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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  Toyoto Sienna 2004 LE - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By AZ - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Quite, drives well. Decent mileage. Too many interlocking safety controls. Dont like the black on the radio consle and on the side arm rests. Prefer wood grain or the same color as the rest of the interior.

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  Excellent Car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Gymswim - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Overall very pleased with my XLE V6. Especially glad I bought Navigation and upper side air bags. Forgot to have dealer exchange Bridgestone tires (which proved unsatisfactory) for Michelins. I replaced all 4 tires with Michelins at 12,000 miles after a blowout and repeated problems with hydroplaning at speeds above 50 mph.

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  perfect for me - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By larry - October 24 - 4:20 am

  very fun to drive and very important to me is that it is easy to get in and out of. i have a fused spine and the seat height is perfect for . easy to park and a good 4 wheel drive system for snow and some light off roading.

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  Best One Yet! - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By J Latte - October 23 - 6:36 pm

  Cant go wrong with a Toyota! I have had my Camry now for 2 months now. I have 6,000 miles so far and wish I had more time to drive it. I wasnt sure if I could go from an SUV to a car, but it was easy to do. This car is a dream. At first I didnt think it was getting all that good gas mileage at around 30 mpg, but now I get around 36.8 mpg @ 72ish on the highway, and in town 37 to up to 42 mpg. Has been my avg for the last 4,000 miles or so. Just buy one you will not look back and say I wish I had looked at that other car first, after you own your Camry hybird, you will wish you had gone green sooner!

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  2006 Prius Review - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Sharon Tingley - October 23 - 6:36 pm

  We have really enjoyed our Prius in the year we have owned it. It has excellent pick-up and over-all performance. Gas mileage has been consistent with Consumers Report, but not windshield. Our highest mileage has been 46.7. Average overall has been about 44.2. It is very roomy inside.

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  What a Joy! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By kellstar - October 23 - 2:53 pm

  I love the driving experience. The ride is pleasant, I had someone ride behind me on a fast curve and the tires stuck to the ground, it was awesome.

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  2006 Sienna Limited Fwd rocks - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By GadgetBoy - October 23 - 9:13 am

  Our Sienna Limited Fwd is still in break-in, so mileage cant be fully rated (weve averaged about 14 MPG overall, but have less than 200 miles on the vehicle, almost none on open highway). The Bluetooth integration and backup camera are must-have features, IMHO (for safety alone). The nits are minor.

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  Quite possibly the Perfect Vehicle - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By sp33dy_gr33n - October 23 - 8:00 am

  Absolutely love this vehicle. It is very quick with the V6 engine, and gets great gas mileage (25 mpg) for a 4wd, V6, SUV. The dimension of the vehicle are great too. Not too big, and not too small, and looks great.

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  Great Car - Great price - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Paul3637 - October 23 - 4:53 am

  Ride and engine are quiet and smooth as silk. The 268 HP V-6 has lots of zip and gets outstanding gas mileage. My LE does not have traction/stability control but I really dont need it. If you like to take corners hard, get the stability control or get the SE. I did not get the SE because all the ones in stock were loaded with expensive features I did not want.

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  Great car, all around! - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By CKP - October 22 - 7:30 pm

  I downsized from a Ford F150 Super Cab, and havent missed it. My fuel bills have been cut by 2/3. Im 64" and surprisingly fit very comfortably, even with our family of 5 in the car. Its a lot of fun to drive, especially with the manual transmission.