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 - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Cameron - November 9 - 8:30 am

  Hard to find with manual trans but worth the wait. Cant beat the room, gas mileage and performance for dollar.

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  Fabulous - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By tbird - November 9 - 3:13 am

  Last 20 years have owned Loaded Astro vans Areo-Stars, Windstars, and traded a 1 year old Free-Star for my pride and joy. I owned 2 large auto body shops and have always admired Toyota construction and quality. I cant say enough about this car. My last 4 tanks (90% local) have given me 50.5 MPG. The car is perfect. I am 6 foot and very stiff from 3 back operations and get in and out ok.

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  Vibration Issue - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Burrito - November 8 - 10:00 pm

  The Matrix has been a fun car to drive and I have enjoyed it greatly over the 2006 Corolla I traded in. I dont enjoy the 35 MPG that I did with the Corolla, but I have been averaging about 27. The car has pep as I easily find myself doing 80 in a 45 without noticing. I have been experiencing a vibration on the light console above the gear selector (Map Console?). The vibrations occur only when the sun is low or set, but will start even on a smooth road. I am chalking it up to thermal expansion of the roof when it is in the sun. Has anyone else experienced this? I can not get Toyota to fix because alas, the service department is not open when it is dark out.

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  Awesome SUV - Go Toyota! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Patricia - November 8 - 7:46 pm

  Vehicle is brand new and I absolutely am loving it. I have wanted a RAV4 for a very long time, and since the redesign for 2006 I had to test drive it and thats all it took. The "SPORT" is the way to go w/18" tires. You give up the power driver seat & 3rd row seating but its a much better driving experience. Now my 1999 Camry is very jealous!

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  Awesome Car! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By JamiEimaJ - November 8 - 4:53 pm

  Its been almost 2 months since Ive owned the Camry Hybrid. Ive been getting an average of 37 mpg after 4 fill-ups. This car has all the features and technology that you can find only in luxury cars like Lexus and Acura. Ive changed my driving style since I started driving it. I no longer put the pedal to the metal on green lights, I drive at the speed limit and I try to use electric only whenever possible. Also, I started to laugh at the big fat SUVs and how much gas theyre wasting as the speed past me. :)

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  Nicest car I have ever owned - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Michael - November 8 - 4:40 pm

  Greatest vehicle ever. Incredible power, not too shabby mpg for a V8. When I first bought it, I drove from Utah to Nebraska and back climbing through Wyoming, fighting strong headwinds and side winds traveling 85 to 105 mph. This truck never missed a beat and got 18 mpg. The only other time I calculated mileage was 2 years ago hauling a 4,000 lb. trailer from Utah to Indiana. I got 10 mpg, but I had no trouble keeping it at 80 to 85 even going up steep inclines. Other than the fact that it needs a new windshield now and the shocks arent brand new, it still drives like a brand new truck even with 105,000 miles on it. Only regret: not buying leather interior. I never want to sell this truck!

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  For a full size SUV its features are hard to beat - 2011 Toyota Sequoia
  By leslie0717 - November 8 - 9:39 am

  Our first Sequoia after 12 years with 2 expeditions. Very pleased so far. Believe the platinum is way overpriced when you compare the few extra options you get. We bought a limited with options of navigation and woodgrain interior on the dash ("molded dash applique"). Have to have the fold flat 3rd row, so that excludes GM, and this time decided to spend a little more to get a better quality interior (one of only a few complaints we had with the expedition). Hoping to have better resale value as well. We have been very pleased with the luxury feel of the interior and smooth ride. We did buy our LTD in another state and had it shipped. LTDs are hard to find/nonexistent in some areas.

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  Is this really a truck??? - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By mike - November 8 - 5:50 am

  I once had a 1994 toyota compact and I loved it til it was totalled in an accident. The new 2006 ext. cab Tacoma is the same vehicle I loved reborn to be even better. More space, power and good looks and drives better than most cars. Toyota is untouchable with the Tacoma.

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  An absolute delight - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Marilee - November 8 - 4:00 am

  I had read all about the Prius and enjoyed my short test drive, but not until I took delivery and really put the car through its paces did I begin to smile broadly. The Prius is peppy, accelates well, feels responsive and stable and handles like a dream. The gas tank only holds 10 gallons, but since I get a combined (real world, not the EPA fantasy driving figures) 45mpg, that means I could drive 450 miles between refills. One really doesnt notice when the car shifts between gas and electric, except for the cool display screen. The only problem I had was the upgraded stereo conked out after 5,000 miles. A new receiver, installed under warranty, solved that.

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  Larger than Life - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By John - November 7 - 2:50 pm

  I have had this car for two days now and its great. I am averaging 35 mpg with about 65% city driving. It doesnt take the bumps in the road as well as I had hoped (it takes them similar to my 00 Tacoma). The 09 just looks a whole lot better than the older models. Its got the redesigned front and fancier lights. The display on the dash for clock, mpg, range, should have more than one display. You cant see what time it is unless you have it on clock. In which case you cant see mpg, range, etc. Overall I am very happy with my new car. These cars are flying out of the dealerships so get one while you can!