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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  Somewhat of an expert... - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Elliott - July 30 - 4:23 pm

  I consider myself somewhat of an expert on the Highlander because I have owned six (6) of them. Thats right... I buy a new one every year and love the vehicle. It fits my needs as an SUV while it rides like a dream. The gas mileage is great for an SUV and is affordable to own. I miss not having the option for an auto dim rearview mirror with compass. It was available in the past but a service note came out against it because installation could interfere with the operation of the air bags. Very happy that fog lights finally became an option. Also glad that a center console became available in 2002. The 2001 didnt have one and you couldnt get an aftermarket for it. Shifting is a little sloppy

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  A great vehicle - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By mkol - July 30 - 3:16 pm

  I bought my XRS 2 days ago and I am already loving it and have no buyers remorse. It is not as fast as I would hope that it would be, but I dont need it for racing anyway.

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  Impressive, fun to drive - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Ed - July 30 - 8:23 am

  We traded a 2003 Honda CRV for the impressive Rav4 because of reliability, styling, peppy 4-cyl, room, rear storage.The Honda disappointed when it was in repair for one week with an engine problem. Never happened on the Toyotas I owned before the CRV.

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  Like the car - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By prius driver - July 30 - 5:03 am

  Its been a fun car to drive. You can get hooked on trying to beat your best mpg. Traded Lexus GS 300 and Im not sorry. Averaging 53 mpg in mixed driving. Quiet ride, almost calming, a liberating feeling.

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By lisaw243 - July 29 - 10:18 pm

  bought with 100,000 miles, very clean car, few months later front rotors went bad, was told this was last time they could be turned, few months later, a top motor mount, now the transmossion mount, $ 114 just for the part , backs struts are having thumping noise issues going over bumps very slowly, rack and pinion boot is shredded for some reason, headliner is starting to come loose in the back, the car has been well taken care of before and during the year and half I have owned it. Interior is great, fantastic console, very comfortable, mine has 8 airbags, so i have the extra safety feeling on the road, not sure if i should keep fixing things or trade it off? fun to drive, great on gas

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  This car is an asset - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By upoys - July 29 - 9:53 pm

  Buying a brand new car is a liability. But when the car runs as well as the day you bought it years after the last car payment, and has many strong miles ahead, that car is now an asset. The gas mileage is decent, although not as good as I think this car should get. It is not the smoothest ride either. But to prove the quality of build and reliablity of this vehicle, the original tires were not replaced until they had a little over 80k mi. Plus, only standard maintainence has been done to it.

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  A great Road Car - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By bobgwtw - July 29 - 9:50 pm

  Ordered an XLE V6 Camry that was damaged in transit. Didnt want to wait 12 weeks for another Camry, so bought the Avalon. This is a great road car, very comfortable, great mileage-30/31 MPG on the road. All controls & displays are conveniently placed & easy to use. Ive driven 5700 miles in 5 weeks & the more I drive it the more I appreciate the quiet comfort, interior convenience, good handling & economical operation it offers. I heartily recommend this car, especially for those who spend a lot of time on the road.

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  Wonderful Car - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By H. Hart - July 29 - 9:10 pm

  My 1999 Solara SE V6 is a WONDERFUL car! For a first car, I thought it was too nice for me! I love the roominess of the two front seats and even the back seats. The sunroof is awesome and I love the one touch button that opens/closes or tilts it! Since this car is a Toyota, it´s going to be very reliable. I absolutely love the HUGE trunk! Everything is running smoothly with this car and my little sister can´t wait ´til she can drive it when I pass it down to her.

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  109,300 miles, 11 years - reliable, but not as long lasting as other Toyota cars - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By techguy5 - July 29 - 8:12 pm

  Have had this car since 2004 CPO buy -- early adopter on hybrid technology. Excellent reliability, with caveats. MPG ranged from 45 to 50 MPG in the first 4-5 years -- huge money saver for someone commuting in heavy Los Angeles traffic. Main hybrid battery replaced under warranty around 80K just under 10 year warranty; again replaced battery around 90K after replacement battery saw failed battery cell (replaced by Toyota out of warranty, no charge, for failure analysis @ factory). Currently getting 39 to 45 MPG -- but have had an unexplained failure to start. No other major repairs. Great car, but dont think will get it to the 250K+ you can get from other non-hybrid Toyotas.

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  The Best SUV In The World - 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Paul Carlson - July 29 - 3:16 pm

  I have owned and driven every high end SUV in the World and the Toyota Land Cruiser is hands down the winner.