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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  Excellent quality - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By Ray - May 19 - 10:06 pm

  Had this car for over 13 years. No mechanical defects and 270,000 miles. Usually got around 28 mpg. It didnt have the pep that some later models had but it always got me where I needed to go.

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  best car ever - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By djennnings - May 19 - 10:02 pm

  I have always driven a truck or SUV, so I was a little afraid to get a car. With the gas prices so high now, I wanted to get something that was good on gas, and still had plenty of leg room. The Toyota Prius is the best choice. This car is super. It has plenty of room in it, so you do not get the feeling like you are driving a compact car, the gas mileage is unbelievable, and the price is outstanding. This is my first Toyota and I am very pleased. If you are looking for a smooth riding car with lots of room, an excellent price and gets great gas mileage, then the Toyota Prius is the way to go.

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  Bad! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Jessie D - May 19 - 8:06 pm

  I owned this car for three and a half years, used about 60,000 miles and it was awesome until it rained, snowed or was windy at all. I felt completely unsafe, and scared during any storm or driving on snow. The seats were decently sized, but hard as rocks. The gas mileage was the reason I bought it, and that stayed true to what was said about how great it was. I ended up buying a Honda SUV because this car scared me so much to drive even on a sunny day with lots of wind. I now feel so much safer, and would never purchase another small Toyota again.

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  94 Camry Wagon - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By RayX - May 19 - 3:03 pm

  After 11 years and 102,000 miles, the engine is still shiny. No leaks or emissions of any kind. Just replaced the starter -- the first mechanical problem weve had except for the antenna retracting mechanism.

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  Our 2004 Prius after 35K Miles - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By pjongbloed - May 19 - 12:20 pm

  Aside from the great fuel economy my wife and I really like our 2004 Salsa Red Prius. As we have learned to take advantage of the hybrid technology the average mileage has climbed from 45mpg to about 50 now with a lifetime average of about 48. It really does get 51mpg at 65mph on the freeway. The surround sound audio system is great. We got the 6-CD player system. My wife changed her cell phone to one with built in Blue Tooth technology so it could work with the Prius built in system. Our family is tall. Im 62. My wife is 6. And our 4 boys range from 63 to 65. All can sit in the back seat and have plenty of knee room with the front seats in normal position.

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  "Love my Yaris" - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By josie - May 19 - 11:13 am

  I love my Yaris, Im hoping a 2009 or 2010 is coming out, because I would like to get another one.The front seats needs more padding, because on long drives it gets uncomfortable. I love the power it has to get out in traffic, and the gas mileage. It is sporty and peppy i have had people to stop and ask me about my Yaris. I also like that it holds its value very well. I traded my Echo to this Yaris. I liked the Echos placement of the speedometer better where it was turn towards the driver, but I do love it in the center of the dash instead over the steering column. Im short, so Ive always had trouble trying to see the road because of speedometer being over the steering column.

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  Nice Investment - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Bryan - May 19 - 2:06 am

  I love my truck. We have used it for everything - family car to trailer puller. It has done great at everything and holds it value. I will continue to trade my other car, but I will not get rid of my Tundra. I was afraid of imports, but it may be the only way to go. The quality and the little things are so good.

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  251,000 Miles and still going! - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By Bowdoctor - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 4th Toyota in 1996 and still have it today! It has 251,000 miles and still looks good! Burns some oil about 1 quart per 700 miles. You can check the body out too, no rust! I live in Michigan and you know the winters here!

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  Consumer - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By princessara - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Overall the car is wonderful, however a v6 would fit the vehicle much better.

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  My best car to date - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By REofOregon - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I love this vehicle. Its comfortable for passengers and has plenty of trunk space even though its a 2 door. Its a very quiet, comfortable ride on the highway. My only critique is the inability to hug a tight turn. Otherwise, its a great car for a single or small family buyer.