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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  good little car - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By ray - July 25 - 9:40 am

  great little car, little gas to operate no major problems so far

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  Maybe not for shorties - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By southerntier - July 25 - 7:06 am

  Just cant get comfortable. Back and bottom hurt after two hours, not like my former ride, a Grand Caravan, which was comfy. Has few adjustments, and I cant find a combination of seat and steering wheel positions that works for me. I am 5 1" and 125 pounds. The console thingy is annoying, maybe because I am so far forward but otherwise cant reach the gas. So this is why it has not been so fun to drive. Averaging 47 mpg.

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  Prius is it worth it? - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Henry Amon - July 25 - 4:50 am

  The gas mileage is great. The interior could use a little better quality. Ive had a molding come loose and the design of the instruments in some places is great and in others confusing. It feels great but is a bit loud. I think its worth it but dont expect ,luxury.

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  First time Toyota owner - 2015 Toyota Tundra
  By Cecil - July 25 - 4:17 am

  Tundra SR5 TSS, at 1600 miles I like it, a lot. Nice ride, lots of room, and happy with 16.9 mpg. Update: a year later, tired of doing surveys, I want to drive my truck.

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  Best Truck Made - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By nole795 - July 25 - 4:16 am

  I have had my Tundra for 2 years. Smartest buy I ever made. It will even outlast my wife :). I was skeptical buying a used truck from a lot but the Tundra really is a great ride. It has power. You really feel safe in the truck in the TX storms. Ive never brought it for service except for one recall and oil changes. If your in the market for a reliable used truck that can do the "job" then the Tundra should be on the top of your list. You wont be disappointed.

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  !996 Toyota Camry - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By edmunds347 - July 24 - 8:52 pm

  We bought our Camry used with 92,000 miles on it and now we have almost 280,000 miles on it. We just had to replace the radiator and last year we replace the timing belt because we thought it was about time to. We have the oil changed every 3000 to 4000 miles. The check engine light is on because the catalytic converter needs replaced. Other than a few little minor things, the car still runs great. I trust it to go anywhere.

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  Great Value!!!! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By NCSCOTT - July 24 - 5:00 pm

  The Camry LE is a great value for a midsized car. It has good gas mileage and excellent resale value. It handles surprisingly well in the curves and feels very soild over poor roads. This is my 2nd new Toyota purchase in less than a year and I was hooked after a year with my 04 4Runner. I have owned cars from all 3 US carmakers but they dont even begin to compare to Toyota. The first tank of gas got 24 MPG. Now after almost 5k miles it is averaging 27.2 MPG. After I switch to synthetic oil with the first change I expect it to be even better.

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  The 2005 Toyota Prius Hybrid - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Pandro S. - July 24 - 2:03 pm

  The 2005 Toyota Prius Hybrid is the most innovative and technologically advanced car on the market today. And it is in the range of the average buyer. In my opinion it is tomorrows concept car available today. Well not exactly available today because the waiting list is quite long. It should be ordered with the Smart Key System and the Navigation System all in the same optional package. Although the response is slightly sluggish at first you will easily adapt to it. It is comfortable and roomy inside and holds four very well with extra room for a fifth. After a month I have been averaging 45 mpg.

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  A Computer With Wheels - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Spyder123 - July 24 - 11:36 am

  Previously I owned a 1997 RAV4. In March of 2004, I traded it in for a new 2004 RAV4. The vehicle was fantastic! Great color (blue), styling, sunroof, etc.. I was getting concerned as the gas prices rocketed and at 20-22 mph, my RAV was getting a little expensive to drive. On a whim, I decided to look at the Prius last month (March 2005). A 20 mile test drive sold me. Within 4 hours of visiting the dealership I drove out with my fully-loaded Prius. It has been about a month now. I *do* miss the sunroof and the great color of the RAV, but the Prius has won me over. It has plently of "get up and go" when entering the interstates. It is a technical marvel! I love it!

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  2006 Avalon Limited - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Florida Driver - July 24 - 11:36 am

  After 16,000 miles, this car has NOT had any quality-related problem requiring a trip back to the dealership. Havent experienced any sluggish performance in either the engine nor transmission as mentioned in some of the forums posts. Very smooth ride and quiet in city & highway driving. Took quite a while to get that drivers seat adjusted just right. So much interior room without the closed in feeling like you get inside the Acura TL or Mercedes E320. A lot of car for $$$ less then Lexus. Once you start using the smart key, there is no returning to traditional car keys.