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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  1st 4 Runner - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Wayne Scardino - September 18 - 1:36 am

  After owning another brand of SUV and not being satified I checked out the 4 Runner and was suprised at what I founed. I test drove and found the preformance and handling of the 4 Runner to be sound and well made from an engineering stand point. I now have the Sport Edition. Being a sportsman and going off road I found it preformed very well. I have more then enought room for all of my equipment. I have been asked by my friends how I feel about the Toyota compared to my other SUVs. My answer is Im very well pleased with its preformance.

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  Great Car - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By jenny541 - September 17 - 10:06 pm

  My husband bought this car for me in 2001. It had been leased for 6 months and only had 1400 miles on it! I LOVE this car! It drives smoothly, is comfortable (never had seat problems), and it is safe! I am looking to trade it in for a Matrix, most likely, but I still love this car, just wish it had more cargo space.

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  XRS-2ZZ-GE - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Guy Hence - September 17 - 12:33 pm

  The Yamaha built engine in this car is terrific! Same as the expensive Lotus Elise and Exige! The XRS handles well and gets good mileage. Service is simple and low cost. This is a great car thats well built.

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  Awesome - love it. - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By cheryl - September 17 - 7:43 am

  There isnt one thing negative I can say about this vehicle. It looks rugged and cool, but drives like a dream. Its solid, handles great, is comfortable, great stereo. I love it.

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  Toyota Prius evaluation - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Gordo - September 17 - 4:30 am

  Best vehicle I have ever owned!! Terrific gas mileage, handles well and is comfortable on long or short trips.

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  Best car yet - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By BeachSixPack - September 17 - 3:53 am

  After owning many many cars, this one by far is the best I have owned. Drove it to Florida after buying it and was very pleased with its comfort, reliability, looks, and gas mileage in the 30s while traveling above 80 for extended periods of time. Great car.

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  Theres no competition. - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Twistoffate0817 - September 16 - 5:56 am

  The price, the MPG, the style... this car has it all! There is no other car out there that can come close to competing with the yaris. This is overall an amazing car and you have to check it out before buying a new car.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By Drew - September 15 - 3:33 am

  We bought our 94 Corolla back in 95 from a Toyota dealership which used it as a rental-loan car. It only had 10,000 miles on it, now its clocking nearly 200,000. At the time, half of the Corollas were built in Japan, half in California. Ours is a Japanese built example. The fit and finish of this car surpasses many more expensive models. It still looks great, runs perfect and gets great mileage. It still has the original engine and transmission. I change the oil every 3,000 to 6,000 miles. I also have the transmission serviced regularly. This little gem doesnt use a drop of oil either. One day were going to have to get rid of it but the way this thing runs it might be another 100,000 miles!

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  Toyota Corolla : My little BMW - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Susan Milner - September 15 - 2:23 am

  I know, I know, I only have 2500 miles on my new Corolla, but its so much fun to drive! The doors close magnificently; the motor purrs; the interior is quiet; the gas mileage is excellent. It handles like a little sports car. Ive have owned three Hondas before this Toyota. I have to say, after test driving the 2005 Civics and Corollas, there was no comparison. Honda definitely has some catching up to do.

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  Good SUV; Slightly Disappointed - 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By margosig - September 15 - 2:00 am

  After researching 3-row SUVs, I decided on the Land Cruiser. Due to an odd winter, I actually engaged the 4WD all-wheel differential lock. The car tracked flawlessly in the snow and ice. The road presence approaches a car, but you are aware that its a truck frame you are riding on. The engine is smooth and quiet, yet seems slightly underpowered for this vehicles girth. Surprisingly, this car suffers from some rattles and squeaks. Thus far, the heat shields needed adjusting (rattled), the steering wheel turnbuckle needed lubricating (squeaked) and the underside still rattles at idle. I experience 13/17 MPG.