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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  Do Not buy it, if you are a highway crusier - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By path - February 22 - 12:43 pm

  This car is OK for local driving, and it can haul stuff from Ikea when back seats folded down. It is quick from 0-30, and is quite slow beyond that. So, plan ahead when merging into busy highway. MPG has been bad so far with 15K mikes, 20 for city and 27-31 on highway at 80 mph. The biggest problem is noise. Annoying at 65mph, and unbearable at 80 mph. It takes many hours to recover from dizziness after 2-3 hours driving. I recently found a trick to deal with the noise - ear plugs, inspired by a coworker who works in a room with 2-3 hard working pumps used to create near absolute zero (0K) temperature.

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  What a fun car! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By jjrigadoon - February 22 - 10:56 am

  We wanted an economical 2nd vehicle; my daughter had purchased a Yaris sedan and loved it. We checked it out (high cute factor) and went with it for the great Toyota reputation and the fact that it won "Car of the Year" in Europe one year. It has turned into our 1st vehicle, not the 2nd. My husband and I both love to drive it, so the SUV sits in the driveway a lot. We got the 5 speed, manual. It has plenty of power... a requirement of mine for getting on the interstates.

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  Civic Hybrid vs. Prius - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By civictoprius - February 22 - 4:29 am

  Having traded in a 2005 Civic Hybrid after putting over 150,000 miles on it and have been driving Hondas for 20 years, I purchased a 2010 Prius II. The new versions of the Hybrid Civic can not come close in MPG. After having the Prius for months and 7000 miles I can report the Prius rides better, is more powerful (in regular and PWR mode) more stable on the road, quiter, and is more roomy. with at least 50 MPG commuting and carpooling over 130 miles per day. The late versions of this model only goes to 9 mph in EV mode and not 25 mph as advertised.

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  Looking to trade in - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By pa driver - February 22 - 12:50 am

  Toyo tires are horrible! stopping in snow/ice is nearly impossible. the steering is a little hard to get use to while trying to stay straight on highway. it has plenty of power and smooth shifting. too many rattles in the dashboard that is driving me crazy, gets worse in the winter

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  Toyota Prius never lets me down - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Musikflier - February 21 - 9:46 pm

  Would you like at least 10 hours more free time per year? The time saved by not having to go to the gas station as often is worth the extra premium of having a Prius. The mileage is terrific (avg. 48 mpg in a hilly region), the ride is very quiet, and the bells and whistles are a joy to interact with. Burning less fuel is great for my wallet, my time, and eventually for the next generation.

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  Great car gets even better. - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Ray - February 21 - 7:16 pm

  Smooth, powerful and lots of nicities. This is my second Avalon after three Mercedes and this car in better in every respect than the Mercedes; especially quality.

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  Larger interior, great ride, good looks - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Wes - February 21 - 2:46 pm

  The limited is a good quiet ride. Its really a van disguised as an SUV. Goes in a straight line very well. The interior is roomy and near luxury with leather. Drove and looked at many SUVs and waited for this model to come out. So far, we are glad we did. Averaged 27mpg on last highway trip at 70mph. Runs on regular, engine likes methanol. Beautiful exterior, build quality excellent. Automatic rear door might be a real plus on this SUV. Engine somewhat loud at cold start up, you can hear those 24 valves! Goes away quickly. Bluetooth phone dial by number is not very easy to use but speed dial works very well. This car was more expensive than others we tested, but worth it.

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  Great Car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Jack - February 21 - 10:20 am

  The Toyota Prius is the greatest car we have ever owned. We traded in a Ford Escape Hybrid and the Prius gets much better gas mileage and is much quieter and fun to drive. It has everything a Lexus has, for half the price. My wife was in a head-on crash that totaled our first Prius and it did a fantastic job protecting the everyone inside. The car was totaled.

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  Best Truck on the Street! - 2013 Toyota Tundra
  By txiong71 - February 21 - 8:33 am

  Just recently purchased this truck back in July 2013 and I got to say its the best vehicle yet! Averaging 17mpgs (still trying to get use to as I use to have a Rav4 and a corolla).

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  Ride on the Edge of America - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By bill geery - February 21 - 3:28 am