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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  Fun, Reliable Car - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By Lina - April 8 - 10:16 am

  Ive had this car for almost 2 years now. I fell in love with the color first (Speedway blue) and then liked the rest of it. LOVE the sunroof; I drive with it and my windows open every day during the summer. It handles pretty well, EXCEPT in snow! Do NOT buy this car if you live where it snows a lot. I end up taking public transportation every time it snows. I havent had any mechanical problems with it - just the regular maintenance. The only thing is the drivers window rattles and the breaks just started squeaking, but those are very minor. It is very spacious - inside the car AND trunk. Overall, great car, just wish it was better in snow!

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  Five Months In - Pretty Impressive - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Worcester County - April 8 - 3:16 am

  Got the base Hybrid in late July. Consistently 41-42 mpg in 40% hwy/60% local roads commuting in Central MA (lots of rolling hills). Now temperatures closer to freezing getting 39-40 mpg. Still beating the pants off the EPA estimate! Highly recommend this. Why get a Prius and be cramped (unless you want 50 mpg)? Car does three things: gives gas engine little holidays including stopped time and initial take-offs (the most inefficient for the gas), doesnt waste momentum- recovers the energy from braking to power the hybrid motor, and gives you all sorts of feedback on how to drive it most efficiently- kind of like playing a video game (though you can ignore it and just enjoy driving)

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  Driving excitement - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Jane G. - April 8 - 2:40 am

  This has been the best car ever. Maybe not the sharpest looking but the way it handles, its smooth ride, quiet interior, quick acceleration and outstanding gas mileage makes it tops in my book. I consistently get 28-29 mpg. On my curvy road to and from home, I could effortlessly sail around the curves without a worry. Driving on snow and ice was solid. My husband preferred my car to his Ford Explorer for winter weather driving. If I could get another exactly like this but without the higher miles, I would.

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  Toyota Corolla 4 Door Sedan - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Teresa - April 7 - 4:06 pm

  I bought a Toyota Corolla in January of 07 and have nothing but good to say about it. It is excellent on gas and very easy and comfortable to drive. I drive 17 miles each way to work and my Corolla saves me money on gas

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  Great SUV! - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By coman - April 7 - 9:23 am

  Solid, quiet, fun! One drive and I was hooked. After driving a Mercury Mountaineer for 9 years, this truck feels like driving a sports car (and I dont even have the sport suspension). Definitely a truck but the smoothest riding and quietest truck Ive even driven. Havent heard a single rattle or squeak. Toyota quality cant be beat!

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  Reliability, & ALL the bells & whistles! - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Halls1030 - April 6 - 3:40 pm

  Currently have just under 12k on the odometer. I have the top of the line Limited fully loaded. I traded in a 06 SR5 Double Cab for this truck. I also test drove the Silverado, Avalanche, Titan, and F-150/250s prior to purchasing the truck. Granted, everyone is entitled to his/her opinion but I just dont feel anything comes close to the Tundra... Bluetooth, nav, rear window and sunroof, huge backseat, rear DVD, aux jack for your iPod or MP3 player, heated seats, rear backup camera, huge towing power, silky yet powerful brakes, quick off the line (although itll swallow your gas) and real "torquey" feel. Huge ride, but plush. Doesnt drive like a truck - thats a good thing to me!

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  Fully Meeting Expectations - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By B Boswell - April 6 - 1:50 pm

  Replaced a 2005 Lexus ES330. Planning ahead for inevitable return to high fuel prices, now almost certain with Federal Government policies. Achieved an average of 37.7 miles to the gallon during the first 2 weeks and 500 miles of mixed driving and ownership. Ride and comfort compares very well with the Lexus. CVT transmission much smoother than the Lexus. Actually think the shape and comfort of the seats exceed the Lexus. Have learned how to utilize only the electric motors and battery at around 30 miles per hour on the flat streets in our community. Overall, very pleased with the car and am convinced that we made the right purchase decision. $1,000 incentive from Toyota also appreciated.

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  Beats Ford - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By Cain Toyota - April 6 - 12:53 pm

  Prior to buying a Tundra, I owned a ford 150 and paid about 3000 dollars less then the Tundra. Over the long term comparison, the Tundra out preformed the ford 150 in every aspect. I enjoy the performance of the Tundra and over the seven years I have put very little money in to repair bills. I have followed all the specs for mileage requirements and my truck looks and runs as well as it did the day I drove the truck off the lot. I plan to keep this truck for another 7 years.

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  Love My Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By jraider - April 6 - 10:00 am

  We purchased our Sequoia in Nov. after our 98 Sienna lease was up. Our dealer showed us the Sequoia, we drove it then drove a new (03) Sienna, we knew it was the Sequoia hands down. Our kids are older (12 and 14)they fit better in the Sequoia, and they are only getting bigger. The Sequioa is fun to drive, and handles great for a large SUV. The interior has lots of cubbies and cup holders, and numerous sunglass holders (dont know why). For us its a great family vehicle. My husband recently rode in a friends new Lexus SUV for a fairly long drive, and he said our Sequoia was much more comfortable.

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  Great car - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By wcroninger - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Weve been 101% happy with this vehicle. Gas mileage is somewhat better than claimed. We have a 45 mile total daily commute at speeds 55-60mph. Sufficient umph for turnpike driving and sufficient pickup once you get used to the idea that you have to use the accelerator alittle harder than usual to bring the electric motor online. All around great car.