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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  One Great Car - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By oldcoach - December 27 - 8:56 pm

  I just got my new Prius with packages, and #2 It is one great car. Chances the way you drive. The Prius handles very well and gets great MPG. It has real good pick up on the interstate. There is ample room in the hatch back. I am sure glad I got this car with gas going out of sight.

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  Can you really go wrong with this truck? - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Chris R - December 27 - 2:10 pm

  I have the SR5 model of this truck. I really would have liked a manual transmission but that was only available with the short bed crew cab. The transmission shifts smoothly but does seem to hunt in lower gears. The brakes are spongy as others have noted, but you will learn to adapt to them quickly. Very comfortable interior--very car like; but make no mistake, this is a truck through and through and will handle the road well when the pavement ends; I live on a washboard dirt road out in the sticks. Quite a bit pricier than the domestics but it will hold its resale and it will last. I know. I still have an 86 Toyota pickup that runs great. If you can afford to do so, buy one.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Ed Parans - December 26 - 3:46 pm

  I got my 1st 4 runner in 1995, my 2nd in 2000. This year I decided to upgrade into something more luxurious. I still wanted the room so a crossover was out of the question.I tried the MDX and the RX 330 and was left feeling dissapointed. They were nice enough inside but did not feel right. When I test drove a limited 4 runner, I got the best of both worlds. A great , reliable SUV in the mountains and pretty sweet ride when we head downtown.

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  Hot Car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Adrian - December 26 - 1:30 am

  This is my first Toyota, had a Nissan Altima 2.5S. The Camry by far is a better overall car. I love the 93hp more and the extra torque. This is an awesome car, cant get enough driving around. Now my commute to work is too short.

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  Luvin it!! - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By ladalyjaz - December 26 - 12:50 am

  Although I only just purchased the SR5 model, I love it! I previously had an 01 Explorer - what a difference. The handling is much better and I cant believe that is doesnt feel truckish. So far I seem to be getting really good fuel mileage. I repeat, love this SUV!

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  Best Luxury Car from Toyota - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Jane - December 25 - 11:10 pm

  I will highly recommend this car as it is fun to drive, powerful, and very reliable. I will personally rate it 4.8/5. Whoever plans to buy this 2005 model will see that his/her money has not gone in waste.

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  Flawless - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By C Murray - December 25 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Camry wagon. My experience w/ the 89 model made me search hard for the 96 (the last year they were made). Nothing unexpected has gone wrong with it. Zero. I have replaced the timing belt and brake pads - normal maintenance - and had to adjuxt the valves at 110k, but but other than that it has been 100% reliable. I would buy another if I could find it.

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  Detroit, are you listening?? - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By nellilein - December 25 - 10:00 am

  After waiting four long months we finally received our Prius. This car is amazing and lots of fun to drive. It handles extremely well in a number of circumstance. It excels in rush hour traffic, as well as along Highway 1 in northern California. It handled the curves and turns as well as a sports car and certainly handled them much better than a sedan. To me the best part of the vehicle, besides the above mentioned facts, is that I dont have to feel so guilty about polluting the air with smog inducing emissions and that I am doing a small part to reduce global warming. Detroit, are you listening??

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  Traded A Chevy Trailblazer For This - 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Rich Gimmel - December 24 - 6:33 pm

  Probably about my 20th car to own, but my first Toyota ever. Wasnt interested in the hybrid model until I saw it on the dealers lot. Gas mileage averages about 25.5 mixed driving, compared to average of 18 for the 2007 Trailblazer that I traded. Im impressed with the build quality, and marvel at the hybrid engineering. With some practice I can optimize gas mileage when I want. Very solid, reliable vehicle.

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  Great deal! - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By BMW - December 24 - 3:36 pm

  I recently got this car from my parents as a going to school car and for my personal use. For the money, this car is great! This car is pretty much the best thing you can get for your money. This car is loaded with features for the price you pay. The few flaws it has are absolutely obsolete. Its extremely comfortable and supportive and the performance is surprisingly good for a 4 cylinder. The throttle is very responsive and the ride is very comfortable and relatively sporty.