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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  Superb Economy Car - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By Stephen - January 22 - 10:16 am

  My 2008 Yaris recently totaled in accident. Did what it was supposed to, protect my wife and me while taking the damage. Four days later I had a 2010 identical Yaris with even better safety features. I cannot tell you how peppy, compact, fun to drive and SAFE this small car can be. Gas mileage is great, interior and exterior features and looks are sleek and very Euro style, and the cargo room is outstanding for what basically looks like a cute Tinkertoy. Small wife (411")loves the view driving it. Great choice for many reasons.

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  It has Detroit Engineers thinking!!! - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By hhseguras - January 22 - 6:03 am

  First truck I own, second Ive driven (F-150 @ work). Great improvement from the 2006 model: Looks stylish and bold, quiet and roomy interior and of course, Toyota quality built and dependability. I have the 4.7 V8 which can handle more than adequate the loads, nice power for merging quickly on highways (loaded) and excellent braking system. I guess Toyota is going to make a big hole on the sales for the big three. No doubt that the new drive trains performance comes as a result of Toyotas research and investment on its Formula 1 team. That is something that only Ford can possibly match; but by that time the Tundra will have a well earned name in the segment, difficult to beat.

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  Great vehicle - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By pier - January 22 - 3:53 am

  I love high quality cars. My Toyota Tundra is a high quality pickup truck. Im very impressed about the power of this engine, as well as my driving experience, it is so smooth and comfortable. I owned a Ford F-150 before this one, but the Toyota is very far ahead in technology. Im not tired anymore when I drive back from work. Driving with this truck is fun became my passion.

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  Excellent truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Joey - January 21 - 7:26 pm

  This is an awesome truck and very stylish. My truck the 4 door, "limited", leather, TRD, 4WD, and the color is metallic black, with black luggage rack and black nerf bars... all stock. I get so many compliments on this vehicle - even though the body style is smaller than the new Tacomas that are out at the dealerships today. To me, this is the perfect size truck for off-road and run around the town.

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  So far, so good! - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By TC - January 21 - 3:30 pm

  Traded in our 08 Highlander Limited, needed something over 6001 lbs for business tax advantage, very impressed with new model, drives very similar to the HL, but definitely a truck vs HLs car-like drive. We actually prefer to be up a little higher, but it does lumber around like a truck, no worries for us tho. Just as roomy, third row seems smallish, but ends up almost exactly same size and functionality as the HLs. 2nd row has plenty of room, fit and finish are excellent - thx Toyota! Gas mileage as expected - this is not a Corolla folks, dont get a heavy V6 truck and think you can coax 30 mpg out of it, considering what the 4Runner can do, 19-23 mpg is fantastic! no complaints

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  2006 Toyota Avalon Touring - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By PATRICIA FLOWERS - January 21 - 9:46 am

  I purchase my 2006 Toyota Avalon in 2005, it was ok for about 2 years. When driving sometime my steering wheel would adjust it self to its lowest level with out me doing anything for it to happen which is not safe, I took it back to the dealer and they said they didnt see anything wrong with it and as of today it still dose it,it seems to be something with the steering level on the steering wheel. About a year ago I also had and oil leak up under my car and this year my alternator went out on me in the middle of the Dan Ryan Express Way, a scary situation and I had my ten year old grand daughter in the car with me.

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  Well Worth It! - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By JRNJ - January 21 - 9:26 am

  I just added two more kids (total of 3) and needed to upgrade from my Pilot. I looked at all minivans and Ford Expedition..I looked at the Sequoia (after spending two months trying to find one that suited my needs) and was sold immediately. It has the best combination of space, comfort, performance and reliability that would suit most larger families. Excellent build quality is evident. Suspension is firm as suspected but not uncomfortable by any means. Plenty of room for 8 adults(I mean it!) with cargo room to spare. I especially like the options you get with the SR5 standard..such as power moonroof, rear seat digital climate control, XM etc. I would recommend it to all.

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  Very Happy - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Eric - January 21 - 9:03 am

  I just picked up my 2008 HL Ltd. on August 2nd, the Canada wide launch date. I ordered it in black with black interior in May when local dealership placed their first orders without knowing final price. Seriously considered 2007 MDX and Lexus RX 350. Decided to wait for HL and very pleased. Just returned from vacation trip to Lake of the Woods Ontario and it handled beautifully over hills and highway. Looks much better in person than in pictures. Ride quality, performance and JBL premium stereo are top notch along with fit and finish. Great room legroom and headroom. Upgraded from 2000 GM Montana van, will never consider GM product (Acadia, Enclave) after major problems with Montana.

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  Small Car, Big Performance - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Handymanron - January 21 - 2:53 am

  This small gas-sipping car is really a sleeper. It doesnt look fast, but considering it has only a 4 cyl. engine, it is QUICK. My wife and I both have marveled at how quickly youre doing more than the speed limit. Good thing we got cruise control!! Lots of legroom, more than a Corolla or an Accord. Headroom is a bit tight if youre over 6 tall. Just a fun, zippy little car with great gas mileage. Youll feel like youre driving a sports car.

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  What a car!!! - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By badcompany2 - January 21 - 2:41 am

  We bought this car around 2008, for $5200. It had about 220,000km on it at the time. We used it at least 3 times a week, with each trip being over 200km total, we also used it for everyday driving and any trip me made. It now has 435,000km, it has has needed rear suspension work and the A/C does not work but thats are fault, we hardly used it. It now needs a new exhaust and fuel tank. We also did not maintain this car very well. Another thing is this car has very little rust, and I live in Ontario. The car is fairly comfortable and parts are available, not as available as a Chevy Truck, but what do you expect. The mileage is good at 25mph to 35mph depending what your doing. Overall great.