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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  Best investment made - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Jon - September 27 - 9:46 pm

  The Prius is even better then the hype. The smart key feature is an added safety feature, especially for women drives and hanles very well, surprising pick up, only drawback, is that you do not get to meet your friends at the gas pump that often. very quiet ride

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  BEST CAR ON THE MARKET FOR THE $$ - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Mommi - September 27 - 8:56 pm

  I recently traded in my 03 Corolla S for an 05. I thought the 03 was outstanding! The 05 is even better! I love this car, it has power, space and style. I am 24 and have a 2 year old. When purchasing this car I took into consideration the safety, reliability and of course overall look. It has a sporty exterior with all the comforts of a family sedan. Plus the price cant be beat for the quality!! I recommend this car to anyone!

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  Enjoyable to Drive - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By john - September 27 - 6:56 pm

  I had a 2000 Nissan Quest before purchasing the Sienna and this van handles the road like a luxury car. I had 2 children and 5 adults in my van and it ride was smooth and roomy, best buy for the money.

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  Tacoma - all the way - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bob - September 27 - 2:56 pm

  I have had this vehicle now for almost 3 months. Love it to death. Had a slight mishap in an off-road extravaganza and messed my rim up. What should have been a bent control and tie rods ended up with just a mere alignment jar. Amazing vehicle inside and out. I get comments from people who drive the F150,250, Dodge 1500, 2500, and Chevy seirra, they all like the comfort of the front seats. Now let me talk about performance, the off-road package is the way to go. Bilstein shocks, and a built in engine braker in the transmission. Great control. Going around bends, this vehicle leans less then my previous 2WD tacoma that was base height, not nearly as high as this. WELL BUILT!

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  Solid coupe - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By Matt - September 27 - 2:40 pm

  Solid sporty coupe, had it for almost six years now and the only maintenance Ive had to perform is changing fluids, tires, etc. It doesnt have massive amounts of power but with a manual its possible to extract decent performance out of the base GT engine. Turning is superb; the car handles like its on a track. The handling compares favorably to a Cooper S and is comparable to a Miata.

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  I Cant Beat This Car - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Bob Wozna - September 27 - 2:16 pm

  First, I should say that my present Prius is the 3rd Prius Ive owned, not because theres problems with them. Ive had NO problems. I avoid keeping cars too long. I take this car everywhere, on short trips and on long ones (even 1200 miles to Florida). My wife has a Camry which she likes but wants to take the Prius when we travel far because its comfortable and to save the gas (she gets about 29mpg and my average since I purchased it on January 2nd, ia 49.4. Thats the amount since I purchased the car because it gets less mileage in winter then in summer (as I suspect all cars do) and I wanted to see the average of both seasons, winter and summer. What more can I say--the car is GREAT!!

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  The Best SUV in the segment - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By kaushiksripat - September 27 - 4:13 am

  Hello, The Highlander is the best in the segment i would say. The ride quality is far better than other suvs in this segment. You got to drive this decent SUV ... I am sure there will be no one who would not love it. Decent fuel economy, Robust feel while driving ( sturdy), very reliable, Smooth V6 and superb drive quality, best for family with small kids, Amazing family car

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  Pleasantly surprised! - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By elsie223 - September 26 - 10:32 pm

  My husband already owns a Toyota Taocma so I was told we were only looking at Toyotas and nothing else. So I was immediately put off. When the salesman suggested I drive the Camry, my husband said "dont show her any model but the top of the line" and good thing! The XLE didnt feel as boring as I expected. The interior is classy and since I got a red one, it feels very "me". Did NOT expect to like this car as much as I do. Have only had it about 10 days and can see myself driving this for a long time. Read other reviews about the headlights being dim, but what I noticed is a very defined cutoff on the top of the field of vision which is not present when the brights are turned on.

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  Third one - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By j74b - September 26 - 5:20 pm

  After looking at others vehicles of similar size and power, the Avalon not only was the cheapest with most options, their price was less that 2010 models, with same equipment, second vehicle with sat radio a plus,not as exciting as a Taurus Sho, but better mpg and more rear seat room. Still learning the Nav system but finally conquered phone.

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  Best ever owned - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By D Powell - September 25 - 1:00 pm

  Best well-made vehicle ever owned. Everything just seems to have been efficiently and ergonomically designed with the drivers needs and comforts in mind. Construction appears to be made with sound materials and involves quality engineering. Detroit needs to look closely here at a winner.