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:

• 

  Great Car - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Vetteman_LT4 - June 18 - 2:00 am

  The Prius has been a great car for the last two years I have owned it. My car is a 2001 and has around 50,000 miles. I have owned many cars such as Jaguars, Corvettes, Cadillacs. This is one very unique car. I bought the car new and have never had a problem. It is a great running car. No one believes me when I said I have had it up to 100mph just to see if it would do it.

• 

  Not too big/not too little/just right - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Gigi - June 18 - 2:00 am

  I had a 2001 Celica I loved but I needed more room with new granddaughter. The RAV4 is great. I had a Durango and it was too big and the RAV is roomy but not overpowering. I purchased the sport package in the graphite pearl and everyone thinks its sharp.

• 

  The best economy car out there - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Matrix - June 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought it a few months after it came out. It has power! The interior is very roomy for an economy car. Im 59 and I have plenty of room. On cold sunny days I go for rides because I love this car so much and it takes forever to go through a tank of gas. The LE model is gorgeous with wood interior and plush feeling seats. I adore this car and am truly grateful it updated this car. It doesnt drive, look, or feel like an economy car except for my insurance rates, my car payments, and my gas usage!

• 

  Love this car! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By kchuskermom - June 18 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our Sienna last weekend and we absolutely love it. Toyota has given this family everything it could want in a minivan and more. We have spent the week thinking of reasons to drive it! I love the looks, the feel and definitely the safety of this van. It is very fun to drive and is LOADED with features that make it the most convenient car Ive ever driven. Worth every penny and more!

• 

  I heart yaris, I hate cupholders - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By michelle in valencia - June 18 - 1:06 am

  When I see another Yaris owner driving nearby, I just want to "high-five" them. The gas mileage is great, and it is NOT sluggish on the grapevine (you know what I mean) and the cupholders and aux jack are terrible but forgiveable. My friends all love it. However, if youre in the wind, just BE EXTRA CAREFUL. I came from a huge suv to this little car so just be aware that you cant drive it the same. U-turns are the best now. Parking? Yeah, buddy! Racing? Not so much. Toyota, if youre reading this, change a bunch of stuff!! Then give me another one! I heart Yaris!

• 

  Take the HIGHLANDer - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Romo - June 17 - 11:43 pm

  What else would you expect from Toyota? The Highlander has the legendary quality and performance in a package that also has the SUV look without having to pay the price in ride or economy.

• 

  Lots of car for the money - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By mp - June 17 - 6:33 pm

  Beautiful ride and nice and quiet. I added the VSC and moon roof. My former car was a 2002 Concorde LXI and so far the Avalon is far superior in every way. Taking long drives is a pleasant experience. I also have gottem almost 31 mpg on interstate trips.

• 

  04 Sienna LE 7-passenger - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By jrobey747 - June 17 - 5:21 pm

  My wife and I recently purchased a used 04 Sienna w/122,000 miles on it. I didnt think twice about buying this Sienna because of Toyotas reliabilty (we also own a 02 Camry w/175,000 miles on it). The model we got is the LE 7-passenger w/leather interior. It is a very comfortable vehicle to ride in and fun to drive, even though its a minivan. Other than some slight vibration in the dash the Sienna drives like new, very smooth and quiet. My wife loves the right rear sliding door that opens w/a push of a button. Although, I have heard of many instances when the chain breaks in that power sliding door being a costly repair (over $1400 I believe). We love the minivan life!

• 

  An excellent little car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By GaS - June 17 - 3:10 pm

  Pro: 38-42MPG, peppy, looks like a million bucks, comfortable ride, Toyota reliablity, lots of room (esp trunk). Con: really poor stock tires, squeaks and rattles, no variable wipers, no telescoping steering wheel, butter-soft paint and windshield. I love this car. Its economical, has a strong engine, and is very stylish (IMO). Since everyone gushes over new cars, Ill say that the OEM tires are complete JUNK, the paint is so soft you need 3M protector on within the first 50 miles, the windsheild looks sandblasted after 8000 miles, and I have various small squeaks and rattles here and there. That said, those problems are not nearly enough for me to not love this car.

• 

  SAVED MY LIFE - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By miracl - June 17 - 2:40 pm

  I financed this car with my Mom in early April, it was my second car. One morning after I picked up my friend for school, I was smashed/tBoned by a 2012 Yukon that was going 70 and ran a red light, at a 45 mph zone, my car was sent flying into another car. This car was TOTALED. No roof, no doors, blown up tires, and no seats. I WALKED away with a scratched up face from hitting my window on impact, but I had NO broken bones, my best friend had 7, and is WALKING with a broken pelvis/hip. Doctors/Witnesses said they have no idea how we survived this accident, if it wasnt for this camry, we would have been dead, Thank you Toyota, You SAVE lives. Get this car for your kid parents its a lifesavef