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 Vehicle - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By garyp - October 11 - 4:03 am

  I bought this 3 weeks ago and have enjoyed every minute I have spent in it. It is really quick, very nimble, very roomy and very comfortable. The ride is very comfortable and secure, both at freeway speeds and on curvy country roads. The first 2 tanks of gas are averaging over 25 mpg and should only get better. I traded a large Buick Rendezvous for the Rav and am much happier with the Rav. Plenty of storage and easy access. Easy entrance and exit to/from both front and rear seats also.

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  A Great SUV!! - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By csholmes123 - October 11 - 2:53 am

  I purchased a 2008 Toyota 4Runner this past summer and overall, I am totally impressed. I am also surprised at the fuel economy and the features; everything is pretty much at your fingertips so that you can stay focus when driving. Toyota 4Runner, "I love what you do for me."

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  High end SUV at mid range price - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Bill - October 10 - 7:50 am

  Vehicle handles well and feels solid. Cabin is well designed (other than cup holders and LED clock). Plenty of storage space and room for rear seat passengers. Fuel consumption beats all competition and with the V6, this vehicle has more power and better acceleration than many other vehicles on the road.

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  I bought two yarii this week! Woo hoo! - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Cassandra - October 10 - 7:33 am

  For a subcompact car, this one delivers. Awesome fuel mileage is the deal on this car. It wont burn the tires off with take off, but youre gonna get at least 42 mpg with cruise and a/c on! Turn off a/c and cruise, and youre getting 50 mpg. The car is zippy, and contrary to opinion, big trucks do not blow you off the road. The thing will turn on a dime. Park anywhere.

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  Excellent Daily Driver - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By Bears Fan - October 10 - 12:20 am

  With 310,000 miles on the 4Runner, it has not had one problem with reliability. I did only routine maintenance and changed all fluids and oils regularly. This car has gotten me from coast to coast in the US with no worries about reliability. Ride is very comfortable for long trips, and this car is amazing to drive in harsh snow conditions. I have not been stuck once.

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  Feature filled with economy plus - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By mitchell goodman - October 9 - 3:30 pm

  This is a great car. It has multiple safety features and unbeatable economy. If you drive it correctly, one can expect to get 52-55 mpg in the city and an easy 50 mpg on the highway. With the tax credit, it makes it a wise decision to buy, saving considerable fuel and putting virtually no pollutants into the environment. Although it technically is rated at 110 horsepower, this vehicle can really move on the highway if you need to "punch it".

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  Great Car - comfortable cruiser - great MPG - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By tiversen - October 8 - 10:34 pm

  Had to spring for the Prius 5 since the fabric seats in the 3 were the worst (flat with no lumbar support). The leatherette seats in the 5 are awesome. Plus the 5 wheels are nice. The car is quiet, comfortable and can fit five, with room in the back for three to four wheeled carry-on suitcases. With about 1000 miles getting about 49mpg on the readout and about 46mpg using the manual calc method - in 80% hwy 20% city. Short 5 minute trips will only get you about 30 to 40 mpg since the engine has to warm up before it shuts off at stops. Still twice the mileage in the city of any gas miser. Have got up to 75mpg on a short trip when I used only the ev mode (slow excel) up to 35mph.

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  Only car to own - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By G Brach - October 8 - 8:36 pm

  McPherson strut bolts had to be retorqued at 23500. Original tires Goodyear integrity lasted only 22,500. Dealership treatment was EXCELLENT! Have another on order. Get your order in-You wont be disappointed! Car is very fast. Goes by everything including GAS Stations! Wonderful utility with hatchback.

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  love my camry se !!! - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By 504tlm - October 8 - 6:13 pm

  The 2011 camry se 4 cyc. rides smooth. It drives fast I was on the highway going 80 mph and didnt even realize it. The seats feel like it molds to your body. They have so much leg room.The air is ice cold. I leave my car for 3 hours come back and the inside is still cool (even when its 100 degress outside). The engine is quiet. The truck has alot of space. Its very stylish. I lot of people have told me they love my car. One of the reasons why i bought this car is because of the quality. There is no dipstick to check the transmission. The dealer said you dont have to worry about the fluid level. You just change it when you get 100,000 miles on the car.

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  Love the Avalon! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Becky145 - October 8 - 4:30 pm

  I love everything about this car. It looks good inside and out. Lots of storage, very comfortable and roomy, quiet at ANY speed, easy to handle. I have been told it is a Lexus with the Toyota name on it. Same engine and body as a lower class Lexus. I would highly recommend it to anyone, any age!!