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 Toy yoyo - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Buckeyefan- OHIO - December 20 - 10:46 pm

  When I say I test drove everything, I mean EVERYTHING. I have had my RAV4 for 3 years now and plan to drive it until the wheels fall off!. Great performance, the V6 does not mess around when you are trying to enter the freeway. I commute 60 miles a day. Did great in the Ohio Snow this year. The tire "sensor" went out a month ago. Havent had that replaced yet. I always get compliments about how shiny and clean it looks. I swaer its the paint. Always looks great. You would not believe what I have hauled in this RAV4. A 60" kitchen base cabinet and 6 foot counter top, twin mattress and box springs- its great.

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  fun little car great value for the money - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By marie - December 20 - 9:23 pm

  i love my little white car it is fun to drive and has all the bells and whistles that you need. if your a large person or tall this is probally not the car for you. this is a great 1st car for a teenager. very easy to drive and the stero system is not too bad either.

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  Loving my 09 Rav4 - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Trina - December 20 - 10:06 am

  I am really enjoying my RAV4. I was torn between buying the 08 4cyl and waiting to buy the revamped 09 4cyl. I am very happy with my choice. I have no problem pulling on to the highway and passing is a breeze. The acceleration is smooth. I was also very pleased with how well it handled snowy NH roads.

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  Awesome - 2000 Toyota Corolla
  By eddie - December 20 - 1:23 am

  Had it 3 years with no problems. Just a great reliable car. It shakes a little on the highway, but no maintenance on this baby.

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  My Avalon - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Girvinia - December 19 - 11:00 pm

  Have driven Lincoln for 15 years so this was a change for us. Fun and easy to drive. I am 5; husband is 63 and accommodates either of us, lots of room in front and in back seat. Great music sounds system, including the controls on the steering wheel. Love the soft dove gray interior as compared to many cars with black interior. Easy, effortless power, just quietly and quickly surges ahead, lots of power! I think we made a great choice and I look forward to many luxury miles ahead.

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  I love my 4runner! - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jess - December 19 - 2:13 pm

  I love my 4runner. Its fun to drive, is very reliable, has had minimal problems and overall has been the best car purchase Ive ever made. Mine has almost 165K miles and still runs wonderfully. A great buy, Id reccomend a 4runner to anyone!

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  Great Truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By dsrtrcr01 - December 19 - 4:26 am

  This truck is great And the best is its a toyota so it will run forever. It drives like a truck should not all mushy like a little car(the TRD suspension that is) I must admit the non TRD truck is pretty mushy.

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  What a Fun Drive! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By suz - December 18 - 3:43 pm

  Just bought my new 06 Solara a week ago. It is totally fun to drive! Took it up to Whistler, BC...great trip! Took about 4 hours and the Solara was comfortable the entire trip up and back. I have owned two Camrys, and a Celica and I love this new Solara.

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  The Good, the Bad and the Ugly - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Robert W. Haisten - December 18 - 3:36 pm

  0-60 in 6 seconds. 28 MPG in town and 31+ on the road. However, mine came with an AM radio that goes to static every time I change directions. When it does work the sound is so muffeled you can barely hear it. Dealer replaced some radio parts -- same problem. I have to admit that the FM and CD features are fantastic. The car leaked transmission fluid all over my garage the day I carried it home. The dealer claimed to fix the problem the first try, it leaked all over the garage again. Finally, it was repaired on the second try (so far, anyway). When you drive 65 MPH, it feels like 45 or less, so be careful. Why isnt there a coin holder?

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  Wonderful car to own!!!! - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By recipepal - December 18 - 10:00 am

  I really love my Toyota Echo I purchased brand new April,2000. Its a beautiful red color that still loos brand new. Im a travel Nurse and bought it in my home town in For Lauderdale, Fl. and had it trucked out to Thousand Oaks,Ca for an assignment. It ha saved me quite a bit of money when the gas prices soared over #2.50/gallon.! Very dependable.Never worried about being stranded especially in a City 3000 miles away from my family.