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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  What do you expect, its a Toyota!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By JD - July 22 - 9:03 pm

  I picked up my XLE 4 cyl, 2 /12 weeks ago and have to say its perfect. I am coming out of an Acura 3.2TL. I would have loved the V6, but with the cost of fuel it would have been a BIG mistake. This car is as quiet and soft as the Acura if not more quiet and soft riding. I believe this is the best mid sized 4cyl vehicle thats being offered at this time. My mileage is 1/2 road and 1/2 city and I am averaging between 26-28 mpgs. I believe after it has some miles on it, the mileage will improve.I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a comfortable ride as well as good fuel economy. You get the best of both worlds.

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  Unexpected Great Buy - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Shay - July 22 - 10:31 am

  This car is fun to drive. There is a visibility issue. It a very smooth ride and handles well. This isnt a sports car so the acceleration isnt there but it has a power mode. Also, there no privacy in the trunk. You can see the entire trunk from the outside. I bought a large bin for this. Otherwise, the more I drive it, the more in love I am. I keep discovering cool techie things. Plus its a cool looking car. Love the lights. I didnt buy it because it was a hybrid. I bought it because it was cool. The hybrid was just extra.

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  Milage as promised - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By Cariade - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I commute 110 miloes a day and love my car. Gage placement takes a little getting used to but is really much better since nothing is ever blocking your viw of the gages

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  Celica One Of the Best - 2005 Toyota Celica
  By Spoileybear - July 22 - 10:00 am

  We bought this vehical in Dec. 2000 and it has been joy to drive. We live in Mountains of Southern Calif. And work in lower desert And its been great for driveing the Areas we drive. Has very low maintinace, except now at ovewr 100,000 miles we are putting money into as far as elctronics and Transmisson. We tried out new Matrix and think that Celica is better built car. So if we trade in we might come back driving another Celica.

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  Get the V6!! - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By qafFan - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Owned my 1996 Camry since May of 1996 and it has been trouble free soo far. Has about 106,580 miles on it and i plan to put another 80,000 miles. Overall power is ok but merging and passing power is poor. Wish i got the V6 when i bought it. Fuel economy is decent about 20 mpg could be higher and has bout 300 miles between fill ups. So far no major problem accept the replacement of the timing belt when it has 60,000 miles. Recently serviced at the dealer for new steering boot, brake rotors, brake pads, and a new coolant tank. Overall a very nice and safe car to drive.

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  Love my Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Meso Arch - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Could not love this car more. While it is true that the milage is not as good as predicted, the milage is still outstanding. Room in the back seat is prodigous, room in the trunk is also very good.

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  Eco car rocks - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Rain Pryor - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I believe in keeping our air clean and having a great time when I drive - The Prius gives me both - its fast on the highways and has great spped and handles well in traffic - I love the fact the Los Angeles times magazine said that the emmissions from the prius are better than the Air we breath in LA most days - Pretty incredible. I hope that soon everyone will have a hybrid - Lets stop our dependence on oil - Go eco!

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  Silver Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By MLGiunta - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving my new Prius for almost 3 weeks now. The mileage is lower than sticker, but more than double my old car. This is the break in period, so I expect more after 600 miles. I love the gadgets and the soft interior. It is definitely a head turner. The climate control is the best in any car Ive ever owned. The styling is unique. I waited 9 months for this car, but it certainly was worth the wait.

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  This is the best! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By nikita1 - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I have to drive an average of 500 miles per week and have always been concerned about fuel consumption and pollution. I owned a Tercel which gave me 40mpg, but when I found out about the Prius, I was one of the first to get it. Since I drive part in the city and part in the Hwy. the car gives me an average of 50+ mpg and it is comforting to know that I am not burning gas when I have to make a stop at a light, since the gas shuts up and the system works only with the batteries. The car has all the computer and Gps features you will find in an expensive Camry. At night, the inside panel lights are in the center,and outside visibility is clear.

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  Will Drive A 4Runner Always - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By My car/My dog - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Looks good, rides nicely, & roomy. My dog loves it as much as I do. I bought this car in 2/04. Runs like a charm.