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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  New 2008 Touring Prius pkg #6 - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Ferret - August 28 - 6:36 pm

  Purchased the vehicle this week after waiting for 3 weeks to get what I wanted. So far I am more impressed with the vehicle that I thought I would be. Bought it to commute to work and use as a 2nd vehicle during the winter. The exterior styling is more appealing than expected. The larger spoiler plus 16" wheels make it look much nicer. Interior is nice and modern. The amount of information on the screen is a hoot to look at, although somewhat dangerous! Keep your eye on the road! Overall, I am very impressed with the car so far.

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  Why I love my truck - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By onebxr - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I love this truck. The only thing that I wish that I had known before buying this truck was that if you are going up hill against the wind there will be problems. Not enough power with the 4 cyl. Next Tacoma I get will definitely be a 6.

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  pikecology - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Pikecology - August 27 - 11:30 am

  Bought used; I love it except for the fair to poor gas mileage and noisy top lowering pistons.

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  A Very Resectable SUV - 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Austin Ervin - August 26 - 6:13 pm

  Ive driven every SUVs you can name... and the Land Cruiser and its brother, the LX470, are by far the best overall. Though the LX470 cost thousands more than the Land Cruiser, it still out-sells the Toyota. My last car was a Land Rover Discovery and it was a swell looking car and all, but, it broke down on me and so I went out and purchased a Land Cruiser, and I have absolutely no regrets. Purchase one and find out for yourself if you dont believe me.

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  OK Cute Ute - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By verdi - August 25 - 3:40 am

  I bought the RAV4 for the deal. Its a very solidly built, peppy little SUV with decent (not great) mpg, easy handling and pretty good looks. The drivetrain and ride lack refinement. Toyotas been building these 4cyls and 4 speeds for years and they should be a lot smoother.

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  I Love Toyotas - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Greg - August 24 - 11:16 pm

  Van is fantastic except gas mileage. Rated at 19 city and 27 hwy. I average 16-17 mpg combined.

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  Still feeling the car out - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By C. Kramer - August 24 - 7:23 am

  Bought my 2009 Camry SE in May, so far so good, the 4 cylinder has surprisingly good power, economy is right on, and better. Only have 1000 miles on it so still early for mechanical problems. Love the car so far.

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  Following first long trip - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Dave - August 23 - 2:46 pm

  Took my first road trip of about 500 milies and was mildly disappointed with the fuel economy (25 MPG - highway). Although only 2 MPG under the advertised 27, I drove very carefully and tried to eke out as much electric motor driving as I could. I have come to the conclusion that this is not an "econo-box" but simply a performance vehicle that gets the economy of a 4-cyl with the umph of an 8. Fun to drive, great pick-up, and comfy. A real step up from my Subaru Outback. If given the choice all over again, however, I would opt for the non-hybrid 6 and spend the extra cash on a 4wd, an upgraded Limited, and other accessories.

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  This car saved my life! - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By slappeys - August 23 - 10:00 am

  We loved our Sienna! It had all we needed for our two young boys. It also saved our lives in a head-on collision on the highway with an SUV. The seatbelts, airbags, and design of the engine and frame combined to protect us. Youd never expect something like this, but the Sienna was ready for it.

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  One Month Review - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By RFXJM - August 23 - 10:00 am

  The V6 engine is much more powerful than I thought. It rides nice; looks nice. Fuel economy 18.9 and 20.7 on the first 2 tanks of gas. Only thing wrong-the passenger seat is not very comfortable. Other than that, I love it!