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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  Car of a Lifetime - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Howard - December 29 - 6:56 am

  Power and more! Lots of snap when needed in traffic. Very little road noise and no rattles. Spacious interior with passengers in mind. Best car I have owned in my fifty years of driving.

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  I love my 2008 Toyota Highlander! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Diane - December 29 - 5:03 am

  I never thought Id own a vehicle this big as Ive always had smaller cars. However, we needed something that could tow. I knew I wanted a Toyota but didnt like the 4Runner look. Was going to get the RAV4 until I saw the re-designed Highlander. I had to have one - love the look! Not crazy about the black 2-tone interior, but that is a minor thing. Also, wish the Bluetooth capability was standard. Not worth the additional $ in the higher end package. This thing drives excellent! Love the quiet drive especially on the highway. I recommend the 08 Highlander to everyone!!

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  Great will keep it 4 ever - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By Shocker88 - December 28 - 9:06 pm

  I purchased my 2001 4Runner sport pkg new and love it. I have put 72000+ miles on it todate. My wife now drives it daily to college. She loves it. Has enough power for her. I love it as well. 4wd system from older Limited versions is great auto 4wd handy for the wife. No problems really to report after 6 yrs of ownership. Did great in snow and ice storms of VA & NC. MPG is okay for SUV, wife gets better then me. Love all the options, would have liked more information gauges like my old 89 Toyota SR5 truck (volt meter, oil pressure).

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  Great SUV for the money - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Toyota Guy - December 28 - 11:56 am

  We test drove the Highlander over New Years and put over 1200 miles on it. When we came back we decided on a 4Runner instead. It had a more rugged design and feel inside, like an SUV should, but the handling felt almost the same as the highlander (built on a Camry frame). So far, with almost 2500 miles on it, gas mileage has not been that different either (avg. 19 city 25 hwy). This is a great SUV with great standard comfort features. I would suggest looking at a different vehicle if you want a 3rd row seat though. The seats fold up along the side instead of fold flat into the floor. They can get in they way often when trying to load cargo.

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  2006 Tacoma 4cyl. Auto Access Cab SR5 - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ed - December 28 - 7:50 am

  The four cyl. automatic has a tougher go of it in the Texas hills. Here on the coast its a good deal. It will consistently do 28 mpg on the highway at 63mph speed. Do not go to the larger wheels/tires or you will lose 2 mpg fuel economy. The optional shift or automatic (2nd, 3rd or drive only) is fun to use. I would recommend the 5 spd. manual if you want to tow with the four cyl. This long bed with the access cab can haul a lot. The short second seat is perfect for your gear, tools, groceries, or a small animal carrier. As usual for Toyota, this truck is absolutely dependable (80,500 miles in less than 3 years, w/no issues).

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  Great Convertible - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Solara Driver - December 27 - 4:50 pm

  I hunted high and low for a red one. I finally found it and I love it. This car gets lots of looks. It is comfortable, peppy and looks great. Plus it has real, usable back seat for my kids or adults. It has a back as big my Accord or even bigger.

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  Good ol car - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Toyota Guy - December 27 - 9:06 am

  Very comfortable, quiet and efficient. Bought this car new, now has 146000 miles. Have had the oil change intervals about every 5000 miles, had the dealer check inside the engine, its like new inside.

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  Toyota Reliability Rides Again! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Tiger Tom - December 27 - 12:20 am

  Have enjoyed driving from the time we drove off the lot. Highway performance is especially good, having driven it in clean, clear conditions and during snow whiteout situation.

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  Excellent investment - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By janine - December 26 - 11:46 pm

  I love this car. It has never disappointed me in any way. If you know how to drive it, you can get 50-60 mpg. Dont let people fool you. Drive one and see. You wont be sorry. Handles good in snow and ice too. Best car I have ever owned and I have had lots of cars. I am 58 years young.

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  Fabulous Car - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Glenn Norris - December 26 - 11:03 pm

  Ive had a blast driving this car! It drives and handles like a bullet. I once had a 1965 GTO and this car is faster! Its best to have a daily driver in addition to this one because it doesnt have much storage space, but hay, who cares? I normally keep it in the garage and only drive it in warm weather with no rain. If you want to get a lot of attention, this is the one! The front end looks like a Porsche, but you have the quality of a Toyota. I told my son, hell be inheriting this car. The car is extremely tight with no squeaks or rattles of any kind.