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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  A little spaceship - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By DBH - January 19 - 10:20 am

  I just bought my Prius last week and I love it. I was concerned about going from a BMW Z4 sports car but I quickly got over that. The Prius is a fun, solid, practical car. Im enjoying how absolutely different and modern it is. Its like driving a cool, little spaceship. I may have sacrificed a bit (OK, a lot) of power and performance but thats more than compensated by the mileage and clever design of the Prius. And Im surprised at how zippy it is. Of course tracking MPG real time is a disincentive from flooring it but when the power is needed its certainly there.

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  Good MPG, not much else. - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By chris - January 19 - 4:36 am

  Good all around car. It gets good mpg in the city. I like the low cost of ownership as well. It has a slightly asthmatic sound when driven at only 30%. I think the car should keep the low weight but get the 1.8 from the scion xd/corolla. This would give it a more acceptable rate of freeway merging. The interior finish seems kind of cheap although better than the Chevy Aveo. And the rear defrost must be switched off manually, sort of annoying.

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  Good all around value - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By tommyk - January 19 - 1:46 am

  I forget I am in a large vehicle most of the time. It has a silky smooth drive train with an amazing amount of power should you need it. I wish the ride was a bit smoother, but what can one expect from a vehicle with a tow rating of 10,000 lbs? I get good mileage on the highway, I get about 20 mpg if I keep it at or below 65 mph and around town about 15. I have only had one little problem with it and that was a bad O-ring on the dipstick tube that needed to be replaced. Other than that it has been a star.

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  Wow what a winner - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By DJE - January 19 - 1:16 am

  I always thought a convertible would not be practical in day to day living. Boy was I wrong... driving this car makes errands more fun and they seem to go quicker. I am looking for more reasons to drive every day. The back seat is extremely roomy and was easily able to accommodate even a six foot friend with ease. I thought I would tire of a convertible after a year and now I am thinking why didnt I do it sooner!

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  Good Horse - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Timothy - January 18 - 8:13 pm

  I am using for the past one year and definitely worthy in buying this still it costs more. Good for long drives and slow driving will save more gas. Seating comfort is excellent with lots of room for the legs. Altogether a good one and also good for carrying more goods in the back than the old models.

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  Wonderful Experience - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Debbie - January 18 - 12:50 pm

  This car rides like a dream. Handles and performs beautifully. The car came fully loaded and feels as good as it looks. Great job Toyota.

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  Not a Towncar but fun to drive! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Claire - January 18 - 11:13 am

  I drove a Towncar for over 10 years and then got this Camry. There are a few features I should have gotten; Adjustable gas and brake pedals, tape player, only has CD, Spoiler, and leather seats. Thought cloth was OK but miss my leather seats. But it is a zippy little car, turns on a dime, and very easy steering, very good gas mileage. Im small so fits me fine though a little harder for my husband to get in and out of due to two knee replacements. The trunk is good size with fold down rear seats. It has just been hard from me to go from the big Towncar to this smaller car. I dont LOVE it yet but may get to that point! It is white and tends to show dings more than I like.

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  Great Car - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By untgrad2000 - January 18 - 6:40 am

  I got my Camry from my mom. I am 25 and I do not have a family or need for a big sedan but this car is great. It is the best car I have ever had and it is used. I have 27000 plus thousand miles and no major problems. All my cars until now were new and still the quality is competition for the Camry. The V-6 has enough power for passing on the highway. The leather seats are alittle boring. I prefer the seats that are sport shaped, they make me feel more secure when turning.

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  Gotta Try it - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By greg cain - January 18 - 5:56 am

  Over the past 9 years I have purchased 4 Toyota products and this one is by far the best. My last purchase was a 2004 Highlander which my wife and I really enjoyed. You cant beat the overall performance of the engine and transmission. It actually feels like the vehicle is not running and at the same time just wants to take off. Outstanding performance. Ample room and at the same time, I cant see a whole lot of difference between this and the Highlander I owned. Our first choice was the Limited addition but chose the sport because of the darker seats and dash.

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  Great jalopy for people who drive a lot - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By John - January 18 - 5:20 am

  I got one of these as a rental for about a week. The meage was outstanding. Averaged 58mpg over the entire time. Granted I was careful with the acceleration and had watched some tutorial videos in the past on the pulse and glide driving method. I would purchase this car if I had a long commute, especially if on hilly roads, around town or in the country. I dont think the car is all that great on the highway. Its adequate and keeps up with traffic but the mileage is not so high at 75mph. The engine is underpowered but coming from a 23 year old Subaru thats not a biggie. It requires you to think ahead in some situations. The interior is comfortable. The ac works well and there is surprising amounts of room for the four people inside. Overall this is a good car for a single person, a couple or maybe a family with one kid. Two kids would be pushing it because of all the junk kids have these days. If and when gas prices rise again, you can expect resale value on these appliances to be high. I popped the hood on this car and was surprised at the size of the tiny engine. But you know what? I dont need no 5.3L hem I to get me and my lunch pail to work. If Toyota ever figured out to put a turbo on this small engine it would be even better! It would be cool if they sold a bare bones "level 0" model with roll up windows and no rear wiper, steelies with no covers and a fm/aux input radio only - but still with AC! Id buy that.