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 Small Car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Scott - May 21 - 11:46 pm

  For years I considered buying a Toyota but I didnt because the dealers were notorious for not discounting off the MSRP. That doesnt seem to be true anymore. I used Edmunds internet buying advice and I was able to purchase a well-equiped LE for well under invoice price, plus I got the rebate. I looked into the usual supects (Civic, Mazda 3, Sentra, etc) and the Toyota has them beat in almost all categories. The Corolla seems to have a combination of performance and comfort the others dont seem to match. So far it is a very enjoyable vehicle.

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  Happy with it! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Falcor - May 21 - 7:36 am

  I went from a comfortable mid size SUV to the Prius a couple of months ago. I knew I would save money on gas but thought I would be giving up comfort (or something) in return. I didt, granted I cant tow a boat with it but for everyday use and even long trips it really cant be beat! We have traveled a few hundred miles with 4 adults and no problems. The acceleration for highway driving is fine, no different than most other cars. It is a challenge to reverse everything we have learned as drivers to conserve fuel, ie: stop and go gets better mileage. The EPA estimates at 55hwy/60city I find a bit over rated but I have been averaging 48 mpg and did reach 50 mpg on my last tank.

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  Hybrid Works! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By W. Tarchala - May 20 - 9:43 pm

  Overall, Im very happy with 07 camry hybrid. It makes average 36-39 mpg with mixed driving (65% city, 35% hwy), which gives me around 550 miles per gas tank (usually 13 gallons). Performance is sufficient for normal commuting but dont expect v6 performance (even with claiming 192 hp). I had my old 96 avalon V6 which accelerated faster but only made 19-22 mpg. Comfort is superior. Vehicle is super quiet. Anyway, I love my new camry!!! :)

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  Great Car. - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Toyota Fan - May 20 - 12:00 pm

  I have no regrets about my purchase. This car is fun to drive, and the usual Toyota quality. I have now driven 5600 miles, and no complaints or problems what so ever.

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  Great purchase - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Sandy - May 20 - 11:50 am

  Great purchase, especially with gas going up the way it has. I have done the best I can to conserve and got a new car in the deal. I used to drive a Highlander and do not miss the size etc. I would highly recommend a Prius purchase. The car delivers all the quality one should expect from a Toyota with the bonus of 45 miles per gallon around town.

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  prius - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By swochap - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding vehicle for the high mileage commuter. Great fuel economy, I have avgd 44 mpg combined during the first 11,000 miles over 3 months!! Fun to drive. Plenty of power. Rides nicely. Only minor fault is interior quality--fabric could be better grade.

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  The Best - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By Sarahh - May 20 - 10:00 am

  The best coupe avalible.

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  A Lexus in Toyota clothing - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By CPMiller - May 20 - 10:00 am

  All I can say is what a car. It has all the things it needs to suceed.

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  Great car. - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By nick28powell - May 20 - 8:53 am

  I just recently had a unfortunate traffic incident where an ignorant woman ran a light ad hit my back end. i have a small dent in the body work no larger than a football. however her car was cremated her hood is screwed lights smashed wheel arches bowed out. good safe strong reliable car and not to bad on gas either.

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  getyourtaco - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Diane Graham - May 19 - 5:14 pm

  Test drive and decide for yourself I just bought the v6 limited double cab and I love it!