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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  Love That Toyota - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Jerry Fassio - November 27 - 6:30 pm

  We purchased a Highlander in April 2004 and have found the car really comfortable and great to drive. Maintance is at a minimum. It looks good and drives like a dream.

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  If you read this you will buy it - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By chrisl - November 27 - 5:23 pm

  Trust me, this is a very capable vehicle in all aspects. I usually dont write reviews, but in the case of the FJ I am making an exception. Like most of you, I did a lot of extensive research before I made my final vehicle decision. My advice would be not to get hung up on the negative reviews, and focus on the positive ones, itll save you a lot of wasted time. The blind spots are not as bad as some people say they are. The rear seats do fold all the way down. Road noise is not noticeable and the interior is quiet. This vehicle is extremely reliable, and capable of some astounding things. This vehicle has been tested to its limits and still scores big!

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  FJAMMER - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Jennifer - November 27 - 4:46 am

  I LOVE my new Sun Fusion yellow FJ Cruiser, better known as my FJAMMER, even as a 40 year old mother! It is comfortable, handles well and is a ton of fun to drive around town. The visibilty took some getting used to with the rear mounted tire and vertical outside mirrors, lack of viewing out the side windows, but nothing that I couldnt adjust to. The rear gear sonar is a big help when backing up. And how could I ever have another car without roof mounted speakers to spoil me.

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  Still in love three years later - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Bob - November 27 - 1:50 am

  I got my Prius, the everything-but-the-kitchen-sink version, in late October 2003. It now has 50K miles on it and has been absolutely flawless; the only time its been in the shop is for routine service every 5K miles, and for the rare-but-proactive service bulletins that are inevitable with a car this technologically sophisticated. Again, Ive never had so much as a hiccup in the three years of ownership, and Toyota clearly takes pride in its build quality. I drive a lot of urban freeways and surface streets with lots of stops, and have averaged 47mpg over the life of the car (with a semi-lead foot). There is no doubt in my mind the next car I get will be another Prius.

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  LOVING MY C-HR! - 2018 Toyota C-HR
  By J. Short - November 27 - 12:46 am

  This is odd, but my husband and I have also been loyal Jeep owners. We have owned Jeeps- everything from the new Cherokee, to Grand Cherokee (and still have a Wrangler) for the past 30+ years. I wanted a small crossover, and decided to go outside the Jeep family only after I first laid eyes on the CHR. I absolutely fell in love with the styling. At first glance I truly thought I would not be able to afford it, but was pleasantly surprised by the price tag. I have owned it for just over 2 weeks and really love the way it handles. Being used to the lower gear ratio of the Wrangler, the CHR feels like a speed demon. I would love to see this vehicle with a sun roof and navigation... I am hoping that they come out with these options. This is an awesome vehicle and I hope to be driving it for years to come!

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  A Fabulous Car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Sherry - November 26 - 7:50 pm

  I absolutely love my 2005 Prius. I find it is comfortable to ride in, even having had 3 fusions surgeries on my back. It is also fun to drive and has plenty of power. My best mileage so far was on the freeway when I got close to 50 mpg.

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  Great Vehicle - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By OMG - November 26 - 2:26 pm

  Really enjoying our Venza. Technology and bluetooth programming was easy and user friendly. Road noise is pronounced on the highway. The fit and finish is on the cheap plastic side and didnt line up evenly and required adjustment by dealer.

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  Toyota echo - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Brian - November 26 - 12:30 pm

  I would have to say that for a 17 year old this is really the best car that you could buy. With its 1.5 liter 4- cly. 108 hp. this echo can be a sprinty for a little car. I would take the echo over a focus, civic,and an accent. The echo has a TDI system (Toyota Direct Ignition system) which means that it eliminates the need for a distributor, spark plug wires, rotor, and a bigger muffler for better breating at higher revs. It also has six speakers, and a great sound system. This is an awesome car!!!

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  1 year and going strong - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Jane and John - November 26 - 2:13 am

  My wife and I are so happy that we wanted to give an update. We have had our hybrid 1 year and 20K miles later. The performance has been flawless. MPG averages 27, not bad given a lot of AC use in the south. Absolutely NO mechanical problems. As the gas prices rise, our happiness with this vehicle rises proportionally. Toyota quality so far so good and as advertised.

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  New to Toyota - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Bruce - November 25 - 11:56 pm

  This is my first Toyota, and hybrid. It is just fun to drive and try to beat the computer. Everyone I know asks to take it for a test drive. The smart key is great. The only time I take the key out is to get into my home. Living in Florida, You MUST tint the windows. The seats and instruments are nicely grouped and comfortable, Not the car for you if you are a smoker. The steering wheel controls are all convenient and even large passengers say they are comfortable in front or back seats. Great premium sound and extra phone or mp3 jacks. One word to describe this car is COMFORTABLE!