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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  The great Rav 4 make over - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By jlb1143 - September 15 - 12:36 am

  This new design takes the best of the old and incorporates some much needed improvements.

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  A Good Decision - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Rhonda - September 14 - 5:13 pm

  While I wasnt crazy about the exterior design, my research helped me decide based upon other positive features and ease of getting in and out. I am delighted w/my Prius. It holds the road well, maneuvers in traffic well. Solid sounding door closure. Mileage is better when not doing a lot of hwy. drvg. I compute mileage by the tank and have gotten as much as 412 miles to a tank of gas and as little as 308. The specs say its an 11.9 gallon tank, but from empty, Ive never been able to put more than 8.8 gallons in it. That equates to 35 to 46.81 mpg. It sure beats the 17 mpg I was getting in my minivan. I also love people asking me about it. I could be a Prius salesperson.

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  My Prius... - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By JackN4746 - September 14 - 1:10 pm

  I have had my Prius for a little over two months now and have 2100 miles on it. the car is great to drive and I must admit I love it. I bought it to use to run errands and now its my main car. Especially with the ability to use it in the carpool lane as a solo driver. Everything about the car is great. I have no negatives here. I had no idea about all the options that came on it and am very pleased. DVD navigation, keyless start blue tooth etc., all great.

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  Great on and off road - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Ewan - September 14 - 9:20 am

  This car is stunning and a head turner. But has the goods to back up the bold looks with an ample engine, towing ability and drive train to go anywhere you so desire. Also there is plenty after market goodies to customize and make it the way you want it to look

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  Terrific SUV Crossover - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By MikeND - September 13 - 10:26 pm

  I had previously owned two Corollas and loved both of them. I needed a bigger vehicle because of two new children. I test drove a Santa Fe, a Highlander and a Rav4. It took me about 5 minutes of driving a Rav4 to fall in love. I obviously like the added size and power. However, what I find amazing with the Rav4 is I still feel like Im driving my old Corolla. Im also looking forward to the 4WD and added weight this winter.

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  Great Little Truck - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Nick - September 13 - 6:50 pm

  I currently have 68k miles. No problems at all. I have only changed the oil and tires. I am on my second set of tires. Factory tires where Goodyears are very soft. I get around 22-25 hwy mileage. Would buy another one in a minute. Waiting for the redo in 06. Plenty of space, drove to the Keys last year with family, fully loaded, got over 23 mpg. Would get the 4WD next time. ECT snow switch has gotten me out of some tough spots.

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  Best new car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By towerlane - September 13 - 6:23 pm

  2007 with Option 2, aftermarket leather seats installed by dealer. Car drives extremely well. Absolutely no problems. Acceleration more than adequate getting on Northern California freeways. Love the direct input to stereo system. Climate control very well done. Purchased aftermarket leather supplied by dealer - much better than Toyota leather and did not have to buy Option 6 to get leather. Bought the Prius for my commute (48 miles each way) but my wife commandeered it for her commute (20 miles each way heavy city driving). I have a 2001 Accord V-6 and plan to trade it in and buy my own Prius.

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  2000 tundra - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By john schmidt - September 13 - 10:00 am

  no breakdowns no significant repairs smooth carlike ride fair gas mileage

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  My 04 RAV rocks! - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Brittik - September 13 - 10:00 am

  This is the second RAV4 Ive owned; the first was an 01. I have had nothing but good experiences with both cars. The first had 40,000 miles on it when I traded it - all without any major mechanical issues or problems with build quality. I think the RAV4 is the best-looking mini-SUV on the market, and the 04 model offered such significant improvements in power, handling, ride and interior sound deadening, I had to trade up.

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  GREAT Car! Fun, Sporty & not too pricey - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By crystalc - September 13 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this car, but I LOVE it already! This car is awesome. I love the way it looks. Its stylish, fun to drive, and pretty affordable. The Matrix offers a lot of interior room despite its "small-car" status. I love that I sit up higher on the road than some other cars. The windshield is very wide, so I can see the road better. The car isnt "small", but its not intimidatingly huge either. Its just perfect for me. Acceleration is nice, and the ride is pretty smooth. The cargo space inside is really roomy and great for those who like to carry cargo/tow a lot of stuff. The seats are actually more comfy than I would have imagined. Overall...GREAT car!