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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  Wonderful car, but... - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By The Price Family - November 9 - 12:53 pm

  We were on waiting lists at 2 dealerships in Tampa for almost 6 months before we got our Prius. It was definitely worth the wait. We absolutely love this car. We use it as our family car and have very few complaints. We have found the joys definitely outweigh the headaches in this car. We have a fully loaded Prius (because that was what was available) and we thought the DVD nav system was a waste - now we cant live without it! Being able to monitor fuel consumption (we average around 50mpg)and the battery level are helpful features. We hope to keep this car for many years to come.

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  nice minivan - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By bameeri - November 9 - 12:46 pm

  This is my first minivan, my previous car was a 2001 Lexus gs300. i am very pleased with this van, comfortable, quiet, great ride, even quieter and tighter than the gs300, but that is to be expected. The engine is not as silky as the gs300 which personally is probably the best 6 cyl engine in the world.

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  King of the Road - 2015 Toyota Tundra
  By Mike Knowles - November 9 - 12:23 pm

  Mileage is 16 to 17 mpg; however, in all other areas the Tundra is the best! .

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  No major problems - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Erin - November 9 - 11:33 am

  First off the reason why I gave this a 5 in the fun to drive and exterior design is because Im only 26. I traded my 99 Honda Civic in 2004 for this Camry. I prefer the space in the Camry and the durability. I have only been left on the side of the road once and that was my fault for not replacing the timing belt sooner. Bad me! Other than that it has just been scheduled maintenance and a few headlight bulbs to replace. I commute a lot in headlight areas on the highway so im guessing that explains the headlights. I would definitely buy another heaven forbid something happen to the one I drive now. No more Honda Civic for me!

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  I wouldnt race anyone! But we get 50 MPG! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By William Parandes - November 9 - 2:30 am

  Rides well for a small car, pretty comfortable seats. Plenty of cargo space. No repairs, just maintainence, at 115,000 miles still gets 50 MPG highway. A keeper.

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  Dont Buy 4 Cyl 4WD - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Rob1975 - November 8 - 9:36 pm

  When I read the reviews last fall, this sounded like a great vehicle. The dealer didnt have any RAVs in stock when I ordered, but I figured the pre-delivery test drive would indicate if I would be happy with it. What a huge mistake and disappointment. I should have test driven where I drive daily. I live in the mountains of Northern AZ (Flag, Prescott area), but I thought 166 horsepower should be adequate in a smaller vehicle. The transmission constantly downshifts on practically every uphill section, which of course is ruining my mileage. Even trying to maximize economy after 1500 miles I have yet to average 20 mpg for even one tank. Not worth $25K for a 4 cyl. Spend the extra $ for V6.

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  My First Toyota - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Dave - November 8 - 8:46 pm

  This is the first Toyota I have owned and it is an amazing car. My last 3 cars have been Pontiacs and this is by far the best. After reading reviews I was a little hesitant to purchase a Corolla, Im 64" and 230 lbs. I fit in the car just fine. The drivers seat is comfortable and I have no problems reaching the steering wheel, although I do understand a need for a telescopic steering wheel. The car rides and drives great. I hope to get 250,000 miles out of it, or until the wheels fall off. Whatever comes first. I just sold a Firebird and the Corolla puts the bird to shame as far as handling and drive-ability. Go get one today, dont wait. The gas mileage is great too, highway/city.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Mary Ellen Snyder - November 8 - 3:30 pm

  I have owned my Matrix for almost 4 years and I can say that this is the first car I have ever considered keeping beyond 4 years. I am dismayed that they eliminated the AWD option as it has been super through several New England winters. I am a nurse who has to get to work no matter the weather and it has never let me down. The car is fun to drive and gets great mileage considering that it is an AWD small SUV. I have transported furniture and bikes and all sorts of luggage in it. I am a scrapbooker and can carry all of my "stuff" as well as that of a friend in it and have room to spare when we go away for scrapbooking weekends. I have never been attached to a car before this one. Love it!

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  I love my Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By ljh - November 8 - 1:06 pm

  I recently drove from Richmond, VA to Cold Spring, NY and averaged 63.5 mpg. It was the most comfortable trip I have ever taken. I wouldnt trade my Prius for anything (other than maybe another Prius). I would have given each category more than 10 if possible.

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  Another Great Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By jknut - November 8 - 9:13 am

  Toyota keeps building great machines. This one has been very reliable. 55mi and running strong. NEVER needed repairs outside of general maint. This truck offers all around versatility, good gas mileage (19 mpg- city or hwy), and great resale. Yes, this truck will cost you 2-3K more than a domestic, but its well worth it.