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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  Its a real truck folks! - 2014 Toyota Tundra
  By tlmiller - June 9 - 10:57 pm

  Had a 2012 and loved it. Now I have a 2014 and I like it even better. I like my trucks to ride firm and have power to do it all. This delivers on both counts and is the best looking truck on the road. The interior is huge and functional with everything I need within reach. Itll pass anything but a gas pump, but thats what a real truck can do. I drove them all and the others drove heavy and soft to me. I dont need a car ride. If youre looking for a "TRUCK", this is the one for you.

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  Not too bad - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Fred - June 9 - 9:40 pm

  Looks good, nice interior. Jerks around too much when engine switches from gas to electric!

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  Dollar for Dollar, You Cant Go Wrong - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Scott W. - June 9 - 8:43 pm

  I purchased my 2007 Toyota Corolla from the dealer new in Jan of 07. Overall, I went with the Corolla based purely on the proven track record of its reliability. It hasnt let me down. Only maintenance I perform is changing the oil every 5k miles (Ive used synthetic since the first change at 2000 miles). The engine runs like new. Tires have been replaced (upgraded to 205/16 from 185/15) with some 90,000 mile Michelin Hydro-Edge so I think they will be the last set I buy before I trade it in. I will perform a full maintenance at 90,000 miles just to be safe.

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  Great Truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By edw - June 9 - 3:36 pm

  Rides like a sedan not a truck. Very quiet and nice options like moon roof, great stereo system.

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  Tuff T100 - 1998 Toyota T100
  By 1998 TOY T100 - June 9 - 2:16 pm

  Purchased this vehicle new. Replaced timing chain, water pump, at 100000 as a maintenance measure. This truck was built tough and dependable. If you are looking for a 98 and able to find one, buy it. You wont regret it.

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  Still Enjoying My HL After 2 Years! - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Mercy58 - June 9 - 7:00 am

  Bought my Highlander after test driving a Sienna; found the HL much easier to handle (I have a bad arm, so thats important to me). First Toyota, very pleased; just had 30,000 mile service done with no problems. It drives very well in the snow. Rides great after replacing original tires with good quality Michelins. I find it very easy to maneuver and visibility is good. Paint does scratch easily under door handles. Tranny hesitates a bit shifting down when turning into my steep uphill drive. 3rd row seat okay for children; too small for most adults. Overall Im very happy with my HL!

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  Love my Toyota! - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By maddogca - June 9 - 6:59 am

  I was a little skeptical about getting this car at first. Now, Im glad that I made the purchase. It has NEVER left me stranded and has ALWAYS sent me from Point A to Point B. So far, the only maintenance I have done to my car was oil changes, a new battery, and tires. I also love the moonroof and the leather seats. The JBL sound system is also a pretty nice system. The only thing that I can think that I dislike is the rear window shade. Other than that, thumbs up on this end. Toyotas might be expensive to purchase, but maintenance cost and insurance are SO LOW that it makes up for it.

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  Best Camry yet! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Gina - June 9 - 4:06 am

  This is my fifth Camry, and definitely the best yet. Very comfortable seating position for both me and my husband. Smooth shifting. Good acceleration for engine size, and good mileage, especially when highway cruising around 70 mph (33-34 mpg). Lots of nice standard features. Steering wheel controls for stereo mode, presets, volume, temperature, Bluetooth, computer info. Great dual zone climate control. Customizable features which dont require dealer help like some brands (auto lock modes, interior light modes, etc.). Reclining rear seat.

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  03 Sequoia Review - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Kingfish - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Great truck, owned grand cherokee, never will buy American SUV again

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  Whats not to love? - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By stp - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely a pleasure to drive, I am thrilled with my new Land Cruiser. I still own a 1992 Land Cruiser that just keeps on truckin and I am sure I will love this one just as long!