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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  Best Full Size Hybrid Available - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By mikey - September 27 - 10:33 pm

  The car is everything you would expect from a Toyota. I have 10K on mine, its been flawless. I have averaged about 40 mpg, and do a lot of highway driving. If I drove more in the city I could easily avg 42-44. The car teaches you how to drive it. Yes, it ultimatley means less aggressive driving, but thats not a bad thing. In fact I find I now drive my non-hybrid vehicles more conservatively. You really learn what burns the gas.

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  My Silver FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By D.Edwards - September 27 - 9:33 pm

  This vehicle rides very comfortably considering its short wheelbase. Great seats, outstanding build quality. Unique design, has all of the items needed to take it off-road right from the dealership or it works just as good cruising the streets. Strong running V-6, smooth shifting automatic tranny. The side mirrors are your best friend. It is definitely an attention getter.

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  The Best of Hybrids - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Bill B. - September 27 - 6:33 pm

  Great car with ample room for a family of 4-5. Gas mileage combined road/city is 50 mpg. Driving the Prius is an enjoyable experience.

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  Great for me - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By donwayne - September 27 - 4:57 pm

  I bought my car in Feb. 2001 with the sticker telling me that my MPG would be 38/43. I have been lucky to have had company cars, so I now have barely 69K miles on the engine. I now have been using my car more for work, driving in town, and out of town. Besides oil changes and new tires, I have not had to have any other work done on my car. I calculated a month ago that I was getting 38 MPG, so I am very happy with this car. I just hate they do not make it anymore. The big space is so unexpected for such a small car.

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  Great vehicle - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Josh - September 27 - 3:20 am

  We bought the 4Runner for my wifes daily driver to haul all the baby gear as well as vacation traveler that can drive out on the beach, etc. It is the best-quality vehicle weve ever owned by far. It has enough power (V6) and the XREAS makes the handling very good for a truck-based SUV. Interior and controls are top-notch, and its a great looking SUV, especially in black. Only complaint is cargo space is low compared to a highlander, but thats the trade off for an SUV with a body-on-frame construction. We have a large Yakima box for the roof which fits all the overflow cargo when going on vacation. Overall, highly suggested and I hope Toyota never gets rid of the great 4Runner.

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  First Toyota - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By ebrown - September 26 - 6:33 pm

  This is my first Toyota and after having Fords, Chevys and Jeeps. This is the best built vehicle I have owned. It feels like a well built truck. I test drove a Ford Ranger, Nissan Frontier, Chevy Colorado and none feel as tight as the Tacoma.

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  No Problems So Far - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By italvega1973 - September 26 - 6:22 pm

  I bought a used 2006 Tacoma with 109,000 miles on the 1GRfe engine. My Tacoma had one previous owner who maintained the truck well. After 3500 miles, I have had no problems other than having to recharge the A/C, a job I did myself in 20 minutes. Every gauge works, even the thermometer and compass. I am not a speeder and I am easy on my truck. I consistently get 20-21 miles per gallon on the highway. I dont know my city mileage . I hope the aluminum block V-6 can match the durability of an iron block power plant. I like my truck and expect it to carry on the Toyota reputation for reliability.

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  First Peak At the New Avalon - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By millem3 - September 26 - 3:40 pm

  My wife just bought a new Avalon at the Minneapolis Car Show last weekend. She Just Loves it! It is great, because now she "volunteers" to run all the errands (pick up kids from basketball, gynastics, grocery shopping, etc) because she just lovers her new Toyota. What a Feeling!!!

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  Great MPG - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By alfon - September 26 - 10:43 am

  Great MPG, we averaged from 46 to 56 MPG during the last 8,000 miles. Base on miles driven and gallons used. The MPG dash display always over estimates by 2-3 MPG. Plenty of power and room. Quite comfortable for even 4 people on board.

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  practicality with zip - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Jeff Ritchie - September 26 - 10:10 am

  Its been two years since I purchased my XRS and it still runs like the day I bought it, and seems to perform even better (though thats probably thanks to new Falken performance tires). No mechanical defects, only regular maintenance. Its fun around town and even better on a stretch of road where no ones watching. For me, the benefit of the power switchover at 6000 rpm is great because it keeps me from being too road rage-ish around town, but rocks on back roads and highway passing. Fantastic muffler sound at all revs if youre into that sort of thing. Same avg mpg as my boyfriends 1.8l 01 (125 hp) Corolla providing I dont rev the hell out of it at every stoplight.