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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  Super Car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Jaye - August 7 - 10:00 am

  This is my third and favorite Corolla. It has higher ground clearance for better visability in traffic and handling, has a ton of interior and trunk space for a small car, gets super gas mileage, has limited road noise, and handles like a dream. Our family took this car on vacation to save on gasoline -- we couldnt believe we were able to comfortably fit all of our luggage, the cooler, and us. Now my husband wants to trade his larger vehicle in on a Corolla of his own!

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  2004 Sienna LE - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By asaw - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle two weeks ago. Had to pay extra for the premium white (Arctic Frost Pearl) paint, but its worth it. It looks soooo good. Did a 400km trip (250 miles) over last weekend, and it was GREAT. I love the power of the 3.3L, the smooth ride, and the fit and finish.

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  Great car could be better - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Oro - August 7 - 10:00 am

  very uncomfortable in the last seat and impossible to keep black plastic in dashboard clean it cillects all the dust in the world

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  Avalons Rule - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Cody - August 7 - 5:16 am

  Traded from a MB E-class. Every bit as comfortable and has been rock solid. Gas mileage runs between 25 and 30 consistantly. Exceptionally comfortable as a cruiser.

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  Cant get better - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By BC tells - August 7 - 4:10 am

  I cant say enough good about this car. For those wanting a high performance car go somewhere else and get a guzzler if you want a car that is solid, rides well, and most of all feels luxurious at the gas pump by the king of mileage, this is it. We werent reluctant with this car at all because this is the 11th year of production, Toyota got this right!

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  The SUV to replace lesser sport vehcles - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By delray226 - August 6 - 2:46 pm

  Love my 4Runner. I average ~22 MPG and this has been fantastic in all weather. Living in a hilly part of the southern tier of NY the traction control and amenities are on par with cars costing up to 15K more. Considered the BMW X3 and it was no comparison. The interior space and comfort is fantastic for the money. I have never owned such a comfortable vehicle. Even the little features like the speed adjusting airfoil for the sunoof just make the driving experience and daily use a real pleasure. The control of the rear window is another great feature to help cabin airflow. The cargo mounted mirrors are a great help when backing up in close quarters.

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  The Beast of 1/2 Ton P/Us - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By elk slayer - August 6 - 2:40 pm

  Ive owned 10 p/us prior to the Tundra and I can honestly say this is the best p/u Ive owned to date!! Power, comfort, styling, reliability, etc. Fuel mileage is a bit bad but it is in fact a truck w/huge eng. I work hard for my money so when I spend 30K + I want the best and most reliable available wouldnt anyone?? Toyotas track record speaks for itself! Drive them all and I think youll be taking home the Tundra! Nuff said!

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  Glad I bought Hilander - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By happywithhilander - August 6 - 1:13 pm

  I have owned other SUVs including Lexus RX(the first generation), Honda Passport(built by Isuzu and drove like Isuzu) and Honda Pilot. This car drives as good as Lexus for a lot less money. Because of all problems Toyota have had recently, Im sure they fixed all they had to on this car by the time I bought it, and thus I feel very safe in it.

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  Heck of a First Car -- Will Post 1yr Review as Well - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By sovereign - August 6 - 12:13 pm

  As the title suggests, this is my first car. Purchased at 43k miles from a dealer. Having driven only my parents cars until now, those being minivans (Odyssey, Villager) and sedans (Impala), a small SUV is certainly different. That "hybrid" and "luxury features" are not mutually-exclusive (nor do they require a premium nameplate) is a good thing. The "hybrid premium" also shrinks to almost nothing (by Edmunds estimates for similarly-equipped vehicles quoted at dealer retail). 2006 Limited 4x4 loaded minus DVD: $20,923. 2006 Limited 4x4 Hybrid loaded minus DVD: $21,445. Thats $523, so one would need to save 125 gallons of gas in mileage vs. nonhybrid. Such savings is easy.

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  This car jumps - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By DeeCee - August 5 - 10:00 am

  Quick and dependable, Ive driven this car alot of miles (53,500) and in most if not all driving situations. The performance is what sold me the car in the first place. Its cornering is superb, with a little bit of a loose feel when you get towards the edge. It can punch a hole through freeway packs with great accelaration from 60-90, nimble and precise steering, and small footprint. Had a couple 18-hour stints in the seat, and stayed comfortable. As far as dependability, though, Ive done little more than change the oil every 3 or 4k miles, and it still hums and drives like new.