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 Car! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Commuter Girl - November 19 - 9:36 pm

  Purchased Nov 2003, I commute 160 miles RT four days a week. This car jams! Does 70-80 mph in carpool lane with no shakes. Tended to be really noisy inside until I got high quality tires. Gas mileage really disappointing for such a small car but handles like a dream, has plenty of power to pass vehicles on daily mountain pass climb, even with the air on! Lots of cargo room with back seats down. VERY stable in scary conditions - quick response and recovery. Tire size is NOT standard - hard to find replacements at decent prices. Just now replacing shocks/struts/brakes at 64K miles. Fun to drive, does very well on 4WD roads, extremely reliable.

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  Love my Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Jeff - November 19 - 4:46 pm

  Great car, with surprising power and amenities. I was hesitant to purchase a hybrid, but am very happy and pleased with my choice of brand. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  A technological marvel - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By martin - November 19 - 2:43 pm

  I have had this car for a year now. It is an amazing SUV. The gas mileage is simply superb and is within the EPA figures. I am getting an average of 28.0 MPG - a great relief from my Expedition. I love everything about this car.

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  Great Way to Be Green - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Keep Oregon Green - November 19 - 12:00 pm

  I drove previous versions of the Prius for work and our new personal car is a real step up in the comfort department. Still gets good mileage and fun to drive, makes commuting easy and painless at the pump. We are getting around 48 mpg town and highway driving with no change in our driving habits. Plenty of power on the freeway when you need it.

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  No better technology out there. - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By DDG - November 19 - 10:53 am

  Ive owned a 2005 for only a month. I am still amazed at the technology that Toyota has designed into this car. Its also fun to drive. My second car is a convertible sports car, and I must say that most often, its difficult deciding which one to take out.

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  Good vehicle - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By Alan - November 19 - 5:06 am

  Ive owned a Chrysler minivan and a Ford minvan and the Sienna is WAY superior. We bought it as a 2 year old vehicle and could have purchased a new Chrysler Town & Country for about the same money, but the Sienna was such a better vehicle we purchased that and have no regrets. Great family vehicle.

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  Sweet car!!! - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By L - November 19 - 5:00 am

  I traded in my SUV for this vehicle about a month ago and I love this car! It is a great combination of comfort, reliability, great MPG, and sweet styling inside and out. Ive taken a few highway trips and averaged 37.5 MPG going 70 mph, and about 40 MPG going 60 mph.

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  No probs - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Bob blumenkopf - November 18 - 1:18 pm

  I dont know what these people are talking about. 80k on my 2010s. 30mpg on the streets. Close to 40 on the hiway. Not one problem since purchased.

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  My Review - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By nikki smith - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I Love tha car a lot and i would recomed it to anyone

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  matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By y2medina - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Best car i ever brought