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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  Toyota builds the best economical car!! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Suzie - November 23 - 3:13 pm

  I have never had anything go wrong with this car or my 1989 Corolla except with a flat tire.The seats are comfortable and its has a nice smooth ride and bumps in the road are nothing. It handles turns and its braking is exceptional.

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  Great buy! - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By lsrapier - November 23 - 10:00 am

  We bought this vehicle in September with 35 miles on it after our Dodge Durangos transmission died on us and we love this car. We chose the Limited 4wd because it was very classy looking compared to what we had.The power lift gate is an excellent and convenient option. The JBL sound system is superb, the gps is flawless. Handling is car like. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone in the market to buy. Its only got 1600 mile on it so far

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  Best Minivan in the human history so far - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By Young - November 23 - 10:00 am

  We just bought an SE 2 weeks ago. Drives better than my 2002 Odyssey. Acceleration is good. The appearance is just stunning. I got a pre-dawn Gray. It perfectly matches the black interior. I cant take my eyes of it. Sorry wife . My wife and I and our 4 kids all love it very much.

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  Rough Rider - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By lcartwright - November 22 - 4:56 pm

  I found that my Truck can take a lot of rough riding, but it tends to drive rocky on paved roads too. Its only fault is lack of balance, which can be expected from a high profile vehichle. Otherwise, I love it!

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  Rugged good looks inside and out... - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Alvin - November 22 - 4:26 am

  I researched the 4Runner and found it reliable, also good looking (even the older ones). Went to Roseville to find one with the 3rd row seating and we spotted one, a white SR5 4WD, 3rd row, sideairbags, spoiler, tow package and some 17" wheels. Was going to get a 2005 but Im glad I got a 2006. I love the projector headlights, chrome handles and grill. The inside is rugged and basic, keeping it simple. The cloth seats are supportive; no major blind spots. It looks big on the outside, but once you start driving its like a car. On a few bumps it will remind you that youre in a truck. Smooth, power.

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  MY ECHO - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Gregory Estes - November 22 - 3:36 am

  I presently have 79,373 miles on my echo. It has 4 doors, manual transmission, and I average just over 40 mpg if I drive 60mph or less. I drive 85 miles round trip per day 4-5 days per week for work, (both highway and city). I change my own oil and filter every 3000 miles, and have only had it in the shop once at the dealer for its 60,000 mile check up. I love this car! Not a bit of trouble, very dependable. They dont make Echos anymore, but Toyotas replacement is the Yaris, (same engine, different body style). If I needed another reliable and economic car I would buy another Echo, if I could find one, or a new Yaris. Toyota really has a winner here!!

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  Still Love It - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By JulieV - November 21 - 6:00 pm

  It has been a year and a half and my I still think Ive made to right choice with the 4Runner over its competitor.

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  Voodoo FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By wonderwidget - November 21 - 10:40 am

  Great truck, getting better mileage than EPA. Couldnt ask for more.

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  Great car and fun to drive - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By Keri - November 21 - 1:00 am

  I have to say I was hesitant about buying this car. I liked the look of the car but the size worried me a bit. I am so glad I bought it. It has been reliable and really fun to drive. It is small and at times, I have had to sit in the back seat and I was cramped. However, I rarely do that. I dont care, the performance, gas mileage, the look, etc. make it well worth it. I love my car.

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  2008 Touring w/Pkg #6 - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Richard - November 19 - 11:13 pm

  My wife and I have had the Prius Hybrid just over two months now and I must say it is a blast to drive. The fuel economy is great; handling, responsiness and ride of the Touring Model are outstanding. The 16-inch tires give the car great looks and really grip the road. The center screen depicting the real time MPG and energy/power transmission avenues in use (ICE & electric) are hypnotic and really help in teaching you how to adjust your driving habits to get better mileage. We both love to drive it and are now considering buying a second one.