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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  "Why purchase a Lexus" - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Craig - June 4 - 10:30 am

  I just recently purchased a 2008 Avalon Limited and I just love it. The car rides very smooth. The interior is very sleek and modern looking with its brushed chrome compartments and stylish dashboard and gauges. The leather seats are also very plush and comfortable. Easily the Toyota Avalon has a huge advantage when comparing everything that comes standard that would have cost thousands more on a Lexus ES. I searched for over a year and there was no other vehicle I found that offered the interior room and standard features for such an affordable price. Thanks Toyota for building my dream car.

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  2004 Highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Billy - June 4 - 2:03 am

  Ive owned Porsches, Alfas, and about 35 American vehicles. The Highlander with stability control is the best overall vehicle I have owned and driven. A quality vehicle from the paint job to the excellent performing V-6 and automatic transmission.

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  Great Truck for the long haul - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By islanderfan - June 3 - 9:00 am

  Bought the truck and drove it gently for 700 miles, then took it cross country, from Kansas through the Pacific Northwest. Truck drove great, got 17.5 mpg avg. Truck was empty westbound and had a load (approx 1,000 lbs) eastbound. Drove the same empty and loaded. My wife and I both felt that it was a great ride, didnt get the economy of our Prius, but it handled the load that the Prius couldnt. We are both very happy with this truck.

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  The Perfect Convetible - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Flyboy - June 3 - 2:00 am

  As a retired commercial aircraft mechanic, I think I know quality when I see it. Having worked on Boeing aircraft and Rolls Royce engines for thirty five years, engineering and mechanical excellence has arrived on the automotive scene. For 30k, no other convertible comes close. This car is a dream to drive. Its handeling is remarkable for a convertible chassis and suspension system. It has plenty of torque and accelerates quietly and effortlessly. Top up or down, theres very little road noise, and the trunk holds four golf bags! Test drive one, youll love it.

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  Great Vehicle - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Brian - June 2 - 8:00 am

  I transport equine medical emergency cases pulling a large horse trailer and find the 4-Runner excellent in doing this job. With the 4x4 going out into the pastures is not a problem or worry (to date that is). The only thing I do not like is the location of the electric window switches - they should be located much higher to be easily accessible. Mileage is about 20hwy/17city. One other thing I dont like is the way the Toyota emblem looks. Overall this truck is great in the field and for evenings out on the town for dinner.

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  A set of tires makes a big differance! - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By James G. in Michigan - June 2 - 6:50 am

  I have owned this SUV for 7 months now. Its is winter in Michigan, and the Bridgestone tires that came with it are so-so in the snow. I purchased a set of Michelan All Terrain Tires. What a huge difference. It feels like I drive in 4x4 mode all the time. No matter how much snow we get, I just drive like there is none. I always use Michelin tires on my 4x4s. Plus no recall problems so far. My wife is the primary driver and I know she is safe driving this on the road.

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  I love this SUV - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By VANI - June 2 - 4:40 am

  This SUV is smooth riding, very convenient and it just looks superb on its class. I love driving this and I cant wait to see the next model of the highlander. I will still be buying this kind of SUV after 5 years. Although I have regrets in buying the 4 cylinder because I think if I got the 3.5L 6 cyl. I will be more satisfied.

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  I love my car!! - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By I LOVE MY CAR - June 2 - 12:56 am

  After driving a Chrysler 300 for 2 years and filling gas up everyday I decided that I wanted a smaller car. I finally found the 2009 Matrix! After my test drive I was in love! The matrix interior was super comfortable and everything seem to be perfectly designed for the driver. The look is great and drives super smooth! I could have not asked for a better car!

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  Great commuter on a budget - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Vivorodz - June 2 - 12:36 am

  I have never been displeased with the impact on the pocket book. This car has been driven as a commuter to college (20 miles one way) and as a teacher (25 mi one way) with LOW impact on the pocket book. When gas was in the $1 range I could fill up for around $15, now a days I spent closer to $25 but I am not complaining. I avg. around 30-35 miles per gallon in my automatic and make several trips to San Antonio a year for conventions. This car makes it from the Dallas Fort Worth area to San Antonio (around 300 miles) on 3/4 of a tank easily, fully loaded and with the air conditioner running.

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  My First Truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Hacksaw - June 1 - 9:53 pm

  I never wanted a pickup truck, but my wife always has these projects, and we needed a way to transport our supplies. We decided on the 4-door so we could use it like a car when traveling with friends. Im a dedicated Toyota owner, so the Tacoma was an easy choice. Off-road this little truck is a performer. The ride is a little stiff, but once you load up the bed it smoothes right out. I got the Rhino liner, now I just need a cover to improve the gas milage.