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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  "Gizmo" - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By George - October 28 - 6:33 am

  I bought this car only and only for the car-pool lane. I shaved off 35-50 minutes in morning drive time. Im getting 55 miles per gallon. 48 with air conditioning running. Car is exceptional, has a lot of the features big ticket luxury cars have. The ride is flawless, sound system is great. I enjoy the blue-tooth and it is comfortable. If youre looking for an economic easy to ride car with decent pick-up and all the bells and whistles then go and test drive it. I was surprised that it has some pick-up. Its not a Porsche or a muscle car, keep that in mind when test driving it. Mine is loaded and I really appreciate the car for the time I save driving and the fuel efficiency

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  Love it! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By lindsey - October 27 - 9:06 pm

  I just got my new Olive Mist 4dr Yaris. I just got to 200 miles and have no complaints, it is the cutest thing, people think its a Volkswagen. Since having this I wouldnt trade it for anything; it has great pickup and turning corners is a blast. I like the cupholders where they are, its kinda different. Gas is also GREAT, like I said, made it to 200 miles and still have over half a tank left! Get one!

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  The perfect blend - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By hknajjar - October 27 - 8:56 pm

  I was told this is a "niche" car, but then again, arent all convertibles are niche cars? The Solara Convertible offers the perfect blend in a 4 seater convertible. While this is may not be a true sports car (touted as a con in articles), for those looking for the drop top experience with room for more than 2, there is no equal. Its exilerating to drive top up or down, it has excellent insulation in the top so road noise is minimal.The luxurious interior makes you feel like youre driving a Lexus.

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  The Best Ive Owned - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By John Palazzini - October 27 - 8:56 am

  This is the best economy car that I have ever owned. Its comfortable, sporty looking, handles well and you cant beat the gas mileage at 38 miles per!!!!

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  Our 3rd Toyota - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By mtbenge - October 27 - 7:53 am

  I thought after having this car for three years I would be wanting something different. I love this vehicle. Even for 2002 it looked dated, but we could not have done better for an SUV; got character though! The 4Runner has always stood out in design, ability, and reliabliity. Though it is not the most comfortable for long road trips it cannot be beat for hauling around all my equipment and the occasional off-road excursion. The traction and skid control are great. I can see driving my Runner around for at least three more years; even though I do like the new ones as well. As far as ride is concerned we just put on new tires - Michelin XTSes. I am really amazed how much better the ride

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  I love the Highlander!! - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Alanna Otton - October 27 - 1:30 am

  I have always loved Toyotas, I have had two in the past... they are always reliable! I chose the Highlander for that reason! I was pleasantly surprised with the gas mileage being higher then expected and it handles really well!

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  Cant beat it for the money - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By will45 - October 26 - 6:56 pm

  Having owned a Tahoe, Yukon and Expedition over the past 10 years I can say that the Sequoia is a vastly superior car. Now, I have only owned it for three months, but it is a 2001 4X4 with 125,000 miles and I am the second owner. The first owner gave me an inch of paperwork, 99% of it was oil changes and scheduled maintenance. The CD player was replaced at 95,000 miles along with the passenger power window button. Other than that all has been good. It drives like brand new and I am really impressed by the interior. The seats are still very firm and comfortable with no sign of wear. I am hoping to get another 50,000 or about three years. I paid $9,500.

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  Corolla got it goin on - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Kris - October 26 - 4:43 pm

  Nice Ride...i think its a great car to invest in knowing that reaching 100,000 miles is no prob. Fuel is great..comfortable ride, just a work of art. The only downside to the car is that the steering wheel is hard to adjust to the drivers seat..and there is a huge blind spot in the back. But other than that the car itself is great and has a lot to offer.

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  Interior Concerns - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Jask001 - October 26 - 5:23 am

  Great car and lots of fun. I purchased the NL package but I should have considered leather seats because of the current material. It seems to be a velour type material that stains and retains... currently at 45-46 MPG

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  2004 Toyota Highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Desarae - October 25 - 12:36 pm

  This has been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned! I keep up with the recommended maintenance and have NEVER had a problem. The oxygen sensor had to be replaced but that was covered under the warranty. At 73,000 miles, I am still running the original tires (with every other oil change rotation). Sometimes after a check-up, the tire pressure sensor light comes on (on the dashboard) and has to be reset. This usually only happens when the tires are rotated. My Highlander is a Katrina survivor. It survived 4 feet of water (NONE in the engine or interior) and a 30 foot pine tree ($8,000 in damage). We have been considering adding a Hybrid to the family.