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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  My dream car - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Belstar - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Drove my Ford Aerostar for 14 years and 250,000 miles. Replaced it with the Sienna and I love it. Plan to drive this one even longer. Epitome of style and comfort. Transitions from a luxury ride for a night out with guests, to a workhorse - loaded down with suitcases and dog equipment and pulling a trailer filled with everything needed to put on a field trial 500 miles away.

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  2004 Toyota Camry XLE - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By labassist - May 28 - 10:00 am

  We purchased a 2004 Toyota Camry XLE in May of 2004. We have owned the Toyota brand before and were pleased with it reliability. To date, this vehicle has not disappointed us--it drives like a dream--no road noise, superior sound quality in the upgraded stereo system, very comfortable and room, power seats very easy to adjust in many different positions. Gas mileage has been as rated and interior design is very easy to get used to--the radio/cd/cassette controls are within easy reach. Auto temperature control feature is an excellent way to remain comfortable while driving. The direction indicator in the rear view mirror is also very helpful.

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  the best - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By dmbc - May 28 - 10:00 am

  best car toyota has made in a long time.

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  Why pay more? - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By rvp - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Very comparable to older Camrys Ive owned. A real big reliable small car that provides excellent basic transportation.

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  Fabulous Car, highly recommend - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Sandy - May 28 - 7:16 am

  I bought a 2006 Prius in February of this year. I previously drove a Toyota Highlander. I am so happy with my decision. I have not once wished for my Highlander back and am relieved when I go to fill up at (currently) $3.12 per gallon that I will average 45 mpg.

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  99% perfect - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Bill - May 28 - 5:10 am

  Bought the car in December for my wife and we love it. Just finished a 16 hour drive and stepped out feeling great! Most comfortable car I have ever driven (I am 67). It hauls 4 people and golf clubs with no problem. We have the Blizzard Pearl and it really draws the looks and comments.

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  Hesitation - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Linda - May 28 - 2:50 am

  This is my 4th Toyota, 2nd HL. 1st HL was a 2002 4cyl. Loved it so much that we decided to upgrade to a 2006 6 cyl Limited model. Boy what a mistake. It has no more power than the 4 cyl & the way it drives & shifts is such a disappointment. When I slow down it jerks like I missed a gear and then when you go to accelerate, there is such a hesitation that you dont know if it is going to go or just die. It really scares me when Im in traffic. Ive told the service dept about this for two years. 1st they said nothing was wrong, then they said it was a flaw in the chip & they had a new update that would fix that. That didnt work. Now they say it is normal & that thats the way it brain works.

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  So Far, a Great Decision. - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By SamS. - May 27 - 11:46 pm

  First Toyota Ive ever owned. Great experience so far. Interior design has a fresh, crisp look. Plastic seems a little on the cheap side, but the panels fit together nicely. Full function of the interior lights takes some time to figure out. Excellent visibility, terrific head lights, and one of the best suspensions Ive ever had on a vehicle. Steering is utterly effortless, almost freakishly so. Has a wonderfully tight turning radius for a vehicle of this size. Stow and go seats in rear are a snap to work, and function well. So big and roomy on the inside that my daughter now frequently requests to go play in it! Plenty of engine, and a butter-smooth transmission to boot.

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  So far a fantastic econimic family car - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By sunburst metallic - May 27 - 10:03 pm

  We bought this car last month. We have only had it for about two weeks, but because of a move we have already put over 2k miles on it. We made 3 400 mile drives within a week on it, and I have to say wow. We avg about 32 mpg on the freeway. I am not a slow driver either. Avg speed was about 75 mph. A lot of time spent cruising at 80 mph. The car has decent pick up and go, it is not a race car, but it is enough to be comfortable. We have two young children that fit comfortably in the back seat with plenty of room. Though the Mazda 3 was more fun to drive, this won out because it was so much more practical. A perfect family car for those that want room with out driving an suv or minivan.

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  Good car so far - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By john - May 27 - 9:00 pm

  Bought this car new in 2006. Currently have about 27,000 miles on it. No problems at all. Fuel economy is great. took it on a long trip (4500 miles in 21 days) from PA to Rocky mountain national park and up to Yellowstone and back again. Car preformed very well on the hills and 70 mph on the interstates with AC on. So far, not one glitch. Shooting for 150000 on this baby!!