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:

• 

  Dark Blues the Best - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Nancy - August 21 - 9:13 pm

  I love my Prius. Its made up the additional cost almost right off the bat, from a $3K tax rebate and insurance discounts; it handles and accelerates well (from its high torque electric motor); has plenty of room and cargo space(it is a mid-size sedan); gets fabulous mileage- twice that of other sedans; looks great(in my Dark blue, or pretty black ones Ive seen on the road); and is super convenient (wireless key-fob that ulocks it when you walk up, and also a push-button ignition). Even without the fact that its the best selling and efficient hybrid in the US, Id still buy it over another sedan.

• 

  Love my Taco - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jack - August 21 - 4:23 pm

  This is my 5th Tacoma. The new larger body style and larger motor make this truck better than it has ever been before. I am very impressed so far.

• 

  What else would you buy? - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Brad - August 21 - 9:23 am

  Our 4Runner LTD has been fantastic. Extremely comfortable and reliable. We change the oil and put gas in it; nothing else. Toyota reliability is reason enough to own this car. The V6 has plenty of power. Off-road and in rough conditions, this vehicle has not let us down. We average 20 mi/ga...pretty decent for an SUV that is driven hard. Relative to a Cherokee, the 4runner flat out is better in corners, accelerating, and overall handling. As for luxury, our other vehicle is a new BMW and I feel more comfortable in the 4runner. We use the cargo space so often. Buying large objects (e.g.furniture). Our lab loves the back, tonnes of carrying space, and moves 4 people on long trips.

• 

  GREAT VEHICLE - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Pat - August 21 - 7:23 am

  Wonderful on a trip. Feel uncomfortable on wet roads and sometimes when pulling out seems like it slides or skids. Maybe just the driver.

• 

  Stylish runner - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By george - August 20 - 7:40 pm

  I have taken this runner on numerous trips arizona nevada sandiego, great mileage, handles well, comfortable, reliable and fun to drive. Handle well on the off road too. A great buy you can count on.

• 

  Reformed Gas Guzzler - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By tjpultz - August 20 - 8:33 am

  I traded in a loaded Jeep GC LTD that got 14 mpg for the Prius that so far gives me about 45 mpg. A whopping 300% improvement in fuel economy! The money Im saving on gas pays for my car insurance every month. I was concerned that it wouldnt be big enough for me because Im 63" but the leg room at 42.5" is better than most vehicles of any size. Performance was another concern but 0 to 60 in 9.8 seconds is more than adequate for anybody who isnt racing. Overall I think this is an outstanding vehicle that I would recommend to anyone. You can tell that Toyota has made every effort to keep the Prius on the cutting edge. As one of the other reviewers said, "its like driving a space ship".

• 

  Great Car to Have and to Hold. - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Ms Cherry - August 20 - 7:56 am

  I got this car for my dog, but I fell in love with it after the first month. I get so many compliments in parking lots. It really drives like a car. Before purchasing this car I test drove a Suzuki, a CR-V, and a BMW X3. I decided to go with this car because it does not drive like a truck, its very smooth and quiet, and because has good fuel efficiency.

• 

  The Best - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By David - August 19 - 4:36 pm

  My S model has been very reliable. I had over 84,000 miles on it and driven over 35000 miles a year to work. I recently was in a severe car wreck involving 2 18 wheelers and my car got the bad end of the deal. I escape with only bumps and minor injuries due to the excellent construction of the Corolla. The car received major damage, but the drivers compartment was intact. I walked away from the crash and the Corolla was still able to run even with the front end destroyed. This is a great car and I will get another one as I feel very safe with the Corolla.

• 

  This Car RULES!!! - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By yeahimgood7474 - August 19 - 10:00 am

  This car is the equivalent to mechanical Viagra. It has so much potential as a tuner car, and is a nice breath of fresh air from the Eclipses and Civics. Its also a fun, yet smooth ride, with nice seats, low to the ground, that give it a really racy feel. As far as all-around performance goes, it can dance around cars as good as the RSX, and gives other sporty compacts a run for their money. This car is definitely worth owning, and the fact that you know it will last you a lifetime only makes it better.

• 

  fun to drive - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By willhite - August 19 - 10:00 am

  It has been a good ride so far. About average fuel comsumption. Much better ride than my Ford Explorer.