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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  Like the car - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By prius driver - July 30 - 5:03 am

  Its been a fun car to drive. You can get hooked on trying to beat your best mpg. Traded Lexus GS 300 and Im not sorry. Averaging 53 mpg in mixed driving. Quiet ride, almost calming, a liberating feeling.

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By lisaw243 - July 29 - 10:18 pm

  bought with 100,000 miles, very clean car, few months later front rotors went bad, was told this was last time they could be turned, few months later, a top motor mount, now the transmossion mount, $ 114 just for the part , backs struts are having thumping noise issues going over bumps very slowly, rack and pinion boot is shredded for some reason, headliner is starting to come loose in the back, the car has been well taken care of before and during the year and half I have owned it. Interior is great, fantastic console, very comfortable, mine has 8 airbags, so i have the extra safety feeling on the road, not sure if i should keep fixing things or trade it off? fun to drive, great on gas

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  Wonderful Car - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By H. Hart - July 29 - 9:10 pm

  My 1999 Solara SE V6 is a WONDERFUL car! For a first car, I thought it was too nice for me! I love the roominess of the two front seats and even the back seats. The sunroof is awesome and I love the one touch button that opens/closes or tilts it! Since this car is a Toyota, it´s going to be very reliable. I absolutely love the HUGE trunk! Everything is running smoothly with this car and my little sister can´t wait ´til she can drive it when I pass it down to her.

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  109,300 miles, 11 years - reliable, but not as long lasting as other Toyota cars - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By techguy5 - July 29 - 8:12 pm

  Have had this car since 2004 CPO buy -- early adopter on hybrid technology. Excellent reliability, with caveats. MPG ranged from 45 to 50 MPG in the first 4-5 years -- huge money saver for someone commuting in heavy Los Angeles traffic. Main hybrid battery replaced under warranty around 80K just under 10 year warranty; again replaced battery around 90K after replacement battery saw failed battery cell (replaced by Toyota out of warranty, no charge, for failure analysis @ factory). Currently getting 39 to 45 MPG -- but have had an unexplained failure to start. No other major repairs. Great car, but dont think will get it to the 250K+ you can get from other non-hybrid Toyotas.

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  The Best SUV In The World - 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Paul Carlson - July 29 - 3:16 pm

  I have owned and driven every high end SUV in the World and the Toyota Land Cruiser is hands down the winner.

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  Great Truck! - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By execellent truck - July 28 - 3:36 pm

  I have owned many different SUVs over the years, this is without a doubt the best Ive ever owned. I had a Chev Blazer, Chev Tahoa, Ford Explorer, Ford Expedition and Jeep. Nothing compares to the quality of the truck. I have not had any problems in 35,000 miles. I would definitely recommend the SUV to anyone needing this type of vehicle.

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  The King of Sport Utilities - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By 4WD Aficionado - July 28 - 7:33 am

  Forget about the hype from other manufacturers who claim to be the best, the original, professional grade, etc. The Toyota Landcruiser is the best built, most durable, full- size sport utility vehicle on the planet. It is sold on every continent because it can handle anything you throw at it. How does your unibody Cayenne/ML/X5 hold up to the rigors of Afghanistan? Thought so. The LC is great off road, rides very well on road, and the 320 ft. lbs. of torque is plenty. (Dont buy into the horsepower hype, people -- its torque that you want.) If you want a sports car, buy a 911 or a Corvette, not a SUV wannabe. Buy the Landcruiser, and with the money you save, get a used Boxster!

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  Highlander Hybrid - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By skip1 - July 27 - 11:16 pm

  It is a fun SUV to drive currently with 325 mile I get 30.3 mpg. The only bad feature is the small third row seat which would be ok for young children, but not for adults. The navagation system and other updates from the original Prius for monitoring the car are so much more advanced, Including a calendar for memos etc. It is a very comforable SUV

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  Safe SUV - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Nancy - July 27 - 8:26 pm

  I have resisted buying an SUV for years. However, I find that I really enjoy driving my new Highlander. It sits up higher than my previous car, but not too high. My 80 year old mother can get into it easily. It is a pleasure to drive.

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  I LOVE my FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By 1DresFJ - July 27 - 10:20 am

  Bought the FJ two days ago and had to drive 170 miles back home. I had fun driving all the way back. After getting used to the blind spots and limited visibility through the rear window, I actually settled down and was cruising up to 75 on the road. It is mostly quiet, civilized and runs alongside many higher priced SUVs. My kids love the back seats and the suicide doors to get into the back. Overall fun factor would have to be a 9.5!