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 review from Quebec... - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By sergag - December 29 - 7:26 pm

  First I apologize abouut my bad english. I have the basic canadian version, slightly different from yours. Already drove 4000 km (2500m.) with it, mostly on highway. Average mileage, cold temperature: 52.3miles/Imp. gallon (160oz.). Best mileage: 72.4 miles/imp. gallon (on 20 miles) Best electric autonomy: 3.4 km. (2.1miles). Better than what figure in owner manual.

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  My Rav4 - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Barbara Kiella - December 29 - 9:53 am

  My husband and I are at an age where getting in and out of the low cars are almost impossible. The Rav4 is higher from the ground. All we have to do is slide right in. On a long drive, my hips and legs use to ache, but not with the Rav4. It sits high so that your feet and legs dont stick out straigt in front of you, as if you were sitting on the floor. We cant wait to go on our vacation this year with it. And the gas mileage is terrific.

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  Super saver Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By wayne - December 29 - 2:46 am

  We purchased the Prius in March 2006 trading in a Toyota Avalon. Was concerned about the ride and handling compared to the Avalon. We find that the Prius is equal or better. Love the gas mileage. Now have 18000 miles and not one problem. Its a great car.

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  What a truck, amazing - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By morsnow - December 28 - 10:26 pm

  My first Tundra was a 2000 SR5 and after 8 years of faithful service I traded up to a 2008 DC, 4X4, LTD, TRD. The new Tundra is amazing, powerful, rides good, smooth and quiet. Lots of room for the family and can haul anything you want. I am getting 15 mpg in town and over 20 mpg on the highway which is way better than my 00. The JBL sounds great and its nice having the Bluetooth wireless for my cell. The brakes are impressive and can stop it on a dime. I have the TRD sway bar on the rear and it handles like a sports car. If you are in the market for a full size truck you need to take a close look at the new Tundra.

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  XLE Limited 300,000 Miles with only Minor Issues - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By walleyeman57 - December 28 - 6:38 pm

  I purchased this van with 60K miles on it in 2007. Since then I have put over 240 more. This has been the most reliable car or truck I have ever owned. The items I have repaired or replaced include tires, brakes, spark plugs, and two timing belts. I had to have a new A/C compressor last summer. Both power sliding door cables broke some time ago but I have not fixed them because the doors open and close with one finger-they are a waste. This van still has the original alternator, starter, shocks, springs and of course engine and transmission. It rides and drives nice with no real issues. I would rate the comfort very good.

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  This car is BULLETPROOF - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By x1mjp1x - December 28 - 4:51 pm

  Ive racked up over 300,000 miles on this thing and the engine still starts and runs as quiet as the day I bought it back when it had 70K miles on it. The only mistake Ive ever made was a valve repair job at the Toyota dealership that cost me $1300. Couldve taken it anywhere else for half that price. Outside of that, for a car to be this old, replacing parts is normal, but infrequent. Its ridiculously over-powered and has higher horse power, torque, and towing capacity than some brand new SUVs. Why Toyota decide a car this size needed this much power in its class, who knows. Ive never towed a damn thing with it. I love this car. I talk to it and tell it so. I believe it loves me too.

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  Best toyota - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By rolo - December 28 - 3:10 am

  My echo is the best car I have ever owned. Never stops running, no repairs whatsoever. Have only replaced brakes, front only, and oil changes. Have replaced spark plugs and air filter, thats it. Runs like a champ. No Wonder they stopped making them. They could had become the VW beetle of the 2000s

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  Just bought a 2010 4runner - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By DennyG - December 27 - 7:40 pm

  Took delivery of my 2010 4Runner Limited (Blk/Blk) on April 15, 2010. Love it. Typical Toyota build quality. Ive only put 180 miles on it so far, but it is fun to drive, comfortable, great interior passenger space. Would like to see a power rear hatch instead of the manual one. Not too impressed with the sliding rear cargo tray. Takes up space.

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  FJ 4x2 - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By kanayon - December 27 - 1:06 pm

  PROS: fun to drive, performs best with premium gas, retro styling. CONS: inconvenient suicide doors, limited rearward visibility but over-all styling is A+, notwithstanding above-mentioned negatives.

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  Happy, excited driver - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Palmetto Lady - December 27 - 8:43 am

  My husband is a "car" enthusiast but 15 years ago I started picking and buying my car. My Toyota 4WD Sport RAV 4 is his favorite. We have even been stopped in parking lots and asked what it is, what do we like about it and "can I take a peek". Good gas mileage, a smooth comfortable ride and great looks with plenty of room. We have made 2 11/hour trips to South Florida since the purchase and were very comfortable.