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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  Got a Winner! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4Toyotasstillgoing - August 13 - 5:33 pm

  Excellent, reliable, beautiful, head turner! Purchased used at a GREAT price from a REPUTABLE Honda Priority Dealer. VERY HAPPY! I own a 95 truck, 01 van and 04 4Runner. All cars take a beating from me-lived in mountains. Trust me, buy Toyota - is RELIABLE!

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  Great over all vehicle to drive - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Lindsey Pickman - August 13 - 8:36 am

  The toyota 4Runner 4dr 4wd limited is a dependable vehicle that I have owned and does very well in the winter snow. The leather seats are very comfortable. The amount of space is great for all kinds of storage from front to back, better than the new 4Runners.

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  The Best SUV - 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By yngturk - August 13 - 1:49 am

  Had this vehicle 10 months now, and 20k miles. No complaints whatsoever. I average 27 MPG in warm weather, and 24 in cold weather. Previously owned Chevy Trailblazers which were solid vehicles, but averaged 17 MPG. The Highlander Hybrid is flawless. Comfort, performance, and build quality are as good as you can get. Fit and finish are perfect. This is an extremely solid vehicle. Its been totally reliable. This is my first Toyota, but Im a believer in them, and in their hybrid technology.

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  Ya, I have a Yaris and I love it!! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Minnesota - August 13 - 1:30 am

  I am really happy with the gas mileage about 40. For the price and all its good deal. The defrost is not the best. The ride is nice it is an economy car not a luxury car. The cup holders could be better along with the arm rest for the driver. Is not a great winter car. I have not had much snow yet through so so far its been good; it is low to the ground.

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  In a class all by itself - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Rickb - August 12 - 7:20 pm

  Toyota has produced a car that provides roominess, comfort and performance. Most importantly, it does so with great gas mileage and a lowered carbon footprint. Fun to drive, flexibility of a hatchback, and loads of safety features. They hit a home run with this one!

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  Why I hate my Prius - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By yorfutrxhsbnd - August 12 - 3:40 pm

  I am averaging about 29 mpg in city driving. Admittedly my trips tend to be quite short, but I am by no means driving with a heavy foot. I often coast for blocks when I anticipate a light changing ahead, accelerate slowly, but it seems to make little difference. The car has been tested 3 times so far and the dealerships say it is fine. Since the only reason for leasing this car as opposed to less expensive vehicles was for mileage, I am very disappointed. While the car is quite comfortable and the interior functional, the stereo is of very poor quality. And, contrary to an assertion made, adding a subwoofer improves, but does definitely NOT transform the sound.

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  great - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By 12555 - August 12 - 10:00 am

  great vehicle, great buy

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  incredible vehicle - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By dave rogers - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive. Exceeded my expectations. Rides like a lexus.

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  Quality/Reliability...but... - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By sputt - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Went for the Toyo quality along with better gas milage. Sticker says 18 mpg city. I get 17 with 80% fwy driving. If you dont get on the fwy at all the mpg is around 14 mpg. (Maybe I should change my driving habits). If you punch it to get through a yellow light, the tranny either whines or hesitates and you run the red - same when trying to pass. This car is made for SHORT people, Had to adjust steering wheel all the way up to see the speedo. Not comfortable for tall person. Light cloth interior sucks (Im a mechanic)Slanted dash collects hair from dog in the cd. For 30 grand its missing something like at least outside temp. Quality isn

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  Nice SUV! - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Toyota ONE - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I have had the Highlander fo about 3 weeks and I enjoy the ride. Look foward to see how it does in snowy weather.