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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  Impressive - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Pacific Northwest - April 22 - 12:36 am

  Just bought a 2007 Crewmax Ltd. Really happy with the truck. This is my first truck. My wife also loves it. Always dreamt of having one. Wanted to buy an all American Chevy. Test drove one along with Tundra. Changed my mind and got Tundra. Superior handling and style. Smooth engine.

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  2006 Tundra Limited 4Dr 4X4 - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Steven Marco - April 21 - 9:16 pm

  I bought this new Tundra because a co-worker has one with 90K hard-driving miles and stil feels "new". I love the Tundra because it has ample room for 5 comfortable passengers, has an easy-to-use 4x4 system that has gotten me out of several icy situations. It has the refinement of a Mercedes-Benz combined with the fun of an ATV! After 2000 miles I would recommend this truck to anyone who needs a truck for family/projects/towing.

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  Going from a Truck to a Sedan - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By ELS - April 21 - 8:20 pm

  I was looking for a car with good gas mileage and reliability. I drove a 1997 Ford F-150 for several years, and the gas and maintenance was putting a dent in my checkbook. I researched and test drove 3 cars: Honda Fit, Hyundai Elantra, and the Toyota Corolla. All fit into my price range of 15000-19000. It was close between the Hyundai and Toyota, but I chose the Corolla. It came down to reliability and dependability. Plus, theyre both priced about the same. Ive had my Corolla LE (keyless entry and cruise control) for about a week. This was my first time purchasing a car and I order through Carsdirect.com because I didnt want to deal with hassling. I got a good deal; paid 16.2.

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  2008 4Runner V8 4X4 - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By kalicat - April 21 - 8:15 pm

  I bought it brand new and in a couple of months it will be 4 years old. 57K miles on it. I have never had a single mechanical issue with it. I put the front end leveling kit on it, and larger tires w/after market rims - but the engine is stock. My only complaint is the gas mileage! Even driving like an old lady, 95% highway mileage (its my commuter car now) I only get 17 mpg. Friends that have the v6 said they get the same. Dealer says they will give me 22,500 if I trade it in (decided not to anyway) Great resale! Overall, am very happy with it!

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  Practical All-Around Vehicle - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Harky - April 21 - 2:36 am

  Owned this car for one year, so far no issues. Before buying I test drove both Camry and Rav4. Both cars felt same in terms of driving dynamics and both cars share some mechanical parts, but picked Rav4 for its high-seating position. Fuel economy is above average and pretty roomy inside. A little bit sluggish from stop, but this is a 4 cylinder (get 6 cylinder for quick starts). The space in the drivers side needs to be improved especially in left knee area. Also, the tire noise is little bit high during the highway cruising, thus the sound insulation in the cabin needs to be improved.

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  Best in years - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By cc - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Although car was puchased from one dealership, I did not like their service or personnel. I service vehicle at another toyota dealership who are extremely attentive, courteous and provessional.

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  1998 Toyota Camry LE - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By rlafford - April 21 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this vehicle, our second Camry, from Hertz after a 1 year rental. The vehicle had 25,000 miles when we purchased it. The only maintenance has been oil, a scheduled timing belt change, transmission service and 2 sets of tires. We just put the second set on. No brake work required and the pads are still in excelent condition. Paint is doing fine with only a yearly waxing. This Camry is well on its way to joining our first one in the 200,000 mile club. Our 1990 Camry LE wagon is pushing 290,000 miles and still going strong. These things must take lessons from the Energizer Bunny - they keep going, and going, and going....

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  From Landcruiser to Dual cab Tundra - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Female owner - April 21 - 2:00 am

  One of the reasons I bought this truck was for the Landcruiser like ride and interior. After buying this truck my Landcruiser just sat in the garage. It has excellent power, handling and ride.

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  Beautiful Automobile - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By highwayman - April 21 - 2:00 am

  This was a special order car that took two months to get. Styling inside and out is beautiful. Car came with discolored rear bumper(lunar mist).Paint was "mottled" and was changed. Car pulled to the left and service contacted tech support. Dealer changed bolt and flange(part #90105- 17011&90105-17009) and car now tracks straight.

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  My 2003 Highlander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Mr Highlander - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Riding in the front is great, comfortable, back seat is somewhat less. The backseat is firm and the ride is a bit stiff jarring. Handling is great. The side mirrors are a real value, big, Braking is good, but it takes time to get used to the 4 wheel disk brakes feel.