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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  Love my Camry Hybrid - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Estela Prieto - November 28 - 9:13 pm

  I love everything about my Camry Hybrid, so far the only issue has been the "check engine" light, but that was also an issue on 2002 Camry XLE and the trunk is too small, maybe can be improved in the future.

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  Rookie Truck Owner - 2012 Toyota Tacoma
  By truckrookie - November 28 - 7:05 pm

  I bought (and reviewed on here) my 2009 Audi TT Convertible which has been and continues to be a blast. At 85K miles, I decided to let it be my weekend car and get a truck for the first time. I had always been in love with Tacomas. This October I got a 2012 Pre-Runner Xtra Cab and couldnt be happier. The interior has been upgraded and has a stylish, sporty feel. There is plenty of storage and plenty of room without feeling like you are driving in the middle of a cavern. The 4 CYL engine definitely provides enough power, and the Pre-Runner look gives the appearance of a 4x4 without the drawbacks on MPG.

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  A Great Family Vehicle - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Herbert - November 28 - 5:00 pm

  This is a great vehicle for family. Roomy, comfortable, smooth and quite ride, excellent details such as grocery hooks, handles and reading light for every seat except the middle 3rd row seat (understandably). Excellent stereo sound. Really fun to drive (its not a sport sedan of course). Excellent reliability (ok, I only have 4,000 km on this van, but from my previous ownerships of 12 years for a Previa and 9 years for a Camry.)

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  Second Childhood - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Scrambler - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive had many new cars since my first in 1961 but none have excited me as much as this 2005 MR2 Spider.What a joy to drive. With the responsive 4cyl engine and a 5 speed gear box,turns you would normally slow down for in another car, you find yourself downshifting and accelerating. The MR2 seems to be glued to the road.I am amazed also in the comfortable ride almost like flying with only an occasional bump in the clouds.The 32/26 mileage is also impressive.I love the interior design with the excellent fit of all panels and the comfortable leather seats.The exterior design is beautiful and makes people stop and look.This is my 10th new toyota there is none built better or more reliable.

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  Great design inside and out - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Josephus - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my new 2004 Solara one week ago, and so far I love it. The car has has excellent design inside an out. I just traded a Mercedes Benz ML430 SUV, and I can appreciate the improvement in gas mileage. This car is flawless. The engine is very responsive and powerful, and the transmission shifts gears smoothly and quietly. The interior is comfortable, and the SLE with navigation system has the same features I had in the Mercedes. Definitely a fun car to drive with plenty of good looks. The car could use better visibility through the rear window and power seats that allow easy entry for rear passengers.

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  Great looking truck. - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By dave bmg - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I have been a fan of Toyota reliability for many years. The 2005 Tundra double cab that I recently purchased is an awesome vehicle. Roomy cabin, great lines and with performance to boot. I would reccomended it over the Titan anyday.

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  My Halloweenie Double CAB, 4X4, V6 - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By valentine - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I love this truck its so fun to drive!!! Its a multi-purpose truck made for the young and young at heart.

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  TOYOTA FOUR RUNNER - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By alwjandro calderon - November 28 - 10:00 am

  ITS REALLY COOL BECAUSE IM ABLE TO TAKE IT EVERY WHERE IG WITH ME BECAUSE ITS A VERY RELIABLE CAR .

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  The best car for the mones - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By jasp4u2 - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I think at times I am driving a car that costs twice the price...it has the looks and feel of a European Sedan at half the cost

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  Smooth ride - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By bsedgal - November 27 - 10:29 am

  We got this van 4 years ago and it had 95K miles. It was the xle limited version with all the bells and whistles. Heated leather seats, rear ac controls, pull down built-in blinds, dvd player with separate head phones. Interior and exterior are great. We now have 180K miles and major mechanical has been very reliable on this van. No engine or transmission problems. I have been good at keeping up with the maintenance schedule- oil changes every 4k, timing belt & water pump done, tranny fluid change every year. Problems: expensive & multiple sliding door issues involving clostly motors and actuators going out. Radiator crack at 170K miles, rear coil spring break at 160k.