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 full size truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By JAG - May 9 - 4:56 am

  This is a great truck. I have the offroad package and I love the bilstein shock that come with it. I find if you inflate the tires a little above max. It doesnt bounce on the highway as much. Which is one thing some people complain about. The response of the engine is great. Overall a great truck

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  best SUV on the market - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By cruiserman88 - May 9 - 1:50 am

  two years of ownwership never have a problem,one of the best SUV on the market,very comportable on long distance driving,definately a head turner if you dressed up with after market accessory.much much better than ml320 that i owned before. Owned one of this TLC and you will not disappointed.

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  Zoom Zoom !!!!! - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Bill - May 8 - 11:46 pm

  Owned now for one year, drove 15,000 miles, I love my Matrix!! great on gas, fun to drive, zips in and out of traffic, I never bought anything that would not fit into the car!!! Toyota has a real winner here!!! I have had 8 back surgeries and the height and comfort of the seats is great,mine is an automatic, I get between 30- 35 mpg depending on my lead foot, a true driving pleasure!!!!

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  My first Japanese car - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Steve Z - May 8 - 10:56 pm

  I traded in my low-mileage, garage-kept 2003 Buick LeSabre Limited for the Camry Hybrid due to the fact that I drive in a mostly urban environment and out of fears of soaring gas prices. The trunk is much smaller than the Buicks, but I still have my minivan for the big stuff. My only complaint about the vehicle is the poor quality of interior materials which deliver their own symphony of sounds until the cabin warms up. I expected better in a Toyota. Overall - I am happy with my purchase and would do it again.

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  THE FUN OF GOING GREEN - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By jjm - May 8 - 9:50 pm

  My 07 Camry was delivered with every option for MSRP (dealer installed XM @ + $449). With a little effort most should get close to the EPA milage 41/38 per gal. This car replaces my 328i BMW and is equal in quality of workmanship and most features. Next week Ill test AZ mtn roads and uphill driving performance. The seating is very comfortable and ride quite. The synergy drive is smooth and many gauges are available to monitor energy useage. For those who just want to fit into the crowd this car doesnt scream HYBRID, like the Prius. The Navi-system is better than the Avolon and other 2006 Toyota models, many neat features. take delivery before 9/30/06 get Federal Tax credit of $2600.

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  Meets our Needs, Expectations - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Tom S - May 8 - 6:03 pm

  Great for mountain roads at high altitudes. Great 0-60 acceleration Plan to have passenger seat ADA modified for tall passengers.

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  Happy with 2nd Highlander & recommend - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By RWNJ - May 8 - 7:43 am

  I traded my 2005 Highlander for a Classic Silver Metallic 2008. Love the new looks! Very happy with the improved braking, steering and overall power. Love the convenience of opening the rear hatch window. The ride and suspension are not quite as smoothe as my 2005 Limited was, but this is a sport suspension and the car now has 19 inch tires and larger base. The new Limited felt about the same to me, so I went with the sporty look and happy with it. I love the layout of the new controls, large and easy to find everything. I miss the armrest. Even the door side is too low to rest an arm on - I am 55". Rear backup screen & the sensors I added are nice to have. Overall, thumbs up!

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  Great MPG in relation to comfort/style - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By MO in NY - May 8 - 6:53 am

  I love this car! Im averaging 37-49 mpg in spring/fall, 35-37 in summer (using A/C) and 30-33 mpg in winter (when using heating elements and going faster than I should to keep mpg higher). Its true mpg is much lower in winter, but its the same as with my 99 Subaru Outback, which averaged only 18-22 mpg AT BEST in winter. It seems engines work harder in winter to warm up the engine & keep it warm (also gasohol in winter doesnt help matters). I love the constant consumption, energy, etc. read-outs. This car helps you to learn how to save gas and operate it most efficiently. I was too uncomfortable in the Prius (it was like driving a tin can), but I bought the Camry instead.

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  Very pleased - 2010 Toyota Sienna
  By Lloyd - May 8 - 5:06 am

  We traded in a 2008 Saturn Vue AWD for this 2010 8 passenger Sienna. We are very pleased. Have already put 2000 miles on it the first month. It has more HP than the Saturn and gets better MPG. We have gotten as high as 24 to 25 MPG a couple of times. Very roomy and comfortable ride. We can put our grandson in his booster seat in the middle seat in the second row. He has plenty of leg room and can recline just his seat for naps.

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  2009 Toyota Corolla S - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By tbarry - May 7 - 11:20 pm

  This is without a doubt the whole package. The redesigned Corolla is the perfect daily driver and small family car with its great fuel economy and new styling. In my opinion there isnt a better looking, fuel efficient, everyday small family car at this price point. I just picked my Corolla up yesterday and love it so far!! The car is smooth, quiet and handles great whether Im on the highway or driving around town. I test drove the Sentra and Civic as well but the Corolla came out on top by far!