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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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By J. Muller - May 4 - 5:20 pm

  Fun to drive. Interior item locations not fully thought out. Some features are inconvenient to use.

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  Great car, great price, best fuel economy - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Joe - May 4 - 6:00 am

  I bought this car to commute in and it has been a dream. I moved from a Lexus to the Solara so that I could have a cheap commuter vehicle. No compomises in build quality and getting 10 more mpg. I also like the fact that my Sirius radio fits in the space inside the dash. Rear of the car looks like a SC 430. Sweeet.

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  Awesome truck, terrible mpg. - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By TundraHorn - May 4 - 12:36 am

  This truck is amazing, Ive heard people talk about the kick in the engine, but I only feel it when I put it into reverse.... it kicks HARD!! But Toyota sure has gotten tougher, it cost me, but its worth the reliability and customer service.

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  2005-2006 XRS is good to have one - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Andy - May 3 - 3:03 pm

  I had my 1986 Corolla GTS before and now I have chance to own a XRS. Though Corolla is an entry level of Toyota but still surprises me after many years! After 9 months driving, I am really satisfied with it. As a used car, the price go down a lot to a reasonable amount. However, the cornering still need to be improved by upgrading aftermarket parts. The original tuned suspension is unable to handle this car anymore which I feel too soft. 0-60 mph only 7.2 sec with top speed 130 mph (Lock by limiter) and 28 mpg with mixing freeway and local (I live in SF Bay area) If you plan to buy Scion tC, I would recommend you to have this one instead if you dont mind have a used car.

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  Was good for the first while..... - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By mountainhiker - May 3 - 10:07 am

  Such an easy vehicle to fall in love with at first, but the longer i own it the more problems its having. This car is a rattlebox..plain and simple, after 40k miles ive just learned to accept it...Toyota cant fix this, last time they removed the dashboard and windshield to replace the dash support, i think i just hear more rattles now. Its on its third battery, ive had more jumpstarts owning this for 2yrs than in my 22yrs of driving. Had a problem with the A/C pump this WINTER! It siezed up apperently for no reason. Now im starting to feel the transmission starting to do some strange things....Oh my

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  Still a great car after 11 years - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By jw3YJ6 - May 3 - 9:48 am

  We bought this new and its been a great car for us. Still running great after 11 years! Repairs and maintenance beyond the usual scheduled work include: 2 batteries, 3 sets of front brakes, 1 set of rear brakes, tires, exhaust, struts, water pump (replaced under warranty), glitch in the steering, leaking power steering fluid. The brakes have always been soft on this vehicle and with aging and pot-holed streets the suspension is looser than it used to be. Highway fuel economy is about 29 mpg in winter (with winter tires) and 34 mpg in summer (with all season tires).

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  2005 Tundra 4.7 Limited Stepside 2WD - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By resconroe - May 3 - 7:36 am

  Bought this truck used September 2008 with 28000 miles as lease return. Replaced Enkei 20" wheels and Goodyears with 17" factory alloys and new Dunlops to get a better balance. Powerful engine gets good gas mileage. Quiet, smooth ride. Excellent 10" ground clearance.

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  Nice ride - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By wally - May 3 - 5:06 am

  Exceptional vehicle, V8, good mileage and performance. comfortable, smooth, quiet.

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  Very nice truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Homer - May 3 - 4:46 am

  My first toyota, and probably not my last. Quiet and smooth on the highway, compared to my old Silverado LT Z71. Ample acceleration, fuel economy isnt as advertised, but whos is?

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  Favorite car yet - highly recommend it! - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By MarleneB - May 3 - 3:56 am

  Cant say enough good things about this car. If youre short, this car will fit you very well - no longer have to have steering wheel in my chest to reach pedals. My husband wanted me to buy one with extra (6 total) airbags but they werent available in L.A. area. Fleet Mgr. found one from Oxnard area. In that pkg I got nicer wheel covers, moon/sun roof, 5 CD changer and the extra airbags. I think my stereo rocks. Maybe I got a better one? Used the car to move things out of my moms estate. I have picked up materials for kitchen remodel. Have averaged 30 mpg in heavy traffic & city driving. Im sure Id get 40+ on long drives. When necessary I can punch it and get the power I need.