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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  I love my Solara - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Marty - August 21 - 8:46 pm

  I love this car. It is the best car I have ever had. I have a Mercedes S500 that sits in the garage while I prefer to drive my Solara.

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  One Great Automobile - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By rayalon - August 21 - 4:46 pm

  Rides like a dream, quiet, comfort with a safe, sound ensuring drive of quality.

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  Small but rugged - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By pgwhite - August 21 - 10:00 am

  85k miles and no mechanical problems so far. Had one instance where engine would not turn over. Towed it to the dealer (100k warranty) and it started up for them. Never a problem since. Cant believe the power of this 2 litre engine, even with the auto transmission!! Traction is excellent, 8 inches of snow was no problem during a bad storm. My wife wants a van now that we are a foursome. She thinks Im going to sell my full size truck...HA...the sad truth is, I hate to part with the RAV4. I just might give up the GMC, especially with todays gas prices.

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  Great Car! - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By Mari - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! It has been my dream car since like years ago! I got it for my birthday and it has worked perfect!

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  Love this Car - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By JANICEDAWG - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Just bought used Highlander last month. Got all bell and whistles for same price as 2003 base model, with only 8800 miles on it- Aloways wanted one since I departed from my 4-runner 2 years ago. Went to a sedan (hated it).

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  Quite an automobile - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Bri Guy - August 21 - 10:00 am

  This is quite an automobile. I was hesitant to trade in my top-of-the- line SUV for a minivan, but with more cargo space than an SUV and all the amenities you would find in a luxury vehicle, its hard to go wrong with this one. It drives like a car and is virtually silent (as Id expect from a Toyota). All in all, I havent found a thing Id change yet, except for the sticker and inability to negotiate due to short supply--we had to wait almost 6 weeks to find one locally with all the options we wanted.

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  Head of the Class - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By leapyeardad - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Ordered this from the factory and have done two 600 mi Round trip vacations in it already and not a complaint yet. Great around town, after adjusting to the size. It is our first minivan and were very happy we waited for this one. Gas mileage is great and we have to remmeber to fill the tank cause it lasts so long. Even though the size is similar to the Honda, it is comfortable to ride in, versus the airplane cabin feel you get from the Honda.

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  Love my Sienna! - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Scott Meltzer - August 21 - 4:20 am

  Unbelievable car- w/ nav. system it ets you anywhere, and the AWD is a bonus, Had an Oddesey last three years, but this is FAR superior.

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  4 months and still a blast - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By cjm - August 20 - 2:56 pm

  After 4 months and 7,000 miles I am extremely happy with this vehicle. It has excellent power and is very quick off the line. Entering the freeway from the on ramp is a blast, this vehicle flat out moves for an SUV of this type. Overall mpg (city and highway combined) has been 20.5 with premium gas. I find the steering very nimble, the FJ is fun and handles well in traffic. It is also very capable off road right out of the factory. The excellent approach and departure angles helped me leave my buddies behind. Their lifted Chevy Avalanche just couldnt get in to the places I took mine. This vehicle still turns heads and gets compliments where ever I go. You cant go wrong with the FJ!

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  The real smart car - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Havana - August 20 - 10:26 am

  This is a smart car to own. Relatively inexpensive to buy (unlike Prius), cheap to operate & maintain, and high resale value. Whenever I see the car from the outside, I think its so small but inside, theres so much room for both front seat passengers. My wife didnt even want to look at one. After a test drive, she liked it more than the Fit or Versa. After 4 weeks and 1500 miles, Im averaging 37 mpg, that includes some 80+mph freeway driving and steep mountain driving. The power is very adequate. The quality and resale are better than a Versa. The price was significantly lower than a Fit. The Korean makes are in this price range but arent even in this league when it comes to resale.