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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  Delighted With Our Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Gail - June 25 - 9:03 pm

  Not a whit of problems with this car. Has not been back to dealer for any reason since we bought it in August. This is the fourth Camry in this family, and this one seems to be the best of any of them. Congratulations to Toyota for another excellent automobile.

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  Great Vehicle - 2010 Toyota Sienna
  By ss492 - June 25 - 8:50 pm

  We just purchased this car last month and it is already my favorite car. The space is amazing, the power sliding doors are great, and the drive is far better than I could have imagined.

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  Rock Solid - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Mike D - June 25 - 6:53 pm

  This is my 4th Toyota (1st Highlander), after 1 Corolla & 2 Camrys prior. All stellar. I am not an impulsive buyer and not made out of money, so researched this purchase thoroughly. With Toyotas build quality, could not see spending big $ on a new one, or even a 3-year-old off lease model. Have only owned for about a month. Car has 52K miles & is ROCK SOLID, much as I had suspected it would be. At 7 years old, it drives like its brand new. Will go to 200K miles no doubt.

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  Great SUV! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Great SUV! - June 25 - 12:40 pm

  I owned a Jeep grand Cherokee limited and now this SUV. Love the extra room and the 3rd row. Miss the leather seats...guess once you own a limited its hard to give up all those extra options. So easy to get the kids in and out and its not a mini van! Wish that you could down load a picture on the screen for the clock/back up camera.

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  Reliable & good on gas - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By yoski - June 25 - 8:00 am

  I had the car for 6 month and 8K miles. The gas mileage is about 3 mpg worse than my old Tercel. Best was 42 mpg on the highway, worst was 34 mpg in heavy city traffic. I average 37-38 on my commute which is mostly city driving. The car is comfortable and easy to handle, tight turning radius, lots of space once you fold down the rear seats. So far I had zero problems with the car. Easy to work on for do-it-yourselfers.

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  Regret purchasing this vehicle - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Will B. - June 25 - 4:43 am

  Ive had Toyotas before and been very pleased. Ive had this Highlander for about five months and have serious misgivings about having purchased it. Im reminded of this everytime I have to use two hands to push down the back door.. its very hard to close. Its been many years since Ive driven a car with a noteciably poor transmission but when starting off going down hill (which is how our drive is situated) this transmission is rough. You can see the RPMs reving then hear and feel the transmission catch up. I took it into the dealership but they claim that is the way it is supposed to be. Ive never had a problem with a car until I bought this Highlander and really wouldnt recommend it

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  First Hybrid -- not the last - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By taylort - June 25 - 4:40 am

  We bought the Toyota HH 2007 just before the tax credits reduced and are very happy with our choice. The HH is fun to drive and very functional. So far we love it.

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  Great Car - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Spanky - June 24 - 8:10 pm

  I bought the car to reduce travel expenses and I am electrical engineer and love the technology. I was pleased with how quiet and comfortable the car was on the road. The car has plenty of room and is very usable with the hatch and fold down seats. I get in the mid 50s in warm weather and mid 40s in the cold weather. The power is adequate for most driving.

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  Toyota 4runner is the best - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By zach - June 24 - 7:46 pm

  Bought my 2003 Sport Edition v8 toyota 4runner with 164000 miles on it. It now has 214000 miles on it. It has not been pampered. I spend most of my time off road. It has been on slick rock, sand, snow, mud, water and has powered through with ease. The only big expense was a routine timing belt change. Other than that I have not had one problem with it. Runs strong, no rattles, everything is solid, everything works, no electrical problems and the truck still looks brand new. I have a dog that is in and out and the seats still look brand new. I put a 2 inch leveling kit on it and have been able to be off road and not high center. Not one oil leak. I change my oil every 4000 miles and thatts it. I plan on driving this until it dies. It will easily make 300,000 miles and still run strong. They are very pricey but well worth the money. The Toyota will out last any car you own. Biggest complaint I have is that I cant buy the exact same year/model brand new. My mom also has the exact same year and model. Not one problem with it. Hers has 190,000 miles on it and has not had one problem... Love the toyota 4runner. Gas mileage sucks but worth it. These people saying they get 23 miles/gallon with the v8 or the v6 are [non-permissible content removed] This thing also tows amazing.. I tow a 7000 pound boat with no problem. No swaying and no power issues.

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  one fine auto - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By jack d milici - June 24 - 7:00 pm

  The wife and I love to drive this car. We just returned from a trip to N.C. and we averaged over 50 mpg. We didnt nurse it and drove at highway speeds. (50 to 70 Imph) With both back seats down we packed enough clothes, coolers, beach chairs and some drinks for a month vacation. It is a white beauty with most add ons.