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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  It rocks, the bumpers are lame! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By FJ Brent - February 11 - 9:26 pm

  My standards are very high as my other vehicles are all German (Porsche & Audi) but this truck is great! On and off road manners are really great. It handles and performs very well for an SUV. Off road it is superior to most stock off road vehicles that ive seen at the Jeep Jamborees and the like. The engine, suspension, and chassis are really great. This is a fun SUV to drive and I would never say that about SUVs in the past as they are all too sluggish. The FJ proves me wrong with its strong performance, excellent ride, and great off road capability and toughness. My hat goes off to them for really getting the value built into this truck. Overall, it is an awesome package for the $.

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  Love it! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Mike - February 11 - 8:03 pm

  I bought this car for a 100 mile per day commute on two lane roads and it is perfect. You can pass virtually anything, anytime. Very comfortable, great styling. Camrys are no longer an appliance!

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  Janes sand colored car. - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By Jane Doe - February 11 - 3:00 pm

  Great car, comfortable to drive.

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  Id buy it again! - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jase - February 11 - 10:30 am

  I am surprised at the standard features and the attention to details like the rear sliding glass, 17" wheels, cup holders everywhere, the auto-lock feature on the hatch (no need to slam closed), the auto ignition (a quick turn of the key starts the car), fog lights, the hidden glove box inside the glove box, electronics on the dash, stereo controls on the steering wheel, sensors on the wheels (indicates any changes with tire inflation), very, very low wind noise, roof rack and running boards, smooth, appropriately powered, gas shocks to open both the hood and the hatch (effortless to open). Additionally, all the fluids, oil and air filters are really easy to get to under the hood.

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  2006 Toyota Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By NOTSORICH - February 11 - 5:40 am

  I love my Prius. I have had it going on a year, and thoroughly enjoy the comfort, and mileage. I am 63" and enjoy the inside room, as does my tall wife. I get 43 to 44 miles to a gallon, which is lower than EPA estimates, but so is ALL others - people would go crazy if they knew the actual mileage of their big hogs and "SUV buses"! I have done nothing to the car except change the oil and rotate the tires. With the smart key, I never take the key out of my pocket, all doors and the hatch can unlock and lock automatically. Displays are perfect, sound system is excellent, back seat is roomy, plenty of room for luggage for two. P.S. I do not own Toyota stock, but wish I did!

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  Love my tundra more every time I drive. - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By scott - February 11 - 3:56 am

  While it may be a little shy on total horsepower, compared to others, it has plenty for me and the boat I tow. The ride is unbelievable, and I would rather drive it than the car. I cant say enough good things about this truck. It is the best half ton truck out on the market right now. My work allows me to drive new trucks, like Chevy and Ford, but the Tundra is by far a better truck.

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  Why I enjoy my Solara Convertible. - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By fostercrew - February 10 - 5:26 pm

  Very enjoyable car for the price.Weve had four seasons of fun.Seating for four adults in comfort.The Solara also has a very sure footed ride. Some convertible blind spots to be expected.But pound for pound Toyota got it right once again.This is my sixth Toyota product and yes I would buy this car again.

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  Big Red - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By John Larson - February 10 - 3:30 pm

  This is my second Toyota pickup. Toyotas are so dependable. They run and run with very few breakdowns. The 4.0 liter V-6 is very powerful with excellent gas mileage. I have 2000 miles on my truck and have not found any problems with the truck.

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  Toyota Got It Right with the RAV-4! - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Roy from Alaska - February 10 - 12:06 pm

  I purchased my RAV-4 new in Anchorage. It is the basic model, 4WD, V6, with 3,500 lbs towing package and 17" wheels. I owned a 1988 Jeep Cherokee for 21 years and thought that nothing could be better in the ice and snow. Wrong! This baby is like a cat on a curtain in the snow. Awesome! And the heater will run you out of the rig at -20 degrees. Just drove it 2,500 miles down the Alcan and Cassiar Hwys from Alaska through the Yukon Territory and BC to Eastern Washington. Got 22 mpg pulling a 5X8 U-Haul! One pass was 4,000 and it never complained. Now I am in the desert and today it was 104 degrees and the AC keeps it comfortable. I get 30 mpg on trips. Love it! Best rig ever.

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  Everyone needs one - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By gas sipper - February 10 - 12:33 am

  Owned 2 months, getting constant 33-36 mpg in mixed driving, just took 1500 mile road trip and am amazed at the 41.5 overall return at 75-80 mph, glad I waited for 09, 08 seemed too uncomfortable without telescopic wheel, nice ride plenty of pep, suits every need I have.