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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  Just Like a mini-camry - 2011 Toyota Corolla
  By car_fan3 - September 20 - 3:29 am

  Regardless of some of the reviews Ive read and peoples disappointments with the corolla, I say spend an additional $20k and get a Lexus. Because you expect to get a $40k Lexus with all the bells and whistles and performance for under $20k. Cant happen. And when I shopped for a new car Ive looked at all cars under $25k that exist American, Korean, Japanese, you name and although Toyota did have what I consider fabricated recalls, it still beats everyone by a mile for quality. My 2007 Camry was under-recall. Never-ever-ever an issue. Be realistic, comfortable ride, awesome fuel efficiency, perfect safety, very roomy ( very close to camry).

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  40k miles of great driving - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Jim Reed - September 19 - 6:03 pm

  Our 2004 Prius is our fourth hybrid. 03 Civic Hybrid 5spd, 02 Insight CVT,03 Civic Hybrid CVT. The Civic 5 spd was traded for the Civic CVT after a deer strike. All have over 40k miles now. The Prius is the best car we have owned. Rides better than our Mercedes or Volvo did. Very quiet except climbing mountains. Prius engine noise higher than our other hybrids while climbing steep grades. Excellent in snow on windy, hilly WV roads. Acceleration, power excellent, 92 mph passing on I-68 7% upgrade. Mileage: 61.7 (steady 55 mph 400 miles, 82 deg, in VA and NC), 55 mpg (2 tanks), 5 tanks 50 mpg in summer all in WV mountains. Winter avg is about 43 mpg. Lowest tank 38 mpg, heavily loaded in winter

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  Left worries behind - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Sophia - September 19 - 7:36 am

  We bought this car new and also bought extended warranty. What caught our eye was the provision that all money will be refunded if warranty were never used. And you know what - after 7 years we got all our money back! The car is 13 years old now and all we have to replace ( besides wearable items like brakes and tires) was catalytic converter and the battery. So in our case Toyota proved its reliability for sure. The only bad thing were the original tires - we had to replace them after only 17000 miles and we had to pay for them, because it was the only thing not covered by original warranty. The tires were not made by Toyota, but still, they have to install more durable tires.

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  Its Not a Station Wagon! - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Patty - September 19 - 7:23 am

  Had been driving Volvo XC70s for the last 13 years, and got tired of the station wagon styling, but wasnt willing to go to an SUV or mini-van. Loved the Venza the first commercial I saw. Finally found a slightly-used (2,300 miles) 2010 fully loaded, including navigation. Have had the car for 10 days and love it. It has great styling and is fun to drive. Ride is a little bumpy at times due to the 20" tires, but my XC70 had a similar feel. It feels very stable on winding roads. I havent driven it at night to see how the auto dimming headlights work, but they seem like an interesting concept. Have already made one trip to the plant nursery and came home with a full load- easy loading.

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  good buy - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By glockgirl - September 18 - 10:16 pm

  I got this car because i totalled my other 94 camry LE. I love my XLE. It has everything that anybody can want. im thinking of getting me another camry. I just would not trust my life to anything else but a camry.

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  Prius Addict - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Prius Addict - September 18 - 7:10 pm

  This is my 4th Prius. Started in 05 and traded every year since (I used to drive Marquis). Trade in value excellent, my mileage usually ranges between 44 - 46 mpg calculating miles driven divided by # of gallons (the display on all 4 Ive owned is a little optimistic). It holds the road great and has enough get up and go when you need it to get on highways, etc. I wish it had a moonroof option but as far as performance - Ill put my Prius up against any other compact car in its class - and alot of intermediate size cars too. Comfortable enough for long trips - but remember this is an "on road" vehicle. Cant pull itself out of much of anything but on asphalt its the best in the world.

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  Love My Corolla - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Mavis Johnson - September 18 - 5:56 pm

  I enjoy driving the 2005 Toyota Corolla. It handles very well and gas mileage is good. I originally made a down payment for delivery of a Prius, but after waiting nine months, changed my mind and bought the Corolla. Im glad I did. I had a Cressida, and two Camrys, and I am sold on Toyota automobiles. Never a problem! And, since I live in Southern Florida, I appreciate the cold A/C of this car.

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  Love Matrix 2, 1.8 touring 5 sp manual - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Robtech - September 18 - 12:53 am

  This 2nd generation has better roadholding, theres no front wheel spin, it really holds the road well especially when climbing. I got 32mpg in mixed driving. Noticeable low end torque between 1900rpm to 2800rpm. I love this 2ZRFE 1.8L engine.

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  My Hunting Truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By PsychoJr - September 18 - 12:50 am

  Love this vehicle! Bought as my hunting vehicle (my primary car is a Lexus LS) but use on the weekends as well. Heck, I end up driving it to work a lot too! Used to own a Tundra but like the smaller truck better. No complaints here. Reliability is excellent and off road use is great. Have taken it through lots of mud and water.

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  Not Sure Yet - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Delma - September 17 - 9:30 pm

  Instantly loved the new exterior design. After having 2 LE-V6 Toyotas, decided to go with the 4i, not sure it was a wise choice. Certainly lacks the spark of the V6. Find the few second delay when you accelerate disappointing. Trade off for me was the XLE vs. the LE with add ons. My overall mileage has been 23-24. I was somewhat put off because the car did not have body side molding (Even though I prefer the look without it). It seems to me that the ability to get JUST the add on(s) you want without paying through the nose for very questionable warranty type extras has decreased significantly. Also, it is difficult to get the details on those so called warranty items before the sale.