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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  Love my car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Knight - July 6 - 9:00 pm

  Love the color sand mica, drives very nice, turns around on a dime. Seats are very comfortable, and really like the heated seat feature. I didnt care about getting the sun roof but now I like it. Hope this one lasts me a long time, thats why I bought a Toyota.

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  Goodbye Suburban - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By Figure8 - July 6 - 8:20 pm

  Since picking up our new Sequoia last week, weve driven 900 miles and this is my initial reaction. WOW! Traded 08 suburban and no regrets. At 61", more comfortable seating, tighter turning radius, smoother trans. and quiet like a Lexus. Sound system w/JBL & NAV is easy with IPOD integration. Passing and maintaining 80 on the HWY is now easy and less stressful than our LTZ Sub. Nimble in town, second row space and leg room cannot be beat. No more kicking dads seat from the teenagers.

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  My first Toyota - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By A West - July 6 - 7:28 am

  After being in a wreck with my truck I decided to buy an car for fuel mileage. I looked at several vehicles before settling on the Corolla. Here are the reasons i choose it. First off I bought the Corolla S because of the factory body styling and you can not see the exhaust. Second the reviews on this site gave me a good feeling about the reliability of the vehicle. Third the safety of the vehicle, My wife tends to drive it every now and then with our daughter. The Toyota Corolla was the right choice. I have had it for two months now and love it.

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  Love my Camry - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By shelly - July 6 - 7:16 am

  I am very pleased with my 2002 Camry SE. I purchased it new, and the styling still looks fresh. I have had absolutely zero problems with this car. It is still perfect and drives like new. Although it only has a 4 cyl engine, the pick up is excellent. Friends have commented that it feels like a V6 in power. This is the longest that Ive ever kept a car! (almost 5 years)

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  Worth the wait! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Larry in NY - July 5 - 6:53 pm

  This SUV was worth the wait! We have 1000 miles on it so far and its everything we expected and more relative to ride, comfort, build quality, cornering and performance. The roll over test which was not previously available came out very positive. Our Limited is fully loaded and the options were well worth it! It rides very smooth, has great acceleration and is noise free in the cabin. For styling, value and performance there is no competitor on the market today. You must drive this SUV!

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  Good Truck, No Issues - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dustin R - July 5 - 3:00 pm

  After the purchase I installed a Flowmaster Muffler, this helped to improve my feelings towards a 4 cylinder 4x4. Currently, I have over 4,000 miles logged and no complaints thus far. It is a far better truck than the competition, and it was made in California! I did not think I would buy a Toyota, with the economic issues but it has been well worth it. I recommend the SR5 package, it has a lot for the money, although the stock wheels and tires are horrible. Although most stock tires usually are not the best, I expected better. Overall, this truck is worth the money, no matter what the media says.

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  Tundra - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Limited - July 4 - 11:56 pm

  Great overall truck reliable and comfortable unless your in the back seat. The motor has ample power but Toyota has improved on that too. You cant go wrong.

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  Very happy with my 2.4L XLE - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Happy Owner - July 4 - 9:36 pm

  Ive had the car for a little over 2 weeks and am very happy with its pep, ride, styling, and the many standard features on the XLE. I came from a 2000 Chrysler Concorde LX, 2.7L 6 cyl. I was looking at the Hyundai Azera, Lincoln MKZ and the Toyota Avalon but the Camry won out.

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  Great SUV!!! - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By wb07 - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I decided to sell my Mustang to get something I could drive 30,000 miles or more per year in snowy/rainy weather. I bought a 4Runner & loved it! It was fun to drive in all seasons; it was very reliable for my long commute; the highway visibility was SO much better than in my Mustang. In the snow, it was wonderful. I think there was one occasion all winter where I slid on an icy bridge, but overall, the push- button 4WD is great. Sadly, my 4Runner was recently totaled in an accident- not my fault. I plan to buy another one as soon as possible & I highly recommend a 4x4 LTD 4Runner to anyone who is looking for a sharp, reliable, fun SUV.

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  Awsome - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Glenn Panek - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Great a plesure to own and ride in it has never broke down on us