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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  Excellent value for the price - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Escon92029 - January 20 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent car for the price. I drive both freeway and city miles and find the fuel economy excellent--at least 25 miles per gallon.

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  05 Taco 4x4 - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Cboels84 - January 20 - 3:30 am

  I have been nothing but impressed by this truck so far. It is very well built and thought out, Toyota got all the details right. It has an ample amount of power, the 6-speed shifts smoothly, it sticks to the road like its on rails, Heat/AC works very well, the stereo sounds great, and the 4-wheel capability is unmatched. Im getting 17 mpg city and 20 mpg Hwy. After comparing it to the other trucks on the market, the Tacoma is easily the best buy.

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  I love my Ladybug - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Manuela Inman - January 20 - 2:26 am

  I went to Germany to visit some relatives and they had a Yaris. I fell in love with it over there. When it came out over here I just had to have one. I love that it is roomy, and easy to handle. You can get in just about any parking space. It is very fuel efficient and good looking. People even stop and look.

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  Tacoma continues to rule - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By heymark - January 19 - 10:33 pm

  I purchased the 09 Tacoma and Toyota continues to amaze me. From the expected superior fit and finish to the rock solid reliability mechanically. Well though out ergonomic placements of dash controls. This vehicle is my 4th Toyota overall and my second Tacoma. The first three have never given me any problems outside regular maintenance. There are only slight changes on the 09 from the 08 but the focus for this year is on safety with the STAR system. 4W ABS, electronic brakeforce system, stability control and traction control and of course the 6 air bags

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  Very good family car, smooth driving - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Toyota Driver - January 19 - 8:36 pm

  The van is very roomy, comfy, quiet, smooth. Got 25-26 MPG on highway. 23 MPG combined.

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  "Simon the Sienna" - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By Paul - January 19 - 3:13 pm

  My wife and I had a 2002 Chrysler Town and Country that we traded in for the Sienna. Oh what a power play move!! The Sienna rides way, way better than the Town and Country. Ours is silver shadow pearl. When we bought the Sienna home, our kids went crazy! They immediately fell in love with it. Even our dog fell in love with it. This will be our baby for a good long time. It is kid friendly, family friendly, and dog family. Its like a part of your family. No wonder why many people own these. A lot of our family members own these, and love them too! We absolutely love it. Simon is the minivans name, and he is truly loved by his family.

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  Great little car. - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Dennis Holt - January 19 - 2:03 pm

  This car feels solid and rides solid and comfortable. The fuel economy is excellent. I am a 6 ft. 2in. adult and I have taken this car on long trips without feeling the need to stop and rest often. I have a bad back and this car is comfortable to drive. It gives a nice quiet ride.

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  mpg not what it seems - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By DRJ - January 19 - 12:50 pm

  Its very deceptive advertising that the vehicle gets 60 mpg- in the NEast, consistently getting between 42-50 mpg: much poorer in the cold weather!

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  Luv It - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Mac - January 19 - 5:36 am

  Have owned all types of vehicles since 1950s. This is by far the best all around, useful and the most fun to drive of any I have owned. It will tow 5000 lbs, gets about 22 mpg, huge cargo area with the seats down, seats 5 and with the sunroof open and the windows open is almost as fun to drive as any vehicle I have owned... and I have owned about every make at one time or another.

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  2010 Toyota RAV4 Limited - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By paulm - January 19 - 3:30 am

  Bought this vehicle two months ago and could not be happier with it. Everything actually works, its fun to drive, gets decent gas mileage and it was delivered without a scratch or ding on it. Im hoping to keep it that way. And with the v6, no problems with passing on the highway. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a new ride.