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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  2005 Corolla LE Automatica - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By touch - June 2 - 10:00 am

  I have this car for 2 weeks and it is perfect. I have tested out the highway gas mileage. With the air-conditioning on, I can get 38 mpg. It is much better than my old car. Before I had pumped gas two times a week, now I pump once a week.

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  I did way to much research - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By ez2sell - June 2 - 9:46 am

  I researched every car in this class and kept coming back to the Highlander. In sales and Im a road warrior so comfort, ride, handling and reliability are key. This car characteristics of a SUV but the ride of a luxury car. Very happy with my purchase. However Toyota should include at this price level blind spot sensing mirrors, back up sensors and memory seats. The nav system is a bit difficult to use and should come with lifetime free updates.

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  Almost Perfect - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By coddarling - June 2 - 6:30 am

  I have a 2005 Tundra Double Cab 4x4 and I love it. 3,500 miles thus far and absolutely no regrets. Its the perfect size for me--I can throw my 3 kids in the back and enough gear in the bed for a family of 5--ski equipment, whatever, and go absolutely anywhere. (I have a retractable lockable bed cover, and it really completes the package.) Only two complaints: my truck has the TRD package, and the stock BF Goodrich "Rugged Trail" tires were terrible. Threw them away after 500 miles and put on BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A, a more appropriate choice for the TRD package. Also, I tried an after-market bug deflector but took it off due to wind noise. Maybe Ill try the Toyota part.

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  Outstanding Vehicle - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By Guy Walker - June 2 - 4:40 am

  I have owned 10-12 different cars and trucks, foreign and domestic, none of them comes close to the reliability and solidity of the 4runner. This is truly an unbelievable truck!! I have 81000 miles and not even needed brakes, they work great! I have not spent a penny on this truck except scheduled maintenance and tires. The ride is a bit jarring, but the solid sounds from the suspension more than make up for it. Power could be stronger but the smoothness and low-end torque more than make up for that. I am obsessed with my 4runner I will always own one, it goes anywhere and is the perfect size SUV. I have driven this in 115 heat and -30 cold, truck never missed a beat!!

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  Feel like a kid again - 2005 Toyota Celica
  By John in VA - June 2 - 2:43 am

  This is my first Toyota and now I am hooked. As soon as I saw it on the side of the dealership (while I was getting ready to purchase an SE Camry), I knew I had to have it. I asked the salesman if it was for sale and found out someone was trading it in. I test drove it and feel in love. My GTS has the ground effects package and looks HOT!

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  Great Car - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Mr B - June 1 - 9:20 pm

  Overall a very good car and good fuel economy. Used car for long trip. Put on about 2,600 miles the car road great.

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  Fun Efficient Hauls a large amount - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By 96gc1owner - June 1 - 5:33 pm

  Went from a Dodge Grand Caravan to the RAV4 and am totally happy with the excellent use of space available in the RAV. Smart engineering makes reconfiguring interior to haul stuff a breeze. The V6 is the way to go. Gobs of power and a low of 22 mpg and high of 28 mpg (AWD model). Did not know we would like it so much or I would have popped for the Limited. However, Base has all you need.

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  Great Mileage - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Danster - June 1 - 3:13 pm

  I love the avg mpg. I have been getting 36 mpg in stop and go traffic. I have been getting 47 mpg on the highway with the AC off.

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  So far so good! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By retiredtiger - June 1 - 12:20 pm

  Weve just purchased the vehicle and I hope we like it down the road as much as now! So far excellent mileage, great comfort and sharp appearance. Replaced a Camry and surprisingly the Prius had as much if not more room inside. We have the 17" tires which make the handling very good although they do make the bumps more noticeable. This is a good trade off in our case. It was almost like learning to drive all over again as this is the first hybrid weve owned. It is fun to drive! Really like the ability to expand the cargo area - it is huge! Learning to work the navigation is a chore for an "old dinosaur" like myself, but it works great! At this point we love the car!

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  A Bullseye for TOYOTA!!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By AladdinSane - June 1 - 10:26 am

  I test drove a Yaris Liftback after seeing one parked near my home recently. Its "da bomb", so to speak. I liked what I saw. The one parked nearby was white on white, brand new, and I fell in love with it immediately. Im aiming to get mine, if I go with it, in Blazing Blue Metallic. My Lady dug it too. Its a winner!!!