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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  Fundra! - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Randy - January 22 - 4:20 am

  I did a lot of research and read many reviews before buying. Many complained about mileage, I have been getting 17.5 mpg on average with "mostly" responsible city driving. For a large v8 truck I feel that is great. The fuel guage drops quickly from full but slows as the level gets lower, and like every other review, when the light comes on there is 4-6 gallons left. The truck is very quiet inside and comfortable with ample room and storage. A/C and radio controls seem far away, the grade radio is less than desireable. Tow mirrors are good but add minor wind noise. Overall I am extremely happy. Its not a super duty, but its an excellent truck and fun too.

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  Solid Performer - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Mooney Captain - January 22 - 3:03 am

  I had an FJ cruiser with an expired lease term so I traded it in for the 4Runner. It feels solid; the ride quality is definitely truck-like, which is exactly what I wanted. It feels solid all around. Great exterior styling. Inside styling, I was not too keen on but it is growing on me as I drive it more. Off road, this truck is amazing; it begs to be driven off the beaten path. I owned a 3rd. gen. 4Runner and then bailed out when the design became a little too elegant and suburban on the 4th generation. This one captures the truck heritage and the ruggedness of the 2nd and 3rd generation 4Runners. I am glad they stuck with the body-on- frame formula. Very happy so far.

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  Great Minivan - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By dinva - January 21 - 4:53 pm

  Just switched from a Dodge Grand Caravan and am very pleased with the performance and handeling of the Sienna. The interior is very comfortable and roomy.

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  Great SUV - keeping for 10 years - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Bob - January 21 - 12:53 pm

  This is a great SUV. Just test drive it and compare. It was this or the Pathfinder, and this was far more car for the $$. I plan on driving this for the next 10 years.

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  Green 99 SLE - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By 99SLE - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I spent the first two years explaining I wasnt driving a Lexus (SC) to friends who insisted it reminded them of one. This car excels at highway driving. I seem to take a lot of 3-5 hour interstate trips, and this is the best car Ive ever driven for them. Only regret: I drive it too much.

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  I love my car! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Carrie Ann - January 21 - 10:00 am

  The second I laid eyes on this car I knew it was going to be the one. It was one of only two cars I test drove; I needed to look no further. Manual transmission won out in the end. It offers a better feel of control as well as power. I get nothing but positive feedback and compliments on my car. Everyone I know really likes it. I love it!

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  New Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By gary s - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Have owned a 2004 Prius with package #9 for two full weeks. Average gas milage so far is 47mpg (consistent with Consumers Report findings). With the cruise control set at 72 mph the Prius NEVER stuggled to maintain that speed even going up steep highway grades. When passing a couple trucks it hit 85 mph with no sweat. Everything functions flawlessly as the hybrid system switches between gas and electric. Ergonoics are good. NAV system is ok, but on some streets it reads the address several house number ahead or behind.

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  My New Prius 2004 - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By PHILIP222 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Waited 3 months for the Prius to get to me and now I am having fun driving. Comfort level is great. This is my third hybrid. #1 Insight -small but fun. #2 Civic Hybrid larger but not as much fun. Now the Prius- mid sized, good gas mileage, comfortable. good pick-up from stop sign and this is a fun car to drive. I have the #9 pkg. Voice activation is a scream.Electric driving is quiet.

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  worth the wait - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By kevin l - January 21 - 10:00 am

  its about time. if all cars were like this the US would be a better and more loved place.

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  Reluctant sell BMW for a sequoia - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By dontay - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I must admit i hated parted with my BMW 5 series but after driving a sequoia i must say it was worth it. This car is great, I think this is the best suv for the money although it is a little pricey