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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  tundras a best buy - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By mike55 - August 7 - 5:46 pm

  Not one problem this is the best pickup I have ever owned and I have owned all the American made one this one is head and shoulders above them. Quality Quality Quality and reliability.

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  Got Lift? - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By JonIndianaPA - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Wow, I love my 2002 Celica GTS! The sound of the engine and exhaust is music to my ears. Talk about driver/road interfacing, this car is amazing. Even for the automatic (sport shifters on the wheel), the power is pretty good. But the handling and control is its gem. I hit lift all the time, when I really need it. Unlike some V6/8s which use gas all the time, you can get good mpg if you drive it lightly, but if you feel a little wild and open her up, your mpg will degrade. The car is very sytlish and is unique. The GTS trim is rare, and the leather seats give the car a more lux appearance. I love the wheels of the GTS too! This is a great car!

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  I love it! - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By Carol Farrar - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I used to own a Jimmy and a Jeep, test drove an Explorer and Rodeo, by far the Toyoda is the best driving SUV. If I ever buy another SUV it will a newer 4 Runner.

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  Love the camry - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By jmc - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I love driving this car. Perfect for small families. Drives well in rain, sleet, snow, and ice. Has a good deal of pickup for those "need to merge NOW" occassions. Very roomy and comfortable interior with plenty of seating for 5 adults.

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  Another Toyota Winner - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Harry - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I was a little apprehensive about the Highlander at first - but after 6 months of driving this vehicle is a real winner! I know its a SUV that that will never see more than a dirt road but it doesnt need too. The majority of the SUV buyers over pay for off-road capabilities that they never use. Stop pretending and save some money.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By dla77 - August 7 - 7:15 am

  I have a 2005 Solara with 105,000 miles on it and I absolutely love it! Ive had the car for 5 years now and its a true head turner, there is nothing on the road that looks like it. Ive also had no major problems with the car. Im 65" & about 290 lbs and there is plenty of head room and the most leg room of any car Ive ever driven. This is without a doubt the most comfortable car Ive ever driven; including BMW, Mercedes and Lexus. The car comfortably seats 4 and maybe 5 if the three in the back are smaller people. It is great on gas mileage and the upkeep is next to nothing. The only issues that Ive had are the alignment and balancing issues with the tires that others have stated

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  Best car ever - 2013 Toyota Corolla
  By cwgators - August 7 - 4:08 am

  Well I must say its my first new car purchase. I wanted a Honda but couldnt afford one that I like so I looked at this car and fell in love. The radio is awesome and I can ride comfortably. (Im 62") I love the interior and its so smooth. Very quiet ride and gets me so far on a tank. I average 30 mpg in city driving. I used to own a 1997 4runner that got only 19!!

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  Best Buick Ever - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By DrGloom - August 6 - 9:53 pm

  When my new 2000 Acura TL arrived, I couldnt get comfortable in the drivers seat (62", 220 lb) so I canceled the deal and bought the Avalon XLS instead. Back then, I thought it was ugly and definitely a compromise. Now, it looks "classic" and the lines seem much cleaner, and it has been 100% trouble free, but too much is sacrificed for ride comfort. I found *huge* improvements by upgrading the shocks (KYB), tires (Michelin Exalto 225/50x16), and brake pads (Red Stuff)... and the roomy front seat has spoiled me for some otherwise very good cars.

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  2015 Tundra TRD PRO Double Cab (Inferno Red) - 2015 Toyota Tundra
  By lotsofpaper - August 5 - 11:36 pm

  I purchased this truck in early November and traded in my 13 Camaro 1LE, although these 2 vehicles serve totally different purposes, the truck has not disappointed. First thing I noticed was how large it was, it is a massive truck, next is how much taller you ride above other trucks. After 2 weeks I took it on a 2000 mile road trip (round trip), which was a joy. The power is great, the TRD exhaust sounds very good and the build quality and shifts of the transmission all provide a very comfortable ride. Its a smart truck and will downshift for you while going down a mountain or hill. Cant complain at all about this truck.

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  Great Truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By WA_Joe - August 5 - 6:36 am

  Excellent truck so far but I have a few nits: In the interior the hard plastic dash could have been better. For example, a rubberized feel like on an Audi - especially on the Limited you would expect better materials. The shift knob is massive. And I wish you could disable the very annoying seatbelt alarm, and auto locking doors when you put the truck in drive. The shift gate makes it annoying putting the truck in reverse, and the sport shift mode is too slow changing gears after you have slapped it back or forward. The leather heated seats are a 10/10 though.