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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  I love it! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Convertible Girl - September 30 - 6:36 am

  Its the best looking convertible for the price and it drives very smooth like a more expensive car. Every Friday night I put the top down and sail home with a big smile on my face! Its so much fun to drive!

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  EXCELLENT Fuel Mileage - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By gregff - September 30 - 5:49 am

  I drive 55 miles one way to work. 5 days a week. I bought the car Oct 19th 2013 and as of 3/15/13 have over 15000 miles. Most of the driving is up and down hills, none are big but all are long grades. About 10 miles is flat. I am averaging 40-41MPG. Ride is excellent road noise is not a problem. Only Complaint I have is the Rear speakers do not have any volume. Dealer has looked at it and says ALL Prius V have the same issue, no fix.

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  Love My Prius - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By allura - September 30 - 5:30 am

  This is the first prius I purchased, when I finished signing the paperwork, I made the salesman go over all the driving info I needed, he did. I was amazed at the interior, it felt luxury all the way. The engine is totally quiet, everything about the prius is awesome. The color is light green and interior is beige, and drives brand new, comes with 7 yr 100 miles warranty. I would not trade this car for anything, wanted one last year but the price and waiting list was long, worth the wait. Radio could be better. All I can say is test drive a prius and you will be sold, take my word.

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  Fragile, very fragile. - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Tom R. - September 30 - 5:00 am

  First the good news, this truck with the 5.7L engine gets very good MPG, hwy 21, city 15 unloaded. Unfortunately, thatÂ’s where the good news ends, I purchased this truck to tow my 5800 lbs travel trailer to and from the NC Mountains during the spring, summer and falls months, I got the 5.7L, SR5, extended cab with the tow package. On our first trip to Boon, NC we experienced the well documented reverberation and bouncing that comes with just the slightest change in road conditionsÂ…..and we only traveled the interstates and four lane highways. The second thing we noticed and it also is well documented in this forum, it the shifting between 5th and 6th gear on straight road. It dents easily.

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  Really good, solid car - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By michelito - September 30 - 4:10 am

  I drive it everyday as my commute car, but have taken it on long trips (more than 3000 miles) and it is a great car. Have been in dirt roads and drives well. Feels almost like a car, but you are higher.

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  Endearing little machine - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By James and Joanna - September 29 - 10:06 pm

  This car has won me over. Despite the awful center-mount gauges and ugly styling, Toyota did its homework. Interior space is larger than its subcompact rating would suggest, as is its trunk. The interior materials, while not much on a quality impression, are extremely hard wearing. Few rattles are to be heard. The ride is comfortable for a car with such a short wheelbase, but handling can be squirrelly especially at higher speeds or in crosswinds. The motor isnt exactly refined but even saddled with an automatic transmission it moved the car with surprising swiftness and equally impressive fuel economy - low 30s on my short commute with a/c and near 40 on long trips.

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  Sienna Symphony worth the ride! - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By net2tech - September 29 - 10:00 am

  We looked at quite a few minivans and finally selected three, Honda, Mazda MPV and Toyota Sienna. Honda was little too big, tough to park and noisy at highways. Pluses were the Honda reputation and engine. minus were Honda sales guys. Mazda MPV is a great van. has a very steady car like ride, crisp handling and great price. We didnt go for it because of the third row, which is not really comfortable during long rides. So finally we looked at Toyota Sienna..We were pleasently surprised. The ride is smooth. The inside is very quiet especially with a sleeping baby.

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  SOLID CAR - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By newtonent - September 29 - 10:00 am

  NO PROBLEMS,GREAT GAS MILEAGE,INSTRUMENTS ARE WHERE THEY SHOULD BE,SOLID BUILD, THE CAR HAS A TENDANCY TO ROLL AROUND A BIT IN AN OFF CANTER TURN AT 100 MPH.BUT ITS SOMETHING YOU LEARN TO LIVE WITH.

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  4Runner is solid - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By mort - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Traded in a 2000 Explorer after the steering rack and rear wiper motor broke. The rotors needed servicing at 20k as well and then the whole tire thing... Its been a while but I suspect my nephews Big Wheel rides better than that Ford XLT. Found a 98 4Runner SR5 with 25k miles on it, I expect to keep it 10 years. Other makes have more power and features, but these toyotas just plain last.

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  Great Car!! - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By jitenbm - September 29 - 10:00 am

  A really fun car to drive. And very reliable, comfortable and safe. But for the economy (what do u expect from a V6?!), a great buy.