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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  My Black Camry - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By 04-Camry - December 20 - 10:40 am

  This car with manual trans has a lot of power. I can merge into the highway with a lot of confidence. The fuel economy is very good, never below 24mpg. I liked the roomy interior and the simple board design. A little bit difficult to drive in hilly terrain, since I found that the clutch has a small range of engagement. Its weight also makes the uphill starting more difficult. Overall still like it, just take time to get used to it.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Krystal - December 20 - 7:43 am

  I love this car. I did a ton of research and was between the Civic and Corolla. I am so glad I chose the Corolla. I am averaging 33 MPG living in the burbs! The XLE interior is wonderful and I am glad they came out with this trim for 09. I was not looking for a fast car - my main priorities were: gas efficient, comfortable, reliable and stylish, and the Corolla covered all! I love the new body design for the 09 Corolla.

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  1st Impressions - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Herb - December 19 - 11:50 pm

  Havent had the car very long. It will take me a month to figure out what everything does but I have been disappointed in the mileage.....only getting 40 m.p.g.

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  Finally a vehicle that fits me. - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Towny - December 19 - 10:03 pm

  I test drove all the mid sized SUVs on the market. The 4runner was by far the best fit for me. I am 6-2 and 235lbs. This is the first midsized SUV that my shoulder wasnt pinned to the door. I drove the Pathfinder, Explorer, Discovery, and the Envoy several times. This vehicle is by far the roomiest in the front seat. Could be a bit better on gas and could use a tad more room in the cargo area. But I knew that when I bought it. The heated seats are a must. The navigation system is cool and impresses your friends with the back up camera. The engine is quick and the whole truck feels very solid. The ride is quiet even at highway speeds. It cut through deep Minnesota snow easily.

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  The Ideal all-purpose vehicle - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By rapar - December 19 - 12:40 pm

  The Prius has exceeded my expectations on all counts--it is fun to drive, comfortable, and the mileage is outstanding but not as high as Toyota advertises. The interior layout is well thought out and is most versatile. The information displays need some simplification and better visibility but they are certainly complete.

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  GO YARIS! - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By nickac - December 19 - 9:09 am

  I traded an Infiniti G35 for a yaris, which might seem like a huge difference, and it was. However, I been very happy with this decision. I constantly am averaging 31.5 mpg in the city and about 39 highway, which is fantastic. The reliability I cant say much about yet because my car only has 4300 miles, but it starts up in sub zero temps and hasnt given me trouble yet. The car feels solid for a cheap car. I hate how all the reviewers knock this car because it really is not that bad. It is affordable, practical, reliable, and excellent on gas. Despite toyotas recalls, I still think they are far superior than many other brands. For example, Nissan, GM, Ford, and mazda. Yaris is a great car!

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  Solid Reliable Performance - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By DJB - December 18 - 10:00 pm

  Vehicle is extremely versatile for outdoor recreation enthusiasts. From skiing, backpacking, camping, to towing, this vehicle does it all very well and with style. Form, Fit, and Function are all mastered at a level that makes this SUV a true work horse while yet providing a range of performance and comfort that rivals most performance autos. Like the majority of Toyotas, once you buy one you most likely will not need the warranty. They just keep runing and running....

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  Excellent car but... - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By MPD - December 18 - 9:46 pm

  I am extremely happy with the new camry, I forget I am driving a family sedan. The ride is refined, steering is tight, plenty of interior space, the exterior design is refreshing to look at. The only negative is the shifting of the transmission from 40+ mph to 10-15 mph when turning or slowing for traffic, acceleration takes a second or two to kick in after "stepping on the gas". The cruise control flutters and jolts on highway inclines and declines.

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  What a value - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By James Bates - December 18 - 5:13 pm

  I just traded in my 1999 XLE for the 2002 XLE, but this tiem upgraded to the V6. I ahve to say that the 2002 is night and day from the 1999. While the 1999 XLE is a great car, the redesign of the 2002 and the added features are tremendous. I actually paid less for this one than my 1999. I am very excited about having this auto.

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  Top Dog Hybrid - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Dale - December 18 - 4:40 pm

  My first Hybrid was an 07 Prius & loved it. I knew in advance that the 2010 was going to change for the better. Didnt think that was possible but now that I own the 2010, Toyota did it with an even better Prius that was near perfect to start with & no competitor even close. I love this more then I can describe. Its a perfect 10. If I had to post a negative it would be I got the model with the 17 inch wheels & low profile tires. It looks GREAT but the low profiles make it ride a bit rougher then the standard tire. No big deal. The look more then makes up for the rougher ride. Buy one. Youll love it especially at the gas pump.