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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  2010 Prius IV Low gas mileaage - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By clarkins - December 26 - 3:25 pm

  I purchased my 2010 in october of 2010 and car is ok, but a few design flows, like heated seats under center dash, vision do not extend, no power seats. I have been tracking the mileage fo car since purchase and only average 40.13 mpg after 17 tanks and 7000 miles. Not happy with that at all. The only time the cars has seen 50 + mpg is costing down hill for about 30 miles. dealer said t put premium gas in to increase mpg, if I wante dto put premium gas in a car I have my Lexus for that, not this Prius. The sticker says nothing about having to use high grade gas to get 50 mpg. Its a very misleading sticker and advertising from Toyota. Quaility not what is use to be either.

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  FJ ROCKS! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By David - December 26 - 2:50 am

  I fell in love with this vehicle the first time I saw it. This represents the 3rd new Toyota product I have purchased for the family since 1994 and it does not disappoint. Not totally practical, but doggone fun to drive. You will turn heads as you go down the road!

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  Awesome - 2010 Toyota Avalon
  By Allen - December 25 - 11:00 pm

  I have owned a few new cars. This 2010 Avalon has to be the best.

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  sweet car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By bif - December 25 - 8:26 pm

  I used to drive an eclipse gs, then got an 05 S because I was looking for something more roomy and reliable. Couldnt have asked for anything better. I think this car is fun to drive too. Had a slight issue with the charcoal canister (gas something), a fluke thing I guess. This car rides so smooth, especially on the highway. So much room and I think its really comfy. Insane how great it is on gas. Def recommend this car.

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  A lot of Miles, still strong - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Tony - December 25 - 5:53 pm

  Great car, I have over 256,000 miles on it and have had only one major problem to date, with a sensor. I now have a problem passing my states emissions bull, but other than that, its great. Sure, its not a burner with the 4 cylinder engine, but Im not expecting that. Im most concerned about staying out of the garage, and I have. I put 40+ per year on a car, and I would greatly recommend this one.

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  2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By John - December 25 - 5:10 pm

  This little roadster defines the word "Value". It is very well built, very comfortable and a lot of fun to drive. On top of that our experience has been that fuel economy beats estimates at 38-40 mpg avaerage!

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  Exciting and solid but... - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Andrew - December 25 - 4:30 pm

  Fun to drive, the V6 really has some kick, yet on the interstate the 5 speed automatic transmission gave great performance and great economy. Handling is solid and predictable with a nice balance between capable SUV and commuting car (mostly commuter car). There is huge internal room, but it is still quite quiet on smooth pavement. On rough pavement it becomes noisy pretty quickly. The interior controls are all easy to use, but the steering wheel controls are not lighted at night so I will have to learn to blindly operate the Bluetooth controls. The radio controls on the wheel were easy to adapt to though. The exterior is not much changed from older Rav4. Just a few cosmetic changes.

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  survey - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By rgar - December 25 - 3:53 pm

  so far driving this car has been a great experience. would definitely buy again, but would like to see a moonroof added as an option

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  Havent even driven 100 miles yet. - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By MJM - December 25 - 11:43 am

  We havent even driven it 100 miles yet, but so far, we love everything about it. The 6 is really hot, and a big 6 that uses regular is certainly important nowadays. We also love the contemporary styling We pretty much loaded the vehicle with options, and all of them work very well and none seem extraneous or extravagant.

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  Finally, an SUV we can count on - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Bob in Warrenton - December 25 - 10:00 am

  Traded unreliable Â’98 Mercedes ML320 on the Sequoia. Nimble for its size. Great steering feel except at high speeds or heavy loads, where its a bit too light. Smooth, controlled ride. Huge, quiet interior. 3rd row seat is comfortable. Excellent build quality, but interior look is plain. Perfect paint job. We get 16 mpg; regular gas is fine. Transmission shifts are jerky before it warms up, and when downshifting in corners. Middle seats fold, but cant be removed. Stereo is just OK. Off road its good; if you turn off VSC. Nice driving position, but the front seats become uncomfortable after 2-3 hours due to poor lower back support.