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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  LOVE THE CAR...HATE THE BUMPY RIDE!!! - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By wjfun - May 16 - 2:42 pm

  I purchased my car in Nov 2011, didnt notice the bumpy ride right away. I love everything about the car except the ride. Ive been told its the tires. Does anyone else have this problem and if so what have you done about it? I hate to spend the money on new tires and that does not solve the problem. Although I have read other blogs and people have complained of the bumpy ride....great car but I want a smoother ride....HELP!!! wjfun

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  I will always own a Prius - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By Johnny Wang - May 16 - 5:06 am

  Bought my 2012 in 2011 brand new to replace an Infiniti G35. Was tired of wasting $350 in premium gas each month with all the driving that I do. My brother convinced me to get a Prius so I figured I would give it a try. I am hooked. It is a wonderful feeling to know you can go anywhere you want and gas will never be an excuse not to go. The car has really held up through all the miles and 4 minor accidents I was involved in. I took a look at the brake pads at 115,000 miles and they were only worn down halfway. Thats ridiculous. My G35 needed new brakes every 60k miles. All I do is change the oil & filter after 10k miles. Gas it up and go. Tires cost me about $260 every 3 years. I also take my Prius up to the mountains for snowboarding. I have studded tires and my car can pretty much go everywhere the Subarus and SUVs go. Have not had any issues with the battery pack but I already set aside $1500 from the gas savings over the last 6 years to replace it with a remanufactured one when it does fail. Everything still works on the car like brand new, the only things I have replaced are the headlight bulbs. I will always have a Prius. They are pretty much bulletproof.

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  New 2011 Prius owner - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By wizard10 - May 16 - 2:16 am

  I bought a 2011 Prius 3 3 weeks ago and I love it. I wanted to post here for others that might be looking and save a step. I bought the Prius because of my 150 mile daily commute and had prevoiusly owned a FORESTER. As much as the Forester is a great car I was avg 24 miles and filling up 3 times a week. The Prius is great to drive, comfortable for a 6 ft person, great gas mileage.. the car is easier to get into than the Forester, seats are firmer than the forester.. Anyway, I looked at the new Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and it does not compare..main reason besides gas is the trunk- the battery takes up so much space that you only have 10 sq ft of space- you cant put anything in there.

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  Best car I ever owned. - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Bernie Neumann - May 16 - 12:13 am

  Comfortable car which performs well. Repair costs were minimal, and fuel economy is great.

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  A pleasure - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By feesey - May 15 - 10:06 pm

  This truck surpasses my 2 previous Toyota trucks in comfort and features, inside and out. Last Toyota was a 99 SR5 4x4. After 10 great years, lost to the 08 frame recall for which I was reimbursed . No other vehicle was better in its class. Looking at fuel prices and my new status as a senior, a modest baseline, 4x4 4 banger was my choice. I tested heavily before I bought, steep mountain grades on gravel to blacktop straightaways with 1/4 ton of clay aboard (quite a sight at the dealership!). Pleasantly surprised at power and agility. The 2.7-4 really performs, unexpectedly quiet, watch the tach. Front transmission is now on a switch - nice touch. Cab is roomy.

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  Fantastic! - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Mike - May 15 - 7:26 pm

  I wasnt looking for anything flashy - just a reliable, efficient, decent- looking car. Ive always been pleased with Toyotas, but this one is by far the best Ive owned. Ive driven my Corolla from Texas to Manitoba to New York and loved every mile of it. No mechanical problems whatsoever. My gas mileage has averaged 33-36 city any 39- 42 highway. (I even got 46 mpg from one tank - highway driving across Kansas.) This car gives a really smooth ride and is a good value for the price. The heat and A/C really crank. I spent summer in TX & winter in NY and was always comfortable. Several friends of mine laughed at me for buying a Toyota until they rode in it and wished they had one of their own.

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  Excellence - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By tony - May 15 - 5:46 pm

  Toyota blew away the competition with this one! In every aspect they have been innovative and held nothing back. Tows like a dream, accelerates and stops better than any other half ton and handles great on/off road. The crewmax is the way to go for cruising comfort.

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  No Complaints - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By No Complaints - May 15 - 3:40 pm

  I purchased my 2003 4Runner SR5 V8 with 16,000 miles. It now has 105,000 miles and every mile has been a pleasure. This vehicle has only required normal maintenance. I have had no major problems or expenses. I will probably keep it until it turns 200,000 miles and still enjoy it. The V8 is silky smooth, the transmission is solid and trustworthy and this model still looks good.

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  Good gas milage - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Frank - May 15 - 3:13 pm

  I purchased the car used from the original owner with 136,000 miles on it. I have driven it on several 180+ trips and always get 40+ MPG on the freeway. It is a peppy 5 speed manual. I can shift 1-3-5 on a normal start up with no problem. CON. It has a small growling roar on the highway. It is not the engine or transmission which I tested by coasting at high speeds. Also it is not stable in a high cross wind. It is a very clean used car without any signs of the 136K mi. on the speedometer. I have gotten used to the center speedometer but could use a better lighting system in the cluster. Overall Im well pleased with it. On

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  Dans Car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Dan - May 15 - 11:00 am

  Bigger than what I expected. A quiet and comfortable ride. Gets out into traffic with ease. More power than I thought a Hybrid would have. Just a fun car to drive. My first tank of gas got 48 MPG.