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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  10+ yrs, 100+ miles - still going strong - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By thc - October 18 - 7:36 pm

  Since March, weve been looking to buy a new car to replace this 10 yo Camry. However, after months of search, we decided to keep it until it breaks. This car has been unbelievably reliable. After 10+ yrs and 100K, the V6 is still running strong exactly like the day I drove it off the dealer lot. The front brake pads are still the original ones. There are still no rattles or squeaks. It has better interior material than the 07 Camry. I am still getting approx. 23-25 MPG which is inline with (the old) EPA est. We only paid for one unexpected repair for the leaking rack and pinion. Its gonna take a miracle for its replacement to beat this record.

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  love it! - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By gtsai2 - October 18 - 6:30 am

  You can not find a better car / suv than toyota highlander, Its make by lexus, good quality all around. best car /suv i have ener had. Drive one and youll love it. better than BMW m5.

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  The greatest - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By all one needs - October 18 - 5:00 am

  I rate the car an easy 9.4 and should be higher. The Prius is a perfect urban car. Easy to park; very much fun to drive; very comfortable regardless of the weather; and high 40s mpgs. The quirky styling only adds to allure of this well-designed , well-engineered car from Toyota. This is my 2nd Prius and though I tried the Camry Hybrid and the Honda Civic Hybrid the Prius is my overwhelming favorite. Even on very long trips low 50s is not uncommon and the comfort exceeds that of bigger cars. Hooray for Toyota on this one. This car represents to me the epitome of design and engineering. I am a complainer about cars and enjoy griping about this and that. I cant do that with the Prius.

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  Few Problems, but Like Car - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Ms. Doll - October 17 - 9:43 pm

  I actually really like my 09 Matrix S, but I have run into a few problems. My seats spot too easily during rainy weather. There is a blind spot in rear window. Gas mileage is not as great as it could be. My stereo keeps blacking out/powering off and is suppose to be replaced next week.

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  TRD Off Road - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dustin - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I got rid of my 02 Tacoma access cab, which I loved. Had a baby and the car seat did not fit and bought the 09 double cab TRD Tacoma. Great truck, rides smooth, almost no outside noise, plenty of leg room for driver and passenger. Comfortable for an adult in the back. So many extra features Im not going to try and list them all. Great for towing my wave runner. I could not be happier. The only thing I have a problem with is the transmission. It could be a lot smoother, but thats only if Im really reaching for something to point out bad about the truck.

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  Love my Prius! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Mary White - October 17 - 4:06 am

  The only drawback, as far as we can see, is that the paint job is pretty cheap. We have experienced some chips on the hood already, and it is only three months old. Otherwise, I am really happy with this car. Great mileage, neat-o design, lots of room and comfortable to boot. I have not experienced any of the "stalling" problems that we have heard about. Even my father, a senior citizen who is partial to pick-up trucks, likes it and wants one. A great buy.

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  Best car I ever owned! - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By JC - October 16 - 11:26 pm

  Ive had this Sienna for 8 years and hate to trade it in. All it has needed is regular maintenance. It drives well in snow. We have often driven 6 adults many miles and everyone is happy, even in the third row. Great car.

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  Best car Ive ever owned! - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Dusty Jarhead - October 16 - 9:43 pm

  Ive had this car over four years and its been 100% reliable, best handling car Ive driven, great performance, and the seat gives my fairly seriously messed-up spine the best support Ive found in a car seat. Mileage is very good - the only vehicle Ive owned that used less gas was a Suzuki/Chevy Swift/Sprint. Id buy this again without hesitation and have recommended the model to other folks since I got mine.

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  Love my Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By serge - October 16 - 8:10 pm

  Im not sure what everyone talks about with hesitation/transmission/not enough power? It is advertised and sold as a "family sedan"!! Mine has 268 hp. Its hefty. Love everything about the car. Gas mileage as promised. Ride is superior to Nissan or Honda of the same caliber. im sure sports cars dont have "hesitation" (which I have yet to notice), but they also cost 10K more. Bottom line: its my first Toyota and I love it wholeheartedly.

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  Twue wuv - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Katherine - October 15 - 2:56 pm

  This is the best car ever! Its replacing a Volvo V90, a big station wagon, and I dont miss a thing. My husband, my son and I ride into town together every day [saving more gas] and always have room to spare for our stuff. The car feels solid, looks gorgeous and our gas expense averages $15/week [and we have a 20 mile daily commute--each way]. Im paying this car off as fast as I can so we can start paying for another one!