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 IT - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By hammdown - November 7 - 3:03 am

  I Am a home nurse in a very rural county and just love the mpg that I get. My husband and I try to see who can get the best mpg but I dont let him drive it very often though. I just love this car. We have owned Toyotas for years and this one is no disappointment at all.

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  Like driving the Batmobile! - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Dr. M - November 6 - 4:23 pm

  The wonderful way I get to drive past the gas station way more often than I could in my 2005 Mustang GT is an enormous plus with this beautiful car, but the total package is a bigger plus. The interior is outstanding. The fit and finish is near-Lexus quality, and the ride is firm when it should be and soft when it should be. This is the car I have been waiting for! Handsome and frugal. I love this car!

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  Fun with clothes on! - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By kaustein - November 6 - 4:10 pm

  Bought this as a birthday gift from me, to me. Words cant describe the amount of enjoyment driving such a unique car. Handles very well and quick. A real head turner as there are not many of them. 34+ mpg! Again a very fun, affordable, cool car! Mid-engine is very rare on an affordable sports car.

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  GREAT CAR.... - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Carol - November 6 - 6:56 am

  this was my first brand new car since I started driving. Its great to drive and very dependable. The interior is very nice and simple. I bought the extra value package because it looks nice with a spoiler. No problems with it so far and being as though its a Toyota. im not expecting any problems any time soon.

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  One Awesome Truck ! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Sherman - November 5 - 3:56 pm

  In my opinion, this is the best truck on the market. I have grown up with Ford trucks my whole life but because of recent problems, not anymore. About 2 months ago I wanted to take an 07 Tundra for a test drive and was sold. I love this truck! I say that everyday. I have a family of 5 and there is plenty of comfortable room for all of us. Also for such a big truck, with a lot of power the mpg was not bad at all (compared to other same size trucks). I intend on driving this truck for a long time and if it is anything like my parents Toyota trucks, I will be. Also, this truck has more than enough towing power for my boat to and from the launch and also for the quads to the woods.

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  Great car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Joe D - November 5 - 11:46 am

  Very quiet and smooth ride. Have received quite a few comments on the style and color (blue ribbon metalic). Fuel economy better than rated.

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  The best hybrid out there? - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By AlbertaTCH - November 5 - 10:16 am

  Amazing fuel economy & about 1/2 the greenhouse gases emitted! Over the last 6 tanks we have averaged between 42-50 mpg (4.9-5.7L/100km). The TCH is extremely quiet, comfortable, and luxurious. At this time, I would highly recommend the TCH to anyone who would like a safe, secure, and, ultimately, fuel efficient ride. The Toyota reliability alone, should sway most who are sitting on the fence with this exceptional hybrid vehicle. You wont be disappointed!

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  NOTHING BUT NET!!!! - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By dwight bodden - November 5 - 3:26 am

  Never thought I would ever own, much less drive a mini-van!! This Toyota Sienna has been nothing but pleasing. Whoever those kids were that beta-tested it, give them anything they want!!!

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  Extremely Happy after 10+ Years - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By sf_sienna - November 5 - 2:20 am

  We bought this 2004 model in the summer of 2003 and now have 123K miles on it. Nearly flawless reliability with very minimal maintenance and repairs. The only issue weve run into has been the fairly common power door cable break. We had a lot of warning (noises, clunky operation) and had it inspected and were told it would cost $1600 to fix. We let it go and now the door is manual operation only. No big deal, we got over 10 years of use out of it while the kids were young. Other than this weve changed the timing belt, spark plugs, and front brake pads (@50K and @100K) plus the usual maintenance items such as oil, filters and tires. Each set of tires has gone between 32K and 38K miles.

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  My 98 4Runner - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By Les - November 4 - 8:20 pm

  Ive been a Toyota owner since 1981. They build great cars/SUV and the 4runner is no exception. Quality and reliability are the best in the market.