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 Corolla surprises with exceptional value - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Mary Hansen - September 24 - 7:29 am

  I researched before I bought the Corolla - I needed good gas mileage, enough room for the grandkids, and a comfortable ride. The Corolla has surprised me with its comfort, 27 mpg mixed hiway/street, and how well it has retained its good looks. The car is clean and functional with everything I need to comfortably get from A to Z. My only disappointment is that the car doesnt have Bluetooth or USB ports. It does have an auxiliary port that connects to the radio, so I am able to listen to books, music, news - whatever. I would highly recommend the Corolla as a sharp little vehicle with good response on the road.

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  Love the FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Gretchen - September 23 - 6:33 pm

  The FJ is a very roomy vehicle and is good for hauling around all kinds of things. The seats fold down very easy. I am part of a car pool and drive close to 100 miles a day and the FJ is very comfortable car for the three adults.

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  My 2011 Camry - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By brandmann - September 23 - 9:08 am

  Let me just say, I am proud to say that Im now in the third generation Toyota Camry, I absolutely love this car, not only because of its reliability but its comfort as well. I went from owing a 93 Camry to previously owing a 03 Camry. I just recently purchase my 2011 Toyota Camry and Ive had for about a week now and its living up to its name. With 43,652 miles its riding like brand new and its got a smooth sound to it. As far as gas mileage I personally think the Camry gets great gas mileage on and off the highway.

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  07 Tundra - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By electro-tek - September 23 - 5:06 am

  Only 1600 miles so far. Real hot rod for a truck. Hard time finding standard cab with 5.7. 6 speed auto, towing pkg. tranny cooler, 4.30 gears.

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  Tough truck - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Benjamin Cedeño - September 23 - 12:56 am

  I own a Double Cab PreRunner long bed truck. I like the SR5 option package. Good mpg around 18.

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  Solid - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By SC - September 22 - 6:50 am

  Awesome purchase for the money. Lots of features for cheap. Alloys, fog lights, power everything, ABS, moonroof, steering wheel audio controls. Avg. 31 mpg in mixed driving so far. Im 63" and have plenty of room. Can fit in backseat no problem. Very sufficeint power with the 4 cyl.

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  Almost Perfect - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Howard Pedigo - September 21 - 10:30 pm

  Flawless engine & transmission performance. Plenty of power without sacrificing fuel economy,recent 800 mile trip= 27.6 mpg (actual miles divided by gallons, trip computer showed 28.3). Minimal wind/road noise. Outstanding driving position & visibility.Spacious and comfortable interior of high quality materials & workmanship. Flexible folding rear seats. Spacious trunk with full-size spare. Downside: p/steering is overboosted, tilt wheel has too little movement to be called a tilt wheel. Power window & door controls are not lighted at night.

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  Reliable Gas Saver - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By slfamily - September 21 - 8:30 pm

  We bought this car in January so we could have a nice little economy car to drive around. I had a lot of driving to do over the summer and our other vehicle is a Dodge Ram Quad Cab. It is one of my most favorite cars I have ever driven. It has surprised me more than once with its handling and efficiency. A great car if you do a lot of driving and spend many hours in your car. I like the manual shift, I get greater control and that is something this car in an automatic model would not produce on its own. The standard shift also gives me more MPG on the highway and in the city. I average about 38 mpg to 42 mpg on the highway. It has 15000 miles on it now, so as you can see, I love it.

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  Loving it - 2012 Toyota Sienna
  By anonymous38 - September 21 - 3:19 pm

  This car was an upgrade from our 2007 LE AWD model. I love this car. All of the nicer amenities are very well done. The steering is much nicer--not hard and trucky like our old one--and it handles well both on the highway and on country roads and city streets. The back up camera in the dash is very useful, something I didnt have before and wouldnt have thought I would like. The driver armrest is higher in this car than our old one, but it still bugs me that it is not adjustable apart from the seat back. The entertainment system is easy to use and keeps the kids happy. Love the side shades and the auto doors and back gate--I use all of those a lot.

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  The Prius is the best - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Gayle Fleming - September 21 - 1:23 pm

  Within a few days of buying the car I drove 405 miles to Charlotte NC from Arlington, Virginia and didnt fill the tank until I got there. Keep in mind that the tank is only 10 Gallons. I usually pay about $17 to fill it up--and gas is over $2 per gallon. I love the way the car drives. I feel like Im in a luxury car, so smoothe and comfortable is the ride. The size is great and 5 people can ride comfortably.