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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  Great all around car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Bonds25 - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Just bought my 04 corolla S. and I gotta say that im rather pleased. i traded in a 03 mustang Gt so this car is definitly not up to speed with the GT but interior quality is light years ahead of it. and Over all quality is better. I think the S looks good to. I plan on getting rid of the hubcaps and gettins something little more aggresive. I would recommend to anybody.

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  Tundra to Land Cruiser - 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By CC - January 30 - 3:22 pm

  If youre willing to commit the money and deal with mileage same as a Tundra, this is one fine ride for northern climates. Driving on winter condition roads is a dream . Ive driven Toyota trucks since 1997. All have been very reliable, solid vehicles. The Land Cruiser is a cut above without question.

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  Best of class - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Engineer - January 30 - 2:03 pm

  Ive owned the 6-cylinder Ltd version since November 07. Its a lot of fun to drive. The power of the V6 is amazing, and likewise the stopping ability is great, too. It corners very well, with a surprisingly tight turning radius, making it very easy to park. It has excellent visibility, which makes it easy to back out of a parking space. The dual climate controls work much better that the dual climate controls in my American-brand sedan. The side-opening rear door makes it easy for my 5-foot tall wife to load groceries and close the door afterwards. The 8-way adjustable seat gives her a good view of the road. She loves the car.

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  8/30/2009 - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By jeff - January 30 - 12:33 pm

  I bought my 2007 Camry hybrid used a little over a year ago. Hands down the best car Ive ever had. Its quiet, smooth and has all the power youll ever need. With the CVT transmission theres no shifting. Most people think hybird = no power. Im 51 years old and this car has as much power as any that Ive ever owned. I bought my Camry with 59,000 miles on it. It now has 78,000 miles on it. Ive only had 1 problem. It didnt start at 20 below zero. I cant wait to see how long my brakes last. I was told 200,000 to 300,000 miles they look great so far. Oh I almost forgot I get between 38 to 41 mpg March though November and about 35 to 38 mpg in the winter.

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  Highly Recommended - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Jared - January 30 - 4:26 am

  I have had my Prius for 2 weeks. It is very quiet, comfortable and fuel effecient. It has enough power to pass when needed. Brakes are very responsive. Interior space about the same as a Camry. Electric steering is precise, if a little dead feeling. I fill up for $22.00 and go over 500 miles. Smart key is very good - the key stays in your pocket all the time. This car is very good value for the money not just because of the mileage but because of the advanced technology. It is about the same price as a Camry but far more advanced. Ill let you know about reliability in ten years ...

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  My Yaris Rocks! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By My Yaris Rocks - January 29 - 7:56 pm

  I loved my car from the first moment I test drove it. I think its the cutest little car and it drives surprisingly well. It, of course, gets incredible gas mileage and Ive driven in blizzards, over mountain ranges, in horrible city traffic, over dirt roads, and against 100 mph rainstorm winds, amongst other situations. The lowest gas mileage I ever got was 35 mpg. Its peppy, hardy and reliable. In fact, last month I drove it nearly 2800 miles in about 52 hours, from Maryland to southern California. It was packed FULL with half my apartment and me and my cats and we drove over the Appalachian mountains & the Rocky Mountains in Colorado & lots more, quickly and without a single problem.

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  I LOVE MY HIGHLANDER!! - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Tonia - January 29 - 12:23 pm

  Truely drives like a car with the room of an SUV. You gotta get the navigation system. Amazing!

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  Love My Runner - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By Sherrrys4Runner - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Rain, snow, sleet, and I95 traffic, my runner just keeps on getting it!

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  great truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By truck lover - January 29 - 10:00 am

  This truck is excellent. They redesigned the grill for 2003, which I like. The ride is pretty smooth for a truck. It has plenty of power (its hard not to speed). My only gripe is that compared to other extended cabs, the rear seats seem smaller.

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  Lukewarm feelings - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By bettyboop - January 29 - 10:00 am

  reply to SAMSUN79 I had identical problem with brakes slipping while waiting at red lights dealership stated they couldnt duplicate it. Also while Corolla CE is parked on a downward sloped driveway, the suspension creaks loudly when exiting vehicle & I only weigh 115lbs. dealership also couldnt duplicate this ...the hype has warn down a bit since FEB 2002