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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  Perfect car for everyone - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By Keanerouillard@gmail.com - March 29 - 9:00 am

  My mpg for everyday and every tank was 41mpg. This is combined over many miles. Short city runs get more. I got 50 mpg going to Indiana. On trip in city I got 61 mpg. I bought new and traded it with 73000 miles on it. I replaced tires at 62000 miles. I also need to replace the headlight bulbs once. I think it was year 2 I put bulbs in. Great car. Comfortable quiet and it is peppy. If you are on the fence on buying one. Get off the fence and get it. I bought 11-2012 just traded in on 4-2016

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  prius - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By thom - March 29 - 8:26 am

  I have had my Prius II for about two weeks now, came out of a 2005 Lexus ES330. Absolutely love the Prius! Solid build, easy and functional. I have just the Prius II (basic model) but it comes with enough "special" features, only leasing it so didnt want to go crazy with options. Drives very good, not a sports car by any means, but for the average person it drives great. Average MPG on first tank was 44.8 mpg according to trip computer, current one is up to 49.5, so the gas numbers on the window sticker are accurate!

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  260000 and a blown head gasket - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By redneckjdr - March 29 - 5:10 am

  I have a 94 Toyota Camry that I am the 3rd owner of. My mother was the 2nd and bought it used in 1995 with a little over 15,000 miles on it. I think that it is an unbeatable car as far as durability and reliability. The 2.2lt sohc 4 cyl has more than enough power and with the electronically controlled 4 speed auto trans it uses it in all the right rpms depending on how much gas petal is used. I have put this car through its paces for sure with 168,000 miles on it when I got it I definitely put the hardest of the 260,000 miles on it. The only major repair I had to do was replace the cv joints 3 times but that was because of hard driving. I am having the motor rebuilt because of a blown head gasket.

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  Great Reliable Van - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By scabledog - March 28 - 9:10 pm

  I once said I would never buy anything but a Ford or Chevy, but I am a Toyota believer now. Bought this van new in 2004 and it now has 175,000 miles on it with very little problems to speak of. Just routine maintenance for the most part. The dash did start to crack in the center at 100K and the radiator leaks a bit, but considering the mileage I cannot complain. I think this year I will replace the radiator finally, but still not terrible at 175K. Only other issue I had at about 155K was a front wheel bearing went bad. You know they are bad when you rumble down the road. Still a ton of mileage without major repair costs so really cannot complain!! Would definitely buy another Toyota!

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  2005 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By WarrenG - March 28 - 11:30 am

  I bought this new in 2005 and now have 65k trouble-free miles on it. After 3 Explorers, it has been very nice not to have to meet on a regular basis with the service writer for a change. 4-cyl is strong enough and gives 20 mpg around town, 25 hwy. Only problem was with original Toyo tires - at 29k they looked great but couldnt keep the vehicle on the road in FL summer rains. New Michelin LTs solved that problem. Only costs have been oil changes, filter changes, and a new battery. Very satisfied.

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  Love this car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Robert Moore - March 28 - 10:33 am

  The Yaris handles great and has lot of room on the interior. The motor responds perfectly. There is more road noise than what I am used to. I love this car and plan to customize it into a pimped ride.

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  Love My Avalon - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By dina c - March 27 - 4:00 pm

  I never thought of buying an avalon until I saw the new style...The minute I got into I loved it....When I test drove it I knew I had to have one..The pick up is awesome...the interior is enormous...I cannot find one thing wrong with this car...When I compared it to the ES 300 I found this car was bigger, faster and all the features were similar....The price tag wasnt...Before you pay more for the Lexus check out this car...you will be surprised just like as I was....

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  Everything I expected - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Hy Tech Green Guy - March 27 - 4:00 pm

  I have been very happy with this car. It is comfortable, zippy when needed, and quite economical. I am averaging 48 MPG, but expect more when I learn to drive it better. I highly recommend the navigation system, the bluetooth connection, and the leather interior. I have give my friends rides and they are really surprised at how comfortable it is to ride in.

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  Love it - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By highlandreview - March 27 - 1:36 pm

  I just bought this car 1 week a go with only 7 miles on the odometer. I put 900 miles on it in one week (went on a road trip). I have averaged 26 mpg both in city and highway. I drove over a nail and a warning light showed me that I was losing psi in one of the tires. Without this feature I could have been stuck late at night on the road with 2 young kids. I stopped at the nearest gas station, filled up with air, and made it to my destination safely. I have a fully loaded limited hybrid and love it! The kids watched movies on the dual tv headrests while I listened to my iPod and called family via the voice activated blue tooth feature.

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  07 Toyota FJ Cruiser TRD Edition - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Black Beauty truck - March 27 - 1:03 pm

  We test drove other SUVs in the market and finally purchased this car fully loaded. Spouse loves the commanding view when she drives and it has power to push the car for a quick merge into traffic.