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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  Amazing ride. - 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Dennis S. - July 18 - 11:25 am

  Be sure it fits your lifestyle.

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  Toyota Quality - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By LB - July 18 - 5:23 am

  The 2WD Tacoma has been a great truck and I plan to keep it forever as a work truck (landscaping, hauling, etc.).

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  New 2016 Prius is better then ever - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Mike Shawiak - July 18 - 3:52 am

  First, if you never have owned a Prius the 2016 is a great vehicle. If you are coming from an earlier edition the 2016 has many improvements. I would upgrade to a Model Four. My 2012 is a Model 2 and I think it is worth the extra money to get the options. Many improvements including build quality can be seen. The changes in the suspension do make a difference. The materials inside are greatly improved. I dont think they feel cheaply made. The only negative feedback I would give between the 2016 and the previous generation is drive sits lower in the car and the car feels lower in the from. Once you scrape the front end/ bumper you will understand. As a iPhone user the ability to charge an Android based phone is useless to me. The seats in the 2016 feel more supportive than those in my 2012. This car is for people are interested in getting good MPGs. I am a former Nissan Leaf (2013) and BMW I3 (2014) owner. So far I can say I am very happy with my purhase.

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  Excellent and fun to drive - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Richard - July 17 - 8:06 pm

  I purchased my 05 Prius couple of weeks ago and Im already getting excellent gas milage. With 5 people and a/c blasting, Im getting over 49 mpg. The car has less than 800 miles and cant wait for the break in period to be over to see what gas milage I can squeeze out of the car.

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  This is such an awesome car!!! - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By teen boy LovesSE v6 - July 17 - 8:03 pm

  I got this car at 14 (early start). I love it so far, it is like so sporty and all my friends think it is the bomb! It is a great v6 and will outrun all the cars in its class! (My mom knows!) The only thing I would change is the seat fabric. I wish it were leather . The reliability is so great.

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  I love my Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By cheers - July 17 - 4:50 pm

  I have had my Prius for almost a year and cant say enough great things about it. My only problem is that my husband, a salesman who is on the road almost all day, has decided that he should be the one to drive the Prius. Amazing since he has always been the type of male whos identity is wrapped up in the kind of car he drives. Now he gets off on all the money he is saving. It is substantial since his last car got between 11 and 13 mpg. In the summer, we consistently get between 55-60 mpg, which drops down to 50-52 mpg in the winter. It is fun to drive and has plenty of pep. Best car we have ever owned.

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  Love what it does for me - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Bradley Jordan - July 17 - 3:53 pm

  I just bought my RAV4 yesterday. I was reluctant to buy it as a RAV4 had been labeled a girls car but the style and look have changed my mind. My gas mileage is actully better than my 2000 Civic right now. I plan on filling up at a quarter of a tank instead at the true empty. I am quite happy with it. Love the storage bins under the floor. I will propbly drive this car into the ground like my CIvic and Camry. I would definitely recommend it. I got tinted windows and the luggage rack.

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  Satisfied Snowbird - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Dave - July 16 - 11:46 pm

  Have driven my 08 Limited AWD for only about a month - majority of mileage is highway driving. Very satisfied with performance. MPG has averaged 25-27 on highway. Had two avalons prior to this SUV. Never a mechanical problem.

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  Best of the Vans - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By George Cox - July 16 - 11:50 am

  Minor Grips, Key Fobs dont Adjust Drivers Seat & Mirror, Cant Operate power windows in assocory. position, Interior lights dont turn off after a time when door is left open, Front passenger seat is not electric. No interior lights in the hatch back door. No spare tire. (Note all above items are std on the Chrysler T & C LTD.)

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  4 runner Sport V8 - Awsome - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jaspurr - July 16 - 8:36 am

  Just put 1500 miles on in the first month. Towed my 17 foot whaler to Cape Cod, did not even know the boat was attached. I just moved up from a 97 Tacoma 4x4 and need to get use to the automatic. Great truck, comfortable, quiet, quiet, quiet. Plenty of room for 2 kids, wife and dog. The suspension is tight, the wheels grip well. Great visibility. Wanted a pathfinder off-road - got the V8 Sport for $2000 less, which I think is the best value out there. Paid right around $29K after rebate, still a lot for a vehicle but I know it will last me 7-9 years without a problem, all my other Toyotas have!!!!!