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 this car! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Jake - October 14 - 5:00 am

  So far, so good. Recently took this car to the East Coast and back from California and had absolutely no problems. The SE provides a smooth, extremely quiet ride, and the 4- cylinder provides all the power I need. The body has a sportier, more compact look than in years previous and I was immediately taken by its appearance when seeing it at the dealership-- didnt realize it was a Camry at first. Because of the miles put on the car in this recent trek across the country have had it serviced already...the Toyota dealerships Ive worked with have been courteous, professional, and attentive. Proud to be part of the Toyota family now.

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  We love our twins - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Angela - October 14 - 4:10 am

  We actually own 2 06 Prii, changing over from a minivan and a 4Runner, we are loving the gas mileage. I expected to miss the cargo space but so far have not at all. Even after a wk long vacation. I avg about 45 and DH avg about 50. I tend to take shorter trips. This vehicle has changed the way we both drive having your mpg showing on the MFD makes you very conscious of what you are doing. We continually get asked about our cars and can say nothing bad about them. Oddly there are now 3 or 4 in my color in our area and we seem to have a commrodery even though I have never met these people. Highly recommended this car is great for people in all walks of life, college grad to retired.

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  Great car! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By USMC - October 13 - 10:40 pm

  This is a great car! I am averaging 50 MPG in combined city / highway driving. The GPS navigation system is great. The stereo has good sound quality, the interior is large enough to seat adults in the back seats, and the acceleration is suprisingly good. Get the "package six" options package - it costs a few bucks but makes the driving experience great. The only negative is the seats (hard, no lumbar support, no electric controls), but a set of Wet Okole seat covers makes them comfortable and better looking.

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  Exactly what I wanted - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By tacoma200 - October 13 - 7:16 pm

  I wanted a simple, reliable, comfortable, economical auto. The Yaris is perfect for the job. Great looks, Toyota dependability, excellent fuel economy and I think it handles well. Im not comparing it to models with lots of options so my rating reflect this. I didnt want abs or electronic stability control (ESC). That doesnt take the place of a good driver.

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  99 PreRunner Taco - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jesse A - October 13 - 3:43 am

  I bought this Tacoma thinking I would only use it a few years but this baby with the 2.7L motor is rock solid! I did add Bilsteins/headers/Cat-Back exhaust and this baby purrs. The biggest plus on this vehicle is that its reliable and keeps on going. My only wish is that more aftermarket items would be available for the 4 cyl. Right now I have 150k on mine and it runs like it was brand new. Great vehicle and worth every penny I paid for it.

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  Fun to Drive - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By J. A. Dean - October 12 - 10:56 pm

  This vehicle is fun to drive. Toyota knows how to make a sedan sporty, solid and economical. Fit and finish are top quality. Everything worked the first time and everytime since then. The ride is smooth and the automobile is very quiet. I love the leg room in the back seat and the reclining back seat is just an added plus. Cruising back from Las Vegas last year I got 32.3 MPG when I had it on cruise control. What a great automobile to own and drive!

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  Prius IV - Great Experience Since August 2010 - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By grimey2 - October 12 - 8:40 pm

  I reviewed this cars traits as compared to other hybrids presently on the market. In "Power" mode, plenty of pickup is always available. Its like driving a regular Corolla (has the same engine) but I find "Eco" is perfect for every situation. Leather seats are high quality/durable & dash layout is easy to read. Nice XM radio & BT interface for handsfree - works well. Agree with center console squeaks. While worse in cold wx, UNSAT for a Toyota. Have had no issues mechanically/otherwise with regen brakes, lurching, etc. 45-50 Avg city/hwy - love it

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  Outstanding all-around SUV - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Timothy Howes - October 12 - 5:40 pm

  Replaced a 2000 Isuzu Trooper. Was going to buy a smaller vehicle, but when I drove the 4Runner I was sold. Amazing ride and handling, yet very capable off-road. Fuel economy for body-on-frame SUV has been very reasonable at 22-23 mpg on highway, 18 mpg in town. Towing is impressive even with V-6. Tows my 4,500lb boat fairly easily. I like the fact that this is a no-bling vehicle that does what its supposed to do without excuses.

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  Great van - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By RR - October 12 - 2:46 pm

  Great van with lots of power. Other minivans that Ive driven (Dodge, Kia) struggled going up hills or at high speeds. The Sienna handles beautifully. The power doors are a very inexpensive option on the LE and are great. If you are looking for an 8 passenger minivan, Sienna is the best option. Most other minivans dont offer 8 seats. The Honda Odyssey does, but it has a very weird half-size 8th seat.

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  Fun to Drive - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Rico - October 12 - 11:00 am

  The XRS model is just fun to drive. It moves when you need to move. The 6- speed is the way to go with this vehicle. Great steering that handles well.