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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  Beautiful mini SUV to drive. - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Patricia - April 8 - 2:50 pm

  Although Ive only been driving it for a week now, I love it! Its a beautiful car with a great drive. Toyotas are reliable cars. The RAV4 has a smooth drive and the comfort is a plus. The exterior is also beautiful. Its a great small suv for someone whos tiny like me! Its easy to drive and very spacious. Id recommend it to anyone!

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  I love my Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Kent Pollock - April 8 - 5:46 am

  I bought a 2006 Prius in December 05 and have put 12,000 fun and trouble- free miles on it. I got the "loaded" version with all the options including the navigation system and so far everything has worked flawlessly. Fuel mileage has been excellent although the 61 mpg in city driving requires a lot of gas pedal finess. A recent trip from Phoenix to Denver netted 56.8 mpg. My only complaint is that the mapping system is outdated, probably by about 2 to 3 years. Toyota should offer free or inexpensive updates every year. I would buy another Prius in a heartbeat although Im hoping Im still driving this one 5 years from now.

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  Its not JUST the gas mileage! - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Bergma - April 7 - 11:40 pm

  Ive been cringing when I read reviews from people saying that next time theyll go for a gas vehicle to get more "umph". Its ALSO about doing something about the environment. Look at all the cars around you idling at red lights. They are all putting out green house gases and you are NOT. Im averaging 30.4 MPG. Its fun to drive and seems solidly built. The second row seats are more roomy than my past 2002 Sienna, and my teenaged skinny son sat in the 3rd row seat at an angle and was OK. Wouldnt be good for 2 people larger than your average sized 9 year old.

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  Rattles front and back - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By T. Wagner - April 7 - 8:33 pm

  Since having my vehicle, my first Toyota, it has been into the dealership over 10 times. A few of my visits have been ones where the car was kept overnight. Why? Dash rattles, trim rattles, windshield rattles that just keep coming back. The dealer has replaced many parts but yet has found a "cure" that lasts over two weeks. That is up front!!! Body rattles in the back were finally eliminated by epoxy caulk after many visits. Both the windshield and back windows have been replaced to try to quiet the rattles. The dealership has been diligent and professional. I have had many vehicles over the years, new and old, but never one with such rattles that persist.

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  Reliable - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Greg Fernandez - April 7 - 12:37 am

  Excellent comfortable mid size

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  My Echo - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By aeroterremer - April 6 - 11:43 pm

  What can I say? I just love my Echo! Ive never owned a car that I was so proud to drive, and this is just my third car in 25 years. Ive had her 3 years now and every day still brings joy and excitement. Although Im retired and dont put in the long miles, she still gets excellent mileage. I would highly recommend the Echo to anyone who wants a no-frills reliable, cute car. If I had to do it again, Id do it in a heartbeat. I love this car so much my sister said my idea of Heaven would be to have only Echos up there. :)

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  The perfect car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Sam - April 6 - 3:33 am

  When gas started top go up in price earlier this year, I decided to get an economy car. After test driving a Camry, Matrix and a Prius, I decided on the Prius and never looked back. Gas mileage averages 53.1 MPG, mixed city driving along with an 80 mile round trip commute evenly divided 60MPH and 45MPH speed limits. Excelent handling, very comfortable and now that I have learned to use them, the GPS Navigation and cellular Bluetooth are indespensable and would not like to learn to have to do without them. After a weeks of driving, I have to fill my gas tank, and it usually takes less than 9 gallons. Doesnt get any better than that.

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  Great vehicle to own & drive.!! - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Madscot - April 6 - 3:10 am

  Ive owned this 4 runner for 8 months now & have enjoyed every minute of the driving experience. This is the perfect vehicle for me as I love to camp/fish,etc so theres plenty of room for all sorts of equipment. (Ive only used the roof rack once.) This vehicle performs great on mountain roads,on dirt tracks & in wet/snowy conditions, giving confidence to the driver. Very dependable too, Ive had no problems thus far with just basic "do it yourself" maintenance. In my humble opinion,you could do a lot worse than buying a Toyota 4 Runner.

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  TheProfessor - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By TheProfessor777 - April 6 - 2:00 am

  The best INVESTMENT I made in the last 9 years.

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  the best truck made - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By kevinbalitski - April 6 - 2:00 am

  best truck we ever had