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:

• 

  Great car - Toyota hits a homerun again - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By thomasw828 - May 11 - 8:30 am

  Bought car on 12/26. Love the vehicle, nav system, and great sound system. Left a 05 Lexus Es330 for this and am very satisfied. first mileage is over 38 mpg, still learning the tricks.

• 

  Great technology - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Lou - May 10 - 11:00 pm

  I opted for the Short bed so it fit in my garage, still have about 18" left over. I traded my 2003 Corolla for the Tacoma. Based on the research I had done the Tacoma always came on top. Handling: Has excellent acceleration, corners and stops nicely. The interior is pretty confortable and feels like a small SUV or a car. So far I have averaged 21 MPG, but I dont get on it too hard! I have added Toyota running boards, they look great and the Off RD package adds a lot. Oh, the 24Valve, V6, 281 ft.lbs of Torque is ready to haul. I decided on the Tacoma for reliability. We are planning a long trip next week. Cheers to all who have one.

• 

  My Camry - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Dick Conway - May 10 - 11:30 am

  My wife and I just returned from a 3500 mile trip from Dallas to Minneapolis to Michigan, done in 8 days. Drove 710 miles one day and didnt feel tired at all that evening (like I have always felt in other cars on long distance drives). This car drives beautifully and is super comfortable. It has a great turning radius, excellent visibility and general road handling. I love this car (that now has 25000 miles)!! P.S. Im 73 years old.

• 

  Awesome SUV. Best in class by far - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Bigdaddydude - May 9 - 11:23 pm

  This SUV is my 2nd 4Runner and they just keep getting better. I LOVE the quality and feel of the leather, it is 10 times better than cloth. The heated seats are a really cool, or should I say hot feature! Although my car-loving son uses them more than I do, they are still an excellent touch on frosty mornings. This car has a punchy V6 that provides plenty of power. The stereo sounds like music from heaven and I also like the 6-disc CD changer, I also enjoy this cars ULTRA-quiet cabin and soft ride and yet you can still feel the road. I am in love with this car and will continue to buy them untill a better car comes out (which will probably not happen).

• 

  07 Tundra is almost perfect - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Paul - May 9 - 3:16 pm

  I have owned/driven all of the other brands before buying my 07 Tundra. I have owned a Ford F150, Titan, Dodge Ram, and none of these trucks compare to the new Tundra. It is more refined, powerful, comfortable, and reliable. Really, there is nothing that Toyota can do to this truck to make it better... maybe some power adjustable pedals. Overall, I am VERY impressed with this truck. The 07 Tundra is truly going to change everything and everyones perception about trucks. Its as perfect as a truck can get.

• 

  Excellent Hybrid - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By jbakerjonathan - May 9 - 10:00 am

  LEAST polluting auto in the USA. Stylish on the inside; makes a statement on the outside. Prius is FUN to drive. 258 lb.-ft. of torque makes it MOVE from a stop light. Smooth forward movement from 0 to 100 miles per hour. Power to keep up with traffic (and pass, if you are so inclined) safely and with confidence. My lifetime (9 mos) MPG is 46, 80/20 highway/local. Toyota warranty for hybrid design 8yr/100k miles; powertrain: 5yr/60k miles; basic: 3yr/36k miles. This is a GREAT car. Two complaints: see below - otherwise, very comfortable.

• 

  Solid Vehicle - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By olzama13 - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Good solid vehicle 4wd is outstanding. I put a perfomance air intake in it and the fuel economy is awesome now and the vehicle have more pick up and go.

• 

  Grab One! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Kingtj4 - May 9 - 10:00 am

  A month an a half into ownership and I love this truck. A great redesign. It has it all for 4 x 4, highway, and around town driving. Put in traditional Toyota quality and reliability and you have a winner. Ill own this for a long time!

• 

  Great Peformance SUV Buy - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4FUNNER - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Value / Quality / Peformance / Function ENOUGH SAID ! Our 2nd Runner.

• 

  If you want a safe SUV - this is THE ONE - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Florida Crosses - May 9 - 10:00 am

  We purchased our SUV in December of 2002. As for quality, you wont get a better built and safer vehicle. This SUV truly is wonderful. It even gets decent gas mileage for an SUV (about 330 miles per tank).