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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  2004 Camry LE Limited Edition - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By K. Devine - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I own a 2004 Camry LE Limited Edition The Lmtd Ed combines features of all 3 trim styles of Camry.You get great features like wood grain trim&6cd changer(in dash).The Lmtd Ed has unique alloy 7 spoke wheels which add to the over look and appeal of the car.I opted for ABS brakes.A must & worth every penny.If you havent driven a car with ABS,try it;they eliminate jerky stopping even at last minute;no out of control screeching brakes.You control steering even if you slam on brakes!The car handles very well&has great acceleration.This car is a great value.Youll feel like youre driving a Lexus for a fraction of the price.

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  Great All-Around Car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Scott - July 3 - 8:56 am

  Our Camry has been flawless in the two years weve owned it. We have consistently gotten over 33 mpg and it handled two New Hampshire winters without a hitch. Its fun to drive, has decent pickup, and is comfortable to ride in for long trips. My wife and I have driven a number of other midsized rental cars on vacations and not once have we found a better vehicle for our needs.

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  SWEET TRUCK - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By przemekmsu - July 3 - 4:43 am

  My first Toyota ever. So far so good. I love the muscular look of the exterior. The interior is very nice, it looks like you are driving a camry or something. I got the TRD off road package and I am taking in off road and it is so much FUN. The six speed manual transmission is cool to drive. Although the clutch is little loud when I am changing gears. Over all the truck has really good handling. The truck is definitely little more expensive than the competitors on the market, but you are getting a great truck that will last you for a very long time and toyotas reliability.

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  Best car in its class - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By atlantikia - July 3 - 1:50 am

  So far i have about 8k miles on my 5 speed Yaris, and I have to say I love it. Nice pick up off the line and a smooth ride. It wont perform like a camry, but its also half the price. Its the best car youll find at this price point.

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  Very Happy with RAV4 - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By johnh - July 2 - 7:06 am

  I needed more room than my 4 door sedan provided, but I didnt want a large gas sucking SUV. The RAV4 is perfect for my familys needs (we already have a minivan). The ride is very nice, reasonably quiet, and it holds the road well. The power of the 3.5 liter V6 is great, and Ive been averaging 23.5 mpg in mixed driving over the 3000 miles Ive driven the car. It seems to get between 25 and 28 mpg on the highway and between 17 and 19 around town. The third seat fits our 5 year old well, and since its a 50-50 split, the dog can sit next to him in the back while the 2-year-old twins are quite happy in the middle row. Highly recommend! Great car!

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  Still Luvin after All These Years! - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4Runner Luver - July 2 - 5:23 am

  This is my second 4Runner and I simply love this model. Reliable and Adaptable are two words that describe my overall relationship with my 4Runner... neither of my 4Runners have ever broken down on me, and theyll carry whatever the heck I can throw in the back or tie on the roof! I get about 23 mph when using my Cruise Control, so I use it as much as possible! I love the tight turning radius and sitting high enough to see whats ahead and around me, but low enough so it takes corners well. Ive got 146k mi. and it runs like it did when I first bought it at 9k mi. No wonder these used 4Runners are hard to come by! Theyre like Loyal Friends -- you never want to let them go! :-D

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  Finally got one with a cruise control - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By daf62757 - July 2 - 4:46 am

  My daughter bought a 2007 Yaris and I fell in love with her car. I would have bought one much earlier, but they didnt come with a cruise control. Finally, the liftback came with a cruise control and I bought one. The ride is great. I drive from Indy to Chicago every week and have gotten 34 MPG in mixed driving. This is a fun car to drive and has a really smooth ride. It isnt a Lexus so you have some tradeoff, but overall, great value for the money and since it is a Toyota, I know it will last a long, long time!

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  the xle - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By les - July 1 - 9:03 pm

  Excellent handling. Got 32 mpg ave on a trip out west including going up beartooth pass in yellowstone. Put on 2225 miles on this trip. My 4 cyl was very quiet and ran very well. Averaged about 70 mph on the interstates. So Im very happy with my xle camry.

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  All around fun car to drive - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Dougie - July 1 - 6:20 pm

  Ive never had so much fun driving a car in my life. Its a real kick employing special techniques -- like "pulse and glide" to maximize fuel economy. But even if you ignore special techniques, youll just love watching your mpg screen tell you exactly how well youre doing in terms of mpg for every 5 minute driving segment. I can often record 100 mpg segments when in ideal driving conditions -- i.e., infrequent stopping, mid-speed driving. And all the while youre having fun, you can feel good about reducing pollution by 90% as compared to the average new car. With a comfortable ride, more than adequate acceleration, and top safety features, this car is hard to beat. I love it!

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  Best of Jeep & Toyota in 1 package - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By mary trimble - July 1 - 12:20 pm

  I love Jeeps and Toyotas. The FJ Cruiser is the best of both. Sized like a Wrangler, but with class of a 4runner. I am in my 60s, and this is just plain fun to drive. Good 4 wheel capability, very comfortable in town and on the interstate. Been told I can use mid-grade, not premium, that should help. I love off-roading, camping and blackpowder, and I never plan to "grow up". This vehicle should help that!! The only negatives: wish the gas cover locked, console box should have a cover, and wish I could have gotten the package without the sub-woofer. Storage box would have been more useful to me. Anyone who has driven a CJ or Wrangler will not have visibility issues. Buy one!!!