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:

• 

  After 3 months - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By dbs - February 23 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven around town, 250 miles uphill to Reno, 485 miles down I-5. Its fun to drive all the time. The Sierra mountain range did not phase it. The grapevine? No biggie. Its even fun to see if I can hit 50 miles per gallon average on a full tank. The cruise control is perfectly integrated with the control computer. It can smootly handle driving at exactly 25 or exactly 65. Id buy one again.

• 

  My Echo - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Echo Driver - February 23 - 10:00 am

  I havent had my Echo but 5 months, so I cant speak to long term reliability. In consumer reviews it is rated as excellent. I do know for certain it is one of the lowest priced new cars. Gas mileage on mine is currently 47 mpg. Awesome! I highly recommend the Echo.

• 

  1999 camry - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By toonervilletrolly - February 23 - 10:00 am

  My Toyota Camry impresses me as I have owned many vehicles in my 72 years. This car is probably the best of those I have owned. I am very pleased with the reliablity and comfort of the Car.

• 

  The finest automobile ever! - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By JHB - February 23 - 3:03 am

  This vehicle has given me everything I wanted, including: dependability, low maintenance costs, phenomenal gas mileage, and an extremely low monthly payment!

• 

  Great value for money - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By sk - February 23 - 2:56 am

  I had a 2003 Toyota corolla. Excellent car. Drove over 170k miles before i sold it. Never had problem with it. Bought the 2010 Camry but was shocked to learn about the faulty acceleration soon after the purchase. Took it to the dealer and got it fixed. Never had any problem so far. I like everything in my new car except for the quality of plastic and fabric used to make the door pockets and the manual seat adjustment for front passenger seat.

• 

  Great SUV - 2007 Toyota Sequoia
  By stuka - February 23 - 1:50 am

  Have had this SUV since 2001 when they first came out. Have 116,000 miles on her. Hope for another 116,000. Great styling. Now I see so many of them on the road. Cant wait to see the new styling.

• 

  We like our Highlander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By DON - February 22 - 10:00 pm

  We like our Highlander. Our previous vehicle was a 4-Runner. The Highlander has a much more comfortable ride, and gets much better gas mileage. I cant tell that we lost any space either.... it seems we can haul just as much stuff as we did in the 4- Runner. About the only thing I dont like about the vehicle is the exterior styling.... very boring.

• 

  Love the car - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By rstimm - February 22 - 9:36 pm

  I seriously dont get the professional car reviewers. Personally I wouldnt want to drive one of the so-called fun cars in my everyday 140 mile commute. Obviously the Corolla is not intended for the MG crowd. In the 18 months I have had the car I have averaged 34-40 MPG, and that is not when I am babying it. That is driving full speed, hell-bent to get home at the end of the day. That alone has made the car worth it. Coming from a fully loaded 4Runner the steering was a bit weird at first, but easy to learn. Comfy ride, well built, great reliability, really great MPG. Hated having to go to dealer for scheduled maintenance first months. Parts now plenty, can go elsewhere.

• 

  Just Got It! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jennifer - February 22 - 6:46 pm

  I have had my Yaris for a week now! I got into a car accident so was forced to get rid of my Saturn Ion. I love the Yaris. The mileage is much better, it runs smooth. I have broken 100 in this car and it never felt faster than 50. The turning radius is wonderful. I opted for the leather interior. I drive over 100 miles a day to and from work so this car is wonderful with gas prices soaring. The only thing I dislike is the cup holders but I do like the extra ones in the doors. Way to go Toyota!

• 

  Not that Bad - 2009 Toyota Sienna
  By Jibs - February 22 - 6:10 pm

  We just recently bought this vehicle. It only has about 500+ plus mile so far. The van is spacious and comfortable. Like the lumbar support for the seat. Interior design is so perfect. MPG is avg compared to its peers.