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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  Good truck - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By ccs - October 21 - 9:06 pm

  This is my first truck and it is solid. I dont need many techies, but would like something that is reliable and safe for day to day driving. Highlander is a perfect choice.

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  First Time - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Mike - October 21 - 11:10 am

  Did a ton of research before deciding on this car. Traded a 2005 Highlander and got a fantastic deal I couldnt pass up. The only thing it doesnt have is the seat warmer, but here in Florida, not needed. It is the I4, runs great, smooth acceleration, braking is great. Drove home from the dealership on the turnpike...doing about 75-80 mph, ride was smooth. I must admit, I have to keep an eye on the speedometer as its hard to tell how fast you are going the ride is so smooth. Interior design is great, very comfortable. My Highlander was a V6. I honestly dont notice the difference in power between the two.

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  I love it! Fun to drive!!! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By JFLY - October 21 - 8:26 am

  I bought this car on June 7th with the following: alloy wheels, bluetooth, 6-cd changer, JBL upgraded sound sytem, heated outside mirrors, dim rearview mirror with compass and floor mats. I never imagined how much fun this car is to drive, you gotta drive it to believe it and know what everyone means when they say this. It is really quiet and rides very smooth. Best car ever!!

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  My Sequoia - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By british1970 - October 21 - 7:20 am

  Very nice and very reliable, the only problem with Sequoia 05 is there is NO automatic door hatch in the back and its hard to operate when it rains or when you have something in your hand and consumes a lot of gas,but the rest is ok its very powerful.

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  Wonderful SUV - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Eric - October 20 - 8:13 am

  Outstanding after nearly 3 years, not even a blip. Smooth, fast and quiet. The hybrid is coming out next month (June 05) which will put Highlander in a league of its own.

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  Great Car!! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Kirk - October 20 - 8:03 am

  This is a wonderful car, we bought it to replace a 06 Chevy truck. We went from 14mpg to 55mpg in the summer!!! We see 50mpg in winter and 55mpg in the summer.

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  Loving it - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By SCOTT - October 20 - 7:00 am

  I cannot say enough about how I feel about this car . One word says it best, great. I love everything about it, from its storage withen to its 40 mpg. We live a couple of hours from Charlette NC and have taken our Echo at least 7 times not to mention a couple of trips to Tenn. and S.C. My wife is now saying that she is going to start to drive it to work because of gas prices. I usually fill it up every 2 weeks sometimes longer. When we bought it, it had 39k now we are at about 50k and still going strong.

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  Buying another Prius! - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Strico - October 19 - 10:06 pm

  We do a lot of driving between towns in CT, and this has been a great car for that. We put about 20k miles/year on the car and have had zero problems. Our mileage has averaged between 42-50 mpg (more in summer, plus I have a tendency to speed). Were selling our 02 Prius, and have just bought an 05 Prius. Were loyal hybrid fans.

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  Unbelievable Vehicle! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Dave - October 19 - 9:46 pm

  I bought my new Venza in January from Jerrys Toyota in Baltimore, and have loved it from the beginning! The ride, handling and exterior styling is great! Drives like a Lexus (traded in a RX300).

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  Ultimate Q-Ship - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Mark - October 19 - 9:26 pm

  I highly recommend this vehicle. I purchased the V6 Limited 4WD with leather, all accessories. Competition was the Honda CR-V which was, finally, no competition. Toyota V6 engine is effortless and power is remarkable. 5-speed transmission is smooth, quiet, unobtrusive. Transmission does not hunt. With V6 engine there is some torque steer, not much compared to other 270 HP engines. Interior is quiet; leather stitching is precise; beware: rear door is very heavy. HVAC is excellent. Real world MPG: first few tanksful of gas, 24.0, 24.6, 23.2 and 26.1. Conditions: Fresno, 95 to 106 degree heat, air conditioning, some freeway, some street. Be very judicious with throttle. 4wheel discs excellent.