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:

• 

  A great road car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By RJ - December 23 - 5:53 pm

  Since purchasing this vehicle, we have driven nearly 3000 miles. The mileage has been both street and interstate, averaging 24 miles per gallon. The seats were very comfortable on a four and a half hour (one way) trip, and wind and road noise were minimal. The ergonomics are very good. The quality of the leather seats appears to be very good. My only complaint with the interior is the color of the fake wood: the yellowish plastic makes for a cheap effect. Unlike Consumer Reports Magazine, I found it easy to reduce glare from the middle stack by reducing the intensity at night. This is our first Toyota and I would recommend it to prospective drivers.

• 

  The Best. - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By tshebelljr - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Best vehicle I ever owned. 150,000. trouble free miles. Cannot part with it.

• 

  Excellent Basic Transportation - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By Isophorone - December 23 - 10:00 am

  We bought our Corolla CE with auto new, and have 65,000 miles on it. It has great reliability, reasonable pickup, good turning circle, and good ergonomics. It can be uncomfortable on long trips. I dont know how tall people can drive it comfortably (Im 57"). My carpool thinks its cramped. The radio goes into scan mode without warning sometimes.

• 

  I love my Rav - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By ladym/Marilyn - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 4 types of Toyota dating back to a 1994 Corona, a Tecel, 2 Camrys, now the Rav and I love it. I just wish it had a V6 engine. But, I can live with the 4.

• 

  tundra24runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By tundraotto - December 23 - 10:00 am

  switching from a totaled tundra the choice was very clear for me. Any car qould have to equal the 2uzfe 32 valve v8 engine in the tundra - so, it was basically between the tundra, sequoia and the 4runner as there really is nothing that compares. This truck is perfect so far, and if it holds up to 10% of the abuse I put my Tundra through I dont feel bad for coming back at all - the safety factor is often overlooked I guess too, I walked away from a 70mph side impact so that was a big factor in buiyng toyota too.

• 

  NEW CAR - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By MIKE FITZGERALD - December 23 - 10:00 am

  THE CAR IS WELL BUILT WITH EXCELLENT POWER. IT HAS A VERY SLEEK LOOK AND, SEEMS TO BE BIGGER THAN PREVIOUS MODELS. WE FEEL THAT THIS CAR OFFERS THE FEELING OF DRIVING A EXPENSIVE MODEL CAR WHILE THE PRICING IS STILL AFFORDABLE. WE LOVE THE CAR AND HOPE TO KEEP IT FOR A LONG TIME.

• 

  Excellent Corolla S - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By stephani - December 23 - 10:00 am

  i love my new car it handles well and it is very fun to drive and even looks nice!!

• 

  Never thought I would buy an Avalon, WOW - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By AL P. - December 23 - 9:43 am

  The WOW is for the car itself. Did my research and found this car worth a look see! lol, wow, what a car! Definitely pure luxury, I think it was better than the Lexus. I figured they know what they are talking about. Not a cheap car either, but well worth it. Got the XLS, completely loaded.

• 

  Still early, but lovin it! - 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By wvgasguy - December 23 - 2:53 am

  Im at about 1000 miles and still breaking it in. Averaging 24.5 in winter weather so extremely happy with that. Traded a Camry Hybrid in after 63,000 miles so I know how to maximize this from the "get go". Its so much more functional than the Camry, and I wanted an awd for the wife who is now driving daily in all types of weather and needs the space to haul the grandkids around. I am pleasantly surprised at how much more comfortable it is over the TCH. It is extremely versatile yet an economical vehicle to drive. You do have to "baby it" to maximize the mileage, but even my wife is getting around 23.5 and she does nothing special.

• 

  Practical commuter - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By AJ - December 22 - 9:13 pm

  I traded in a 2007 Acura TSX for the 2010 Prius. Thought I got the base model, it comes with everything I need. The smart key is great and the factory stereo sounds great. The key to getting great fuel economy is to not push down on the gas too much. This car can handle winter just fine. I live in Colorado and 2 days after getting the car, we had a snowstorm. It handled very well. I guess its more about the tires and the driver. Ill probably get snow tires next year but I havent had any issues with all season tires in Colorado so far. The cabin is extremely quiet. Theres hardly any road or wind noise. Its even smoother than the Acura!