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 SUV - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Archie - September 18 - 10:00 am

  If you have a little bit more to spare, why not go for the best one...The Sequioa is definitely better than the Suburban, Expedition, Escalade..you name it. I had mine for 18 months now and still feels like its brand new.

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  Rock Solid for 6 yrs - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By m14708 - September 18 - 9:40 am

  Bought brand new and havent regretted it. 105000 miles and just tires & brakes. Car still looks great and build quality is excellent. Would love to but a new car but dont want a note and really no reason to get rid of it. Still has lots of life left.

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  Reliable, smart, Corolla - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Coryt - September 18 - 6:12 am

  This car gave me peace of mind. I knew I would make any destination. Fuel bills were low and repair costs too

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  BEST VALUE FOR THE MONEY - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By D. J. - September 17 - 9:30 pm

  Four prior Camrys preceeded this Avalon. Toyotas reputation for reliability is well founded. The car is smooth, extremely comfortable, reasonably quick and a pleasure to drive. Ive owned two Lexus GS 300s and this car compares very favorably. I looked at the Lexus ES but its smaller, has less power and room and lacks many of the features the Avalon Limited has available.

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  high on my highlander - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Susannah - September 17 - 4:10 pm

  I really love this car. I got the Limited, with the 3rd row optional seating. Its a peach going up I5 on the Grapevine in LA. It handles great, has great rear and side visibility, unlike some other SUVs. I wish the gas mileage was better though...

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  Not as impressed as I thought Id be - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By theyota - September 17 - 4:00 pm

  I love Toyotas. My experience with this one has been not as satisfactory as past. 7000 kms - all 4 hubs fell off. 14000 kms transmission needed replacing. 90 000 A/C compressor done and needs replacing- not under warranty and rare for this to go so early-very expensive part. Want to sell but dont want others to take on these issues if still to come. Toyota customer service was less than satisfactory on helping me with these issues. So surprised due to previous experience with Toyota. :(

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  2008 Land Cruiser - 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By 2008 Land Cruiser - September 17 - 7:43 am

  I was overwhelmed with smoothness and quietness of the vehicle. My family was overjoyed with it. My previous vehicle was 2004 Totoyo Sequoia which was also great, but the Land Cruiser is the better one.

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  Another Happy 4Runner Owner - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By dwtaylor - September 17 - 5:03 am

  I was initally apprehensive about making the move from sport sedan to SUV, but the 4Runner has far exceeded my expectations where ride quality, handling, comfort and quietness are concerned. Its even more remarkable when you consider how rugged, versitile, capable and reliable this vehicle is. I was amazed at how easily it handled the worst snow day of last season. Highly recommended.

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  Bugger! - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Remus - September 16 - 9:53 am

  Got it since my MazdaSpeed3 was killing me on gas. In two months since I had it paid 815$ in gas for 7k I drove on it. The Yaris is great. Is fully loaded and also opted for the arm rest, mud guards and read bumper protector. I just love it so far.

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  Great family sedan - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Jose Barros - September 16 - 9:23 am

  We just had a baby and got this car because of its reliability and fuel efficiency, but we love its looks and comfort. The trunk is huge, and fits quite well all baby stuff, including our large stroller. Weve had long road trips with four people in our car, and it was surprisingly comfortable. Overall, were quite pleased with it.