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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  Great Car - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Corhap - October 1 - 2:00 am

  This is the first SUV Ive owned. Great car. Quiet and smooth riding. Handled great this past winter in the snow and ice. Hoping for better gas mileage

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  2004 Sienna Owner - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Frapp - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Love our XLE, very happy customer !

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  One Great Truck - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bo - October 1 - 12:33 am

  This is my fourth Toyota pickup and I love it. I went with a 4cyl this time and the power is fine. Im getting a average of 23 or 24 mpg. Im a sales rep and drive about 30,000 miles a year. So far since I bought this in may I have placed 16,000 miles in less than six months and no problem what so ever. This model with the 4cyl, x-cab, trd package is the best Tacoma Ive had thus far. I highly recommend it.

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  Great Little Everyday Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By testguy - September 30 - 10:23 pm

  Ive had this car for almost two years now and I have been throughly impressed with it. It was my first new car and it has held up extremely well, minus a small ding (my own fault), when it is cleaned it looks like it did the day I drove it home. The interior is much larger than you would think (Im 285 and have plenty of room, and my best friend is 365 and we fit with no issue). The only thing I have replaced so far have been the wipers.

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  Fantastic First Car - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By VAwaterdrop - September 30 - 7:10 pm

  This was my first car and also the vehicle that I learned how to drive in so needless to say it took a lot of beatings! It never fails to impress with great handling and much better power than you would expect from just looking at it. It handles corners well, no problem at all accelerating onto the freeway in the city or switching in/out of lanes in a hurry (the handling on this car has been a lifesaver in preventing accidents). I have the four door so while the backseat probably wouldnt fit two adults comfortable for a roadtrip, its perfect for around town. Its never required anything other than general maintenance and its getting on 5 years old/162,000 m. Would definitely recommend!!

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  Best half ton - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By big blue - September 30 - 12:26 pm

  I drove every truck out there, Chevy, Ford, and Dodge. The Ford look nice inside and out, but when you drive it (it lacks power for a v8 5.4) and to me the engine is the heart of a truck! The Chevy was a good truck but didnt have the resale valve that Toyota has. The 6.0l was good but 5.7l was better. The Dodge had the best ride but cant tow as much as the others. The 5.7 hemi is better then last gen but the 5.7 is just better. All the trucks have great things going for them but the Toyota has it all. The ride on all trucks are ok at best, but Toyota has the worst bed bonce.

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  Shocked - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By pondscum - September 30 - 9:36 am

  Being an engineer I way underestimated this vehicle. The better half primarily drives it but I look forward to the rare opportunity to "steal" it. Our location uses ethanol in the fuels. We are now at around 10,000 miles and getting around 29 MPG (note using Mobil1 synthetic oil). I think it was a little lower when it was new. The hybrid system is seamless and a pleasure to drive. The seats and controls are well positioned thus comfortable to operate. Handles great and is comforting to know every time you hit the brakes a great deal of energy goes back into the batteries.

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  Great All Around - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By JenniferM - September 30 - 9:06 am

  I must first say, this review is coming from a person who has always owned sports cars and doesnt consider herself the typical camry driver. I have to say, that after doing some research on my camry hybrid and reading reviews stating that it lacked power, and the interior was cheap. I was somewhat nervous about my purchase. But, I have found that not only is it the most comfortable car Ive ever owned, but the power is far above what I expected. It took me a few weeks to get used to the ICE shutting off, but since then, I havent looked back. My only warning would be: If you need your speed to drive recklessly look elsewhere.

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  I love it! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Convertible Girl - September 30 - 6:36 am

  Its the best looking convertible for the price and it drives very smooth like a more expensive car. Every Friday night I put the top down and sail home with a big smile on my face! Its so much fun to drive!

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  Love My Prius - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By allura - September 30 - 5:30 am

  This is the first prius I purchased, when I finished signing the paperwork, I made the salesman go over all the driving info I needed, he did. I was amazed at the interior, it felt luxury all the way. The engine is totally quiet, everything about the prius is awesome. The color is light green and interior is beige, and drives brand new, comes with 7 yr 100 miles warranty. I would not trade this car for anything, wanted one last year but the price and waiting list was long, worth the wait. Radio could be better. All I can say is test drive a prius and you will be sold, take my word.