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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  The Bomb - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By D - July 15 - 9:23 am

  Just purchased today and I am very impressed thus far. The black limited I purchased is refined and luxurious, I have yet to learn all of the gadgets. I had to get use to the bubble head lights and taillights but once I got past that I viewed the vehicle as a very refreshing change from the 2003 thru 2009. I owned a 2002 and liked that body style but the 2010 (Limited) is the Bomb!

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  A Great Hybrid Wagon - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By jeffthezombie - July 15 - 2:09 am

  I purchased a Prius V to replace a totaled Ford Escape hybrid. With the Escape hybrid line discontinued, the Prius V was my best choice for a hybrid with cargo room. Comparable in size to a Mazda 5 (but with no third row seat), the Prius V is more like an oversized Matrix than a traditional Prius. Its roomy and comfortable to ride in, but it lacks the power and handling of the old Ford Escape Hybrids. The fuel economy is fantastic for a car this size (I average about 40 mpg) and the whole package exudes a sense of cutting edge technology.

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  Content - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By 1st Time Toyota - July 14 - 2:33 pm

  Im pretty content with the HiHy limited. Our gas mileage is around 26.5 city, and 28 highway. Short trips seem to reduce the MPG. Wife loves the nav, SUV visibility, and fuel savings. I like the torque. The captains chair armrest is not very comfortable - it needs more padding. Also, we have to take ours in for a speaker wiring issue. Being car based, the SUV feels light and nimble, unlike others we test drove that were more body on frame based.

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  Saved My Life - 1996 Toyota 4Runner
  By Stephanie H. - July 14 - 10:00 am

  This car is one of the best cars I have ever owned - it saved my life. I was in a major accident in my Toyota 4Runner. Hit a cement barracade head on and walked away. The front of the car was completely demolished, but the inside wasnt even damaged everything was fine - the seatbelt held like a champ, the air bags deployed. The police, the tow guy, the collision repair guy, and even my car appraiser were in awe that I walked away from it with just a bruise and burn from the seatbelt. I will never buy another vehicle other than a Toyota - Thanks Toyota for making a great car that saved my life!!!

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  Excellent Sporty Car - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By rec - July 14 - 10:00 am

  Everything I wanted in a sporty car, quick, easy to handle, great gas mileage, workmanship unparalled, proven reliability.

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  Great Car - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By aurigus - July 14 - 10:00 am

  The absolute #1 reason for getting this car is its versatiliy. We didnt know what was ahead for us, AKA moving, jobs, kids, etc - and this car fits any situation. The exterior design of it is something people either love or hate. I stand in the middle, I am perfectly ok with it. Overall I am very satisfied with the design. The interior is very nice, roomy, and great for long trips. Even the back seat has plenty of leg room, and my tall friends never complain when riding in the back. The red-guages, sunroof, power plugs are all "gotcha" features. Also the upgraded sound system packs a nice punch.

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  Sitting High - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By hondahappy - July 14 - 10:00 am

  Had driven Accords since 85, but was tired of being the lowest riding thing on the road! Tried many SUVs but like the handling of the Highlander better than most and now I can see over bridge railings, etc. Avgs. about 22mpg w/2WD V6. Wish that were a little better with recent gas prices, but havent ever checked it on just highway driving. Bought a used 2001 w/27,000 miles about 6 months ago and except for the aforementioned goofy cup holders and lack of console, I love it. Im not a small driver, and it is more comfortable than most any vehicle Ive driven. Plenty of room in the back seat even with my drivers seat all the way back.

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  Family car - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Michael Bull - July 14 - 10:00 am

  This is the car if you want a dependable, safe, inexpensive car. It is good for everyone.

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  Great "Taco" - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tunanut13 - July 14 - 10:00 am

  This new "Taco" is tight, well crafted and fun to drive. I have previously owned a Ford Ranger and most recently a full size Silverado. My ranger explored many tight and rugged areas of Arizona and Montana but did not come close to the quality of this Tacoma. I suspect this Tacoma will be awesome off road. I opted for the V6 Tacoma after testing both engines. No comparison and necessary in the NC mountains. This vehicle is pretty small compared to my latest 02 Silverado but I was looking to downsize.

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  SO Functional! - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By finestack - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought this SUV because I needed the size and flexibility but really wanted a Prius (couldnt wait until the hybrid Highlander came). Glad I did it. Have already hauled many different oversized items - taken 2 long road trips - and commute daily 70 miles roundtrip. Zero problems. Winter gas mileage on the hwy was not too great at 22 mpg. Now that its warmed up Im closer to the 25-27 range estimated by the EPA. No issues with power at all.