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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  Great Car! - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Don - December 9 - 8:23 am

  We have just had our Corolla for three week but my wife and I really like the car. We just returned from out first road trip and averaged 38 mpg! Our first tank of gas with city driving got 29 mpg. The car is very quiet, handles great and is fun to drive. We were looking for a balance of safety, fuel efficiency and reliability. We tested the Civic, Mazda 3, Hyundai Elantra, and a number of midsized cars. We also liked the Honda Civic but being 63" I felt I had more room in the Corolla. Yes, the electronic steering is a tad sensitive but we got use to it very quickly. With over 30 million Corollas sold world wide, it is now the best selling car in the world.

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  Bigger and better mileage - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Skiller - December 9 - 12:33 am

  I traded up from 97 4 runner, and this Bigger 04 has extra seating, wider interior, larger engine, and the mileage is better than the smaller V-6 from 1997! I average 20 city, and 22- 24 on road! Great large size 4 runner, but I miss the sport car fell of the smaller body! I find the heat and air are not evenly distributed, so that needs to be fixed by Toyota. Overall still a stylish SUV than grabs your attention, very quiet ride, nice power curve for towing.

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  Toyota Corolla is a little "workhorse"! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Jp - December 8 - 3:56 pm

  What an all around great compact that will last 300,000 miles +.

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  2008 Highlander Sport Disappointment - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By SS Bee - December 7 - 10:56 pm

  First 2001 Highlander was superior to my 2008. Poor visibility. Seat is so uncomfortable hate to drive for any length of time. 2008 does not handle as well as prior model. No traction in the snow. Mine is an AWD 6 cyl. Interior parts fall off. Very disappointed with 2008 Highlander.

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  Not as good as past models. - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By NJGirl - December 7 - 9:00 pm

  This is my third 4Runner 1996, 2004 and 2010. I think that as time goes by Toyota is not living up to the quality that I am used too. By far the 1996 was the best vehicle. I do not like the doors unlocking on the 2010 as soon as the car is in park. I drive by myself long distance and I hate the fact that the doors automatically open. Also not happy about the running boards. I am 52" for crying out loud it is a challenge to get into the vehicle. I wont put anything on the truck unless it is a certified Toyota part. Interior has its problems the head rest doesnt lock into place and that becomes annoying. Oh yeah one more thing the horn on the 2010 is like a horn that belongs on Tercel.

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  Driving on Empty - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By Tammy - December 7 - 2:23 pm

  What more can I say, I got this car to save gas and thats what its doing! And it has the Toyota name to back up the reliability! Ive owned 4 Toyotas now (still have 3 of them). I did trade my Matrix in for the 2001 Prius.

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  2006 4 cyl camry - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By captjack - December 7 - 2:13 pm

  this is my first Toyota and I am very pleased after the first yr, 15000 miles. no warranty issues whatsoever. car runs great on the highway at 75mph and the 4 cyl engine provides plenty of power.

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  2008 RAV4 - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By jb - December 7 - 12:23 pm

  I just got married and wanted something slightly bigger than a sedan (previous car was a 1994 Accord coupe). We test drove the Rogue, CR-V, Tucson, Vibe, and RAV4. We wanted something that was versatile, reliable, and gets good mileage. The 4-cyl gives good acceleration, but can be noisy. Leg room is good enough (Im 61"). We live in a snowy climate but dont need the AWD. Very happy so far, would buy again.

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  LOVE my Camry - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Angela Walters - December 7 - 11:46 am

  I LOVE the Camry. I purchased my second Camry in Dec of 2004. I had a 1996 Camry and traded it in for a 2005. And if you have not noticed the Camry is basicly the exact same car as the Lexus GS300 with minor changes (of course with comparable options). Just can not say enough about the Camry. It is definetly worth the money and more. To me there is no reason to even buy the V6. The 4 cylinder Camry performs great. Just love it love it love it.

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  Exellent - 1996 Toyota Celica
  By gelpija - December 7 - 10:00 am

  The car is in excelent condition. Service has been provided regularly by dealer. The car is economic in fuel use and has not required any type of major repair