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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  This Car Makes My Wallet Happy! - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Ralph - June 20 - 5:26 am

  I just bought this car last week, and it gives 36-40 mpg on the highway! This sure beats my ford ranger I traded it for (thanks cash for clunkers!) This car is really smooth on the road, and comes with the CD/MP3 player, and even has an auxiliary jack for the ipod. I bought the 2010 base Corolla, and it still came with built in blue tooth. Cold AC, and double glove compartment. Not to mention the Room! The back seat folds down to allow more cargo space. Go for the LE model if u want cruise control. Just make sure to negotiate the sticker price, and if you want to, knock out the extended warranty they offer! Corollas are so reliable, it wont break down within that warranty period if you take care of it.

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  Awesome Spyder - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Spyder Ryder - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Fun Fun Fun Car to Drive. Looked at Honda S2000 (cant turn off airbag for 10 year old daughter), BMW Z-4 (15K more) and the Miata (not in the same class!)and found this to be the best bang for the buck!

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  Lifes Little Pleasures - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By 22Graham22 - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I just wanted to share my experiences with this car, its so comfortable to drive. My wife and I took a vacation last year along the California coastline, we took the scenic route with the top down, driving this vehicle for long periods of time was just a pure pleasure, no backaches or problems with driver fatigue. I have to say its just a wonderful fun car to own, Toyotas legendary reliability takes the worry away, the depreciation is pretty low too.

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  A big surprise - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Bonnano - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Simply impressive. Gas mileage is simply a bonus on the car. It is comfortable. The steering actually feels great. The only issue contributing negatively to the handling I am guessing is the width of the tires but considering how great it is with the stock tires it speaks volumes of the inherent excellence. Comfortable, quiet, very solid, and fun to drive.

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  Finally,a car with all the things I want - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By AZstan - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I do not care about "head snapping" acceleration, however, this car has enough. I have read complaints about real world fuel economy versus advertised...but fuel economy is very relative to the driver and driving conditions and does not disappoint me whatsoever. Hatchback design is exactly what we needed to haul around our dogs and stuff.

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  My First Toyota - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Kbuhmann - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I have not had this long but so far it is very smooth, quiet, powerful, and plenty of room. I find it so hard seeing ratings of the Tundra to other trucks since I test drove the competition.

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  Love my Tundra - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By animeTinkerbell - June 20 - 2:00 am

  This truck drives very nice, it is very comfortable, good on gas, and very fun to drive in! I would never buy any other kind of truck exspecially a ford.

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  King of the Road - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By PreAmocat - June 20 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun car to drive. This is my first pick up truck, and Im loving it. Its half SUV/pick up. Cant beat that.

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  Highlander Review - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By E Miller - June 20 - 2:00 am

  This Highlander has been all we had hoped it would be. We have an SR5 but it is more equiped than the typical Limited. It provides a refined ride with ample interior space, it feels solid and handles responsively. We dont mind making long trips in it, and performs well under harsh wintery conditions. Gas mileage has been very good for an SUV. We are very satisfied.

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  Absolutely love it - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4runner - June 20 - 2:00 am

  This is my first S.U.V. I have always had sport cars, and now w/ having a family i had to upgrade. After driving in this 4runner i dont know what i was doing driving cars. This has got to be the most appealing vehicle S.U.V. out there. Its appealing to the eye outside as well as inside. Not to mention..options..options..options. The limited comes w/ everything. Great power for a six, comfort, and everything else. Toyota did this vehicle right.