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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  The best car in its class - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Trojans - October 7 - 10:00 am

  The best car in its class at a reasonable price

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  Red 2004 Prius Fully Loaded - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Holstein - October 7 - 8:16 am

  Im only getting 40-43 mpg. A service manager at the local dealership said that is typical of customer reports. I love my Prius on the same level as my pets. It makes me feel like a good citizen by reducing my negative impact on our precious environment.

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  Quality ride - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By drgreyhound - October 7 - 5:10 am

  I traded in a 2001 Solara for the newer version 04 & was happy with the increased power and heated seats/mirrors. The car has great acceleration and gets good gas mileage for a heavy car. It has the quality of a Lexus but the price of a Toyota

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  Great Buy - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dan - October 7 - 5:06 am

  I have always owned Toyotas. My first was a 1986 that ended up with 276,000 mile, second a 1994 ext cab 4x4 that I sold to buy this truck. I ordered this vehicle having never driven this model because I am so loyal to Toyota. It took 6 months to arrive. I ordered a silver double cab TRD 4x4 with 6 speed manual transmission. This truck has been great so far and I love driving it.

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  One Great Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By JJP - October 7 - 12:10 am

  Have had truck only two months,but love it so far. Have 3000 miles on it and no problems at all. Pulled a small camper (3000 LBS) on vacation 1500 miles avg 16 miles per gal. Cant think of anything I dont like about it.

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  I love this car - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By T Harris - October 6 - 7:26 pm

  I purchased my 2006 Prius in July and I am so impressed with this vehicle. I have been averaging around 50 miles per gallon, which is less that what EPA estimates, but still unbelievable. It also has nice pickup and plenty of power. I traded in my SUV and have never been happier with a vehicle. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  just a nice car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By penny - October 6 - 10:56 am

  The car was affordable and very comfy. It has plenty room for our 4 person family.

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  Best gas truck on the market!! - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Tim - October 6 - 7:33 am

  I was very close to buying a diesel pick-up for hauling and longevity but after much research and many test drives I purchased the Tundra. It has TONS of power, rides as smooth as a car. I have hauled very heavy loads in the bed 1000+lbs and I really cant tell the difference. I do a lot of hunting in the mountains (Colorado) and it has done everything I need and then some. 15000 miles and absolutely no issues!

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  Great Car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Floyd - October 6 - 2:40 am

  The car is both fun to drive and an attention getter. Average mileage has been 49.1 to 52.6 around town. 55 to 58 out on the highway. Thus far it has been a great experience to own.

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  Nothing but excellence from Toyota - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Shirley Perry - October 6 - 1:30 am

  Ive owned a Mercedes Sedan,97 Volvo T5/750, & assorted American Cars. Even an 86 Toyota Supra-Loved it! What power!!!The 2000 Solara has been my most reliable, smooth driving, gas efficient automobile of all time! With its beautiful lines, lots of horsepower & great sunroof. Honestly -- I have never had ANY mechanical problems. I kept the maintenance up to date that they recommended, its as reliable as the day I drove it off the lot. Could have traded for a newer one - but I like the sporty style of my 2000 (w/ the spoiler on the back). Its red exterior glows because I keep it waxed & cleaned. The leather interior has never faded or ripped. Its truly a great car- I Love My Toyota!