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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  TCH has great package - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Randy McDow - April 6 - 9:30 am

  My wife and I have both been very impressed with the Camry Hybrid. It drives very smoothly, the car feels very solid, and we do not feel cramped at all (Im 63", and shes 510"). Tons of leg room. Plenty of features - we were considering going for more options, but the base car is quite loaded and feels futuristic. Mileage has been excellent, but not quite the 40/38 advertised. Weve enjoyed driving it so much that we each want to drive it, and we think of reasons to go out in it. We speed less in it, as we enjoy our time inside and dont want to waste gas. This is an impressive car with a great design and sharp looks.

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  My Prius experience - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Paul Durbak - April 5 - 2:16 pm

  The car is fun to drive, and owners belong to an informal club. We wave to each other.

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  Damaged Power Cable - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Ron Gano - April 5 - 4:20 am

  After driving over a curb and hitting a pipe sticking out of the ground, I damaged the plastic protector to the main power cable running from the back to the front of the car. The pipe cut in to the cable, and the car sensed the voltage drop and shut down, and generated a $1,500 repair bill. On the brighter side, the dealership was well equipt to handle the repair and had several Prius-trained mechanics on staff. Because of the unusual repair, it took two days to get the part, but the work was done professionally and quickly. Overall, were very happy with the cars performance and gas mileage. However, we really arent careful in trying to raise the mileage, which is about 48 average.

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  Spunky and Funky - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Dave - April 4 - 8:36 pm

  I have my Highlander hybrid set aside as my comfortable, long trip vehicle and bought the Prius for my daily compute (25 miles each way). The car is surprisingly comfortable with only adequate power (spunky). I got the package 6 (high end) version and am very happy with the leather and the bells & whistles (funky) - others warned me about the cloth seats comfort and its affinity for picking up dirt and stains; leather was expensive but worth the $1400 extra fee. The visual feedback on the electric/gas interaction makes the hybrid owners secret "pulse & glide" process very easy - it changes your whole way of driving!

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  Great car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Howard J. Huemmler - April 4 - 5:40 pm

  Got 53 mpg avg. for 8700 miles. Old car got 23. Go figure, literally. At $2.70/gal and 20000 miles annual usage, were saving $2240/yr. So breakeven time for purchase price difference should be a couple of years. It is also comforting to know that we are killing demand, not people. This in addition to emissions reduction. Isnt this a no brainer for these three reasons?

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  Bobs 2006 Toyota Limited - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Bob - April 4 - 1:23 pm

  From the very beginning I have enjoyed driving this car. The ride is as good as the Cadillac I traded in on this Avalon. I havent taken it on an extended road trip but look forward to doing so this summer.

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  Best kept secret - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Gary - April 4 - 12:56 pm

  Bought this X-Runner right off the showroom floor and it has been turning heads ever since. Incredible handling, drives like it is on rails. Fun 6 speed stick, comfortable, roomy interior, great sound system. Control panels easy to use, overhead compartment for garage opener, sun glasses Easy access reaching into bed due to low profile. Even has ac outlet in bed if you need to use power tools, vacuum cleaner, radio, etc. Great idea! Havent had a single issue with this truck. Would recommend factory mud flaps due to road rash on bumped out rear wheel wells. Other than that, this truck is a home run!

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  A Winner - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Bill - April 4 - 2:33 am

  Car driven all over New England in all kinds of weather. It runs great, but the mileage is not. Features are terrific and it is fun to drive. Lots of room, lots of storage. Engine is quiet. Turning radius is tight - very helpful. Good visibility. Comfortable seats.

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  Toyota 4 Runner - A Great Ride - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Kahuna Bob - April 4 - 2:00 am

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  Great Truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By jb3785 - April 4 - 12:00 am

  I have only had it a short time but love it to death. Nice smooth ride and fun to drive. It is a head turner.