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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  2004 Toyota Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Jim Bowen - November 7 - 10:40 am

  Great car! Fuel consumption varies with driver. 16 year old driver gets 40 MPG city, 54 yr.old gets 52 MPG . Steering on highway a little wayward, requiring more corrections than our Volvo wagen. Front driver seat does not go far back enough for 6+ drivers. Brakes take a little getting used to. Visibility excellent. Plenty of power for a mid- sized auto. Super quiet with very little road noise. Tons of rear seat room. Drivetrain feels the same as any other.

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  Best car Ive ever owned! - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By cantrells3 - November 6 - 2:43 pm

  Ive had my 2000 celica since 2006 when I bought it used and it has been amazing. I have had almost no problems with it even though I bought the car with 80,000 miles. Only thing that has happened is the distributor went out at about 100,000 mi, and one of my CV joints went out at the same time( which I highly recommend fixing as soon as it goes out, the car used to turn on its own with the broken one) Besides that though nothing seem to be going wrong my check engine light is one at 150,000 but still runs as smooth and powerful as the day I got it.(most likely O2 sensors)

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  Absolute Work of Art - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Ken - November 5 - 7:53 pm

  Ive got the model with the BBS wheels and the concave body kit. I love this car and everything about it. Traded my 2006 VW Passat in on it and couldnt be happier. There arent many cars on the road that look better than this one. 4 cylinder engine runs like a champ. Plenty of power (especially for the wife).

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  Im LOVING it! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By redhot888 - November 5 - 5:46 am

  I just had my GEN III Prius V 9 days ago and so far...I am falling in love with the gadget and new technology that comes with it. Every day seems like a new small good surprise. I love the exterior and interior...it makes feel secure and at the same time...feeling awesome!!! The most amazing part that I like from my Prius V is the 17" alloy wheel. It really gives you the feeling of stability even at a higher speed!

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  I love the new Improved Venza! - 2013 Toyota Venza
  By smrt50 - November 5 - 1:29 am

  I owned a 2011 Venza, 4 cycl., and purchased the new 2013 Venza, XLE, 6 cycl.,Nav. Leather,power rear door lift, rear camera, 20 inch wheels. I love this vehicle, the ride has improved... My commute to work is 35 miles one-way, this vehicle is a joy yo drive. The Nav., Bluetooth, HD radio, Satellite Radio, make my commute easy to handle. The quality and interior workmanship has improved!!!!

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  Easiest Purchase Ever! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By RAV4 Lover - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Before buying my RAV4 I researched for 6 months going back and forth between it and the Mazda Tribute. Well, the RAV won hands down. I loved the reliability and the ratings it got from experts and other consumers. I dont regret buying it at all!

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  First-time Toyota Owner - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By jpjr - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Always had full-sized SUVs. This vehicle is truly a dream. A real sweet ride. Very smooth and excellent handling in rain/snow conditions -- holds the road effortlessly with a great secure feeling. First time I can honestly say that I took possession of a new vehicle and never had to go back to the dealership with a complaint about anything!!

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  Good - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By Robyn - November 4 - 2:00 am

  The car was a good car...I love it, its the car ive always wanted

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  Smooth Riding Beauty - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By AmJosh - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I was looking for an Impala, but as soon as I saw this camry, I was bought. It has everything that I wanted, like sunroof, alloy wheels smooth ride and a knock out punch form the V6 and a very good music system with cassette and cd. Realiability and ride quality are unbeatable as for any Toyota. Although handling is not quite stiff, but its very much accurate and more than sufficient for turning with 10 to 20 above speed limit on freeway exit ramps. I love this car.

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  2002 Limited V-6 AWD - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Patrick32787 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Hey, i purchased a 2002 Toyota Highlander Limited V-6 AWD and i love it. the only thing i have to complain about is the standard Bridgestone tires in the snow, which stink, and the rattles the car has.