. Engine power plus fuel economy 27 -30 mpg. Same great Toyota build quality.