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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  JBs review - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By CJBUENO - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Cant complain about this car

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  Solid Family Vehicle - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By thdave - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Pluses: Great seats, layout, dashboard (I like the glossy black), storage (thoughtful in all the nooks and cranies). Great steering, acceleration, and good handling. Excellent tow vehicle for our pop-up camper. Non-JBL stereo is very good. Kids love it.

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  First Truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Tundra Guy 858 - March 21 - 5:13 am

  So far I havent had any problems with it. It has tons of power for passing and it accelerates good for a truck. Beat out BMWs. Very comfortable for a truck, only thing I gotta get used to is the bounce in the back when going over speed bumps or pot holes.

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  Happy As Can Be - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Birdman - March 20 - 11:46 pm

  Ive had my Toyota Tacoma for 2 weeks now and the more I drive it the more I fall in love with it. I owned a 2002 Toyota Tacoma but there is no comparison. The 2005 is so roomy on the inside, its wider, it stands taller; there are more bells and whistles as standard equipment. Best decision I ever made was to trade in the 02 for the 05. No wonder its truck of the year

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  92 to 09 - 17 years of progress - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Lars - March 20 - 8:03 pm

  Have a 92 4X4 Toyota Xtra with a V6; 16.5 mpg at best. Was looking at an 08 ($1,000 rebate), but the 09 has better standard features; 6 airbags, 4-wheel ABS, plus traction and stability control. That, with the new for 09 Timberland Green color, swung my vote. Granted, the 92 is a 4X4, but the 09 rides so much better. The interior is a huge improvement - as some 08 reviews said, its very car-like - although outward visibility to the sides is better in the 92. I live up a steep hill; the 4-cylinder has plenty of power and, contrary to some, I like the gated shifter. 23 mpg in mixed driving; less than 500 on the odometer. Expect to get better than the 25 hwy EPA once its broken in.

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  driving is fun again - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By ross - March 20 - 7:23 pm

  Ordered my Prius June 2004, dealership called me the 31st of Jan 05 to tell me some one didnt want their Prius that had just come in, did I want to come take a look at it. Wasnt expecting mine till June of 05. It wasnt the color I ordered and didnt have VSC, high intensity headlights and fog lights but it did have the 6 CD JVC stereo. I took it. All I can say is poor guy that decided he didnt want it. Ive been driving for 40 years and suddenly I feel like a kid again. This car is really a blast to drive, it has just as much get up and go as my 93 Bonneville but gets 46.5 average mpg so far, rather than 22. It is surprisingly roomy, I love it.

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  Best car for the money! - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By bubba - March 20 - 6:16 pm

  Bought this car after having an 04 Camry LE 4 cyl. And was crashed into and totaled. Drove the 06 V-6 and fell in love with the Electroluminescent Gauges and the refined power of the 6 cyl. Paid 10k for the car with 70k and it was a one owner. Drive the car 25 miles a day back and forth to work. And Im getting 26-27.5 mpg with mid grade fuel. I dont have any doubt that this car will run another 200k. I cant waitt o see how many miles I will actually make this one go.

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  Love my 4Runner! - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Mike in Ohio - March 20 - 4:20 pm

  This is a great SUV! I had researched SUVs for 2 years and decided on the 4Runner. Great ride. Build quality is execptional. This vehicle is solid yet very comfortable. The V6 has plenty of power and gas milage is not bad for a mid-sized SUV - about 18.5 around town so far.

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  One of the best cars Ive ever owned - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Driver in Texas - March 20 - 10:30 am

  I love my 06 Camry. I bought it new, and now have over 91,000 miles on it. Gas mileage is terrific (I have the 4 cyl), so not sure what some of the other reviewers are saying (its not a hybrid, folks). Commuting (stop-and-go highway driving) 450 miles/week (one tank) I get 28-29 mpg. On a Dallas-San Antonio trek last year on I-35 I averaged 35 mpg, cruising at 80 mph most of the way. Trips to Okla. to visit family net 34-36 mpg. As for maint: Ive religiously followed the mfr sched. Only real problem was replacing the intermediate shaft at 80k ($500+ at dealer). OEM tires were junk, but replacements from Costco have been great. I love my Camry and would buy another one in a heartbeat.

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  1st time toyota owner - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By swordmaster - March 20 - 8:50 am

  I traded in my Mercedes-Benz E320 on the Toyota Limited. The Limited has almost all the features that the Benz had. The seats are more comfortable, & the added air conditioner along with the heated seats are better than the Benz (which had only heat). Of course there is the price. ($30000+ cheaper than the Benz) It has more horsepower than the Benz, & the comfort & roominess of the rear seats far surpass the Benz. I opted to buy a Tom Tom portable nav system. All in all, I am very satisfied with the Limited. The fuel mileage meter is a waste. By the time it figures out your actual mileage, youre on empty.