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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  RAV 4 LOVE - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Ravela - June 10 - 2:30 am

  I love it and really enjoy the driving. Great turning radius. Toyota is meant for Quality.

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  Great car - Great GT-S - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By Pete Q - June 10 - 1:56 am

  I bought this car in August 2003 with 11k on it. Its almost two years later and it has 27k. No major problems, every once in a while when its real damp out Ill have a belt chirp until the vehicle warms up. Gas mileage is always in the low to mid 30s, does require premium gas. Car handles great, accelerates nicely especially over 5800 RPM when she really gets going. So far, havent received any tickets, thats because Ive been lucky. This car is recommended for anyone who would to really enjoy to drive.

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  Fantastic Truck - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By towens - June 10 - 12:26 am

  Traded in my 99 GMC half ton on the "Cash for Clunkers" for a double cab TRD Off-Road and never looked back. I have wanted this truck for a very long time and I am not disappointed. Front & rear seats are big enough for 4 full size men and is comfortable on long hauls. Compared to the old GMC, the engine ad breaks are fantastic (dont see what others are talking about??). My only complaint is no XM radio?? The locking rear differential is a must have with the 4x2. Towed my 5,000 boat with no problem (need trailer brakes). Would recommend to anyone looking for a mid- size truck.

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  Awesome new line! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Cassandra - June 9 - 10:40 pm

  I just picked up my Venza yesterday. It rides really smooth, I didnt get the moonroof with Nav option. But its fully loaded with everything else plus I received some free accessory items that I didnt expect. It has fast pickup, plenty of legroom, heated seats and a great dashboard that will tell you everything from gas mileage info to temperature info. Comes with the Satellite system free for 3 months. Buttons are right by your hands, so you dont have to stretch over anywhere. Futuristic design on the body, very different. Lots of cargo room and has bigger tires than your usual standard car. Lighted dashboard at night very well illuminated and bright.

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  Nice Truck so far... - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Chip Rowland - June 9 - 9:43 pm

  Owned Chevy Sub. for 12 yrs. Proved to be a good truck overall. Wanted diesel Ford. Didnt want to pay diesel Ford prices. Anyway, this Tundra is one nice truck. The power is unbelievable. Freeway MPG is 19.5. When engine is cold, it has a slight clatter sound, almost like a super quiet diesel. Sound goes away when warm. Ride is good on smooth roads, washboards a little (lot) on CA highway slab. 250lb+ Snug Top helped. Interior noise should not be used in the same sentence when referring to this truck. It is quiet. Interior design is clean and straightforward. Nobs are big and easy to use. Goes into 4H fine, but clunks when going to 2H under acceleration.

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  2009 Tacoma extended cab - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By A Lincoln - June 9 - 6:36 pm

  Great truck and fun, comfortable to drive. Ive only had it a short time, but know I will enjoy the vehicle. I know some reviews say the ride is stiff, but it rides more like a car than a truck. I got the SR5 package and have no complaints, wish my old 89 Toyota Truck had the ride this one has.

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  5th Toyota Owned - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By JLW1018 - June 9 - 2:03 pm

  This is the 5th Toyota my wife and I have owned. We were looking for an SUV after owning a Solara convertible and we could not be happier with the 4Runner. Its comfortable, a blast to drive and fairly easy to maneuver. The exterior is awesome and the interior is greatly laid out and easy to use controls. The MPG has been between 19-22.

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  My Corolla - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Doug - June 9 - 3:10 am

  We have driven this car for three years with zero problems. The gas mileage is great 30-35 mpg around town. Couldnt ask for a beter car in its class.

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  Super SUV - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By JUNIOR JOE - June 9 - 12:46 am

  I bought the Sequoia used with 22,000 miles. The SUV has been super in every aspect except the front brakes, rotors warped three times, the Toyota dealer replaced at no charge to me for both rotors and pads. It is very comfortable on long trips for front and rear passengers. The average mpg is 16 that I can live with. Hauling my travel trailer it gets 11 mpg, still ok in my book, since the trailer weighs 5,500 lbs fully loaded. I have had no problem with the engine and transmission, both run very smooth.

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  Pooner loves his corolla - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Pooner - June 8 - 9:13 pm

  Reliable, relatively attractive, awesome gas mileage for a peppy engine.