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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  I love it! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By jan - February 16 - 11:50 pm

  I drove all the Hybrids before deciding on the Prius, more options, comfort and design were superior. Also road noise is far better than the Honda. Seats are very comfortable. I have gone on two long trips already and have loved every minute. I have averaged between 52 and 72 MPG... very satisified. And RED IS the color! I have the option 4 package and it has all I need.

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  Longevity - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By Mark - February 16 - 4:00 am

  Traded a Nissan Frontier this car for the fuel mileage. First tank of gas was 38.5 mpg. Am going to upgrade all stereo components this coming week though the factory stuff is adequate. It gets up and goes for a small car. It is also much more quiet than a 2004 Camry that my wife drives. I can see already that I will get many miles out of this car

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  Tundra 4.7 4dr access cab - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By tundratude - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Just got it but LOVE IT!

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  toyota - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By lam ng - February 16 - 2:00 am

  reliable,outstanding resale,stylish,quality built,very good handling

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  Love my Yaris. - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By luvmyyaris - February 15 - 9:26 pm

  I have to say that I love my Yaris. It is sharp and economical. The gas mileage is good and the car has been very reliable thus far. Very reasonable price.

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  Believe the hype - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By SoldonHybrid - February 15 - 9:03 pm

  After reading multiple reviews, I decided to test drive the Camry. The first thing I noticed was the silence; this car is quiet. The only time you will really hear the engine is if you punch the accelerator. If you drive cautiously and conscientiously, slowly accelerating and decelerating, you will definitely get 38-39 MPG. Im averaging 500 miles to a tank. The extras: MP3 stereo, leather, sunroof, GPS, bluetooth make this by far the most geeked out car Ive owned. The ride is smooth, if not really exciting, but then again, on a long trip you wont be stopping for gas as much either ;). The hybrid batteries do take up some room in the trunk, but I can still fit a full size cooler in.

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  Solid Performer - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Westie_Lover - February 15 - 6:16 pm

  Ive run this car like no other. It has had a couple of minor problems but nothing major in 110K miles. Far and away the best car Ive ever owned. Body still tight and fuel economy great, even in stop-and-go traffic. Engine looks almost new.

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  Love So many things except... - 2013 Toyota RAV4
  By johnfrer - February 15 - 4:01 pm

  Bought my 2013 limited the end of June. This is a great car in so many ways. I know it will be reliable and I am already seeing the savings from my 04 explorer. 28mpg combined and 32 hwy. The power memory seats are great as is the auto liftgate. I would not have bought this car if it still had the sideways gate. The stereo is not great. actually it is bad. Too much sound up front and it is very bright and "scratchy" I have played with the controls endlessly. This is annoying as I love to listen to all kinds of music as I drive.

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  I LOVE MY MATRIX - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By NIN - February 15 - 10:56 am

  Car is excellent on gas.... great for moms like me with active kids.... big cargo for groceries. I downsized from the Toyota sienna... also an excellent auto... just too big for me... no more strollers or diaper bags to lug around... matrix doesnt look like the big wagon from the 70s. Nice and sporty for the on the go mom.

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  Hybrid Surprise - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By gro - February 14 - 10:56 pm

  I was amazed at how peppy the car is. I think it is because there is no drag on the motor from the Air Conditioner or the power steering, which are both run by electric motor. One of the best cars I have ever owned.