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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  One month review - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Susan - May 6 - 4:13 pm

  I love my new Camry. I thought I would miss my Pathfinder, but the Camry is so much fun to drive. It drives like a sports car, but looks like a sedan. It is a very solid car and the pick up is just great. It is very roomy and the trunk is huge ( a Sopranos trunk, three bodies). I was choosing between an Altima and the Camry and I know I made the better choice. The Camry has a much better, higher quality look and feel. I have been getting 24 mpg so far.

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  Love Our 4Runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Hell on Wheels - May 5 - 4:26 pm

  Bought New 12/31/2002 Fully Loaded with V8. Buying fully loaded made it essentially a Lexus GX 470 without the SNOB quotient - also it wasnt even available at the time. It is "pricey" when fully loaded - But worth it if you want the power seats - F/T all wheel drive and an excellent all around family automobile without having a minivan.

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  Ultimate SUV - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Jim Sappington - May 5 - 1:23 pm

  We got what we wanted, a "just right" size SUV, fun to drive, good on gas and well made.

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  Love It, but Takes Learning to Drive - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Bradley Rymoh - May 4 - 7:40 pm

  I truly love this car. My mileage in suburban Maryland averages 45 to 46 mpg -- a little less than EPA, but still double what I got with my Forester, so I am very happy. I have two small complaints. It seems not to turn as tightly as other cars Ive owned, making parking in tight spaces tough. And with its keyless power button and unique transmission, I am not comfortable giving to a valet to park, so when I visit my clients office I need to park a short walk away rather than in the valet lot right outside her building.

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  2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Jerry G - May 4 - 1:36 pm

  I had a 2002 Avalon and was thinking of buying a new 2008 when I looked at the Camry Hybrid. The trunk is the only really comedown, after owning one for 3 months now, its the best car I have ever had. Quiet, roomy & comfortable, stylist, 37-40 mpg, and a lot of creature comforts. You wont be disappointed.

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  Prius happy owner - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Ron F Sheets - May 4 - 1:03 pm

  I am very happy with my prius purchase my wife loves it even more than me for the great overall view she has. Loves how easy it is to see the outside. Love the fuel economy although it is not as good as advertised but it is great. Love the smart key system so ingenious. Wife no longer has to find her keys just locate her purse. No complaints on any of the car.

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  My favorite car ever - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Kate - May 4 - 9:40 am

  In the last ten years Ive owned a Subaru Outback, a Volvo wagon, a Honda Element, and now this little Rav, and it is by FAR my favorite car ever. I love the lumbar support in the seats, the Euro-style look of the dash and the way the dash lights dim automatically when I turn the headlamps on, the way my body is situated in the seat in relation to the windscreen and moonroof, the fantastic visibility, the way it maneuvers on the road, and that it can fit my whole family and I can still park in compact spaces in the city. Mine is the automatic L series with leather interior, sea foam green and tan leather, prettier than it sounds. I would buy it again in a second.

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  Yes, this truck is great - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By geordy818 - May 3 - 11:30 pm

  This truck has great power, it is stable anywhere thanks to the limited slip differential and it is pretty fast.

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  Red hot 2016 Prius - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Barbara Martin - May 3 - 3:52 pm

  We traded in our 2008 Prius, it had all bells and whistles, low miles. Nothing wrong. Reason we traded was because of the safety features. We are very pleased with those features. Our old vehicle had more up front storage, but, not as much fun to drive. This is a great little car, that gets great gas mileage to boot!

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  My Wonderful Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By woele - May 3 - 12:50 pm

  I went for the 2 door hatchback, manual, convenience package only. I was looking for a cheap, brand new car, and I got more than I ever thought I would. Being the most basic package, theres not a whole lot of extra safety features, but I almost feel like I dont need them. Handling is excellent; it is as responsive as I figured for a 106 hp engine. The interior doesnt feel cheap and I enjoy all of the extra compartments. Everyone who has gotten in it for the first time is amazed at how much room there really is. Everything I brought down with me for school fit in the Yaris (bed, desks, a bike, shelves, etc). Highly recommended for someone looking for a new, cheap car thats great to drive.