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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  Beats the the Civic hands down - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By SteveB - August 27 - 5:23 pm

  Bought the Prius May 2009 and love it. Had one as a rental car for a week and decided then that my next car was going to be a Prius. Thanks to Toyotas 0% interest, Im not a liar. We are averaging about 46 mpg with mostly interstate driving and some city. I have averaged as high as mid 50s on the interstate while still doing approx 65 mph. I think my wife just has a heavy foot when she drives. Traded in a 07 Civic and WOW, the Prius beats the Civic in every category, especially comfort and performance. I no longer feel like I am driving a college kids car. The dealer had aftermarket leather installed on the seats, but gave me a great deal on this car.

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  Wonderful reliable car - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By jastin - August 27 - 11:22 am

  I have been driving my corolla for 95000 miles over just 3 years. This car has been on long road trips with no problems. Car is comfortable, very little cabin noise. Reliability has been exceptional, only oil and filter change. Drive like the day I took it out of the dealership.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By dave shaner - August 27 - 8:10 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. It is fun to drive, good on gas and I feel the body style is a work of art. Every time I wash it I like it more and more. Just to note I have the 2006 light blue SE COUPE with black soft leather and JBL stereo. It is just a great car all around.

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  best in class - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By best in class - August 26 - 10:50 am

  What a rocket @ $10K les than BMW/LEXUS. Colossal inside storage w/nifty nooks in sides and under floor. Great visability and driveability. Took it Xcountry west to northeast with 2000lbs of college gear.Averaged 26-27 mpg @ 80mph on interstates. Passed semis in a wink, blasting up to 100mph by end of pass. A very stable and safe platform. Luv it.

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  Excellent Truck for work and pleasure - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Bill - August 26 - 8:56 am

  My wife prefers riding in my truck on trips over her Infinity I35. She says it is more comfortable. The truck tows my 21boat with ease. Ive owned Chevys, Nissans and a T100 in the past and this is by far the best. Great truck.

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  Great Truck!!! - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By KMF - August 26 - 5:53 am

  Traded in a 2006 Tundra for this one. Love the huge interior and quiet ride. Everyone fits. Have the 5.7 and I easily pull a 25 ft camper with two sliders.

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  A total gem - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By steve - August 25 - 11:56 pm

  I bought the car after having to replace nearly all the parts on a 1995 Ford f150 [junk]. Since owning it, I have changed the oil every 3500 to 5000 miles and just recently did some work on it. I had a 125,000 tune up, and the battery died after 10 years. The timing belt is still good, it is like a cockroach, I do not think it will die. I have 127,000 miles on it and expect to go 300,000 with ease. Thought of getting a new one, but why, this car is amazing and what auto manufacturers should be producing. The 125,00 tune up was radiator flush, spark plugs, etc. And the mechanic said I could probably have gone to 150,000 and even then maybe not. What a car, love it love it love it.

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  My beloved Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Beloved - August 25 - 5:33 pm

  I LOVE MY PRIUS. Boy do I love her. Best decision I ever made for a car couple years ago. To emulate Charlton Heston, "You will only get my Prius out of my cold dead hands." She just turned 115,000 miles and the only things Ive changed to date is the oil and I think they change the air filter as part of the regular service, but Im not sure. Oh! and they rotated the tires. Everything else, and I mean everything, including the original brakes, (which must be different from normal brakes) is still on the car. My 4x4 Previa is a champ, and I thought my Previa was the best made vehicle on the plantet. The Prius is giving me reason to reconsider that conclusion. If you dont have one, buy one.

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  best - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By diyablo - August 25 - 11:26 am

  best minivan that Ive ever had!

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  Great all-round vehicle - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Jim - August 25 - 4:46 am

  Was hooked after my first drive. Handles very well for what it is. Getting about 18mpg by keeping my foot "out of it". Should get better mileage on the highway. Installed a K&N air filter and use Mobil 1 synthetic oil. The motor seems strong and is always willing to rev. Its easily handling the current No. Indiana winter. No problem, from mushy slush, to blowing thru drifted-over county roads. It tracks and runs well. Could use better visibility but youll learn to drive with the mirrors. Ventilation could be better. Having a small issue with the paint job on the hood. I do plan on keeping this vehicle for a long time as it feels strong and has a basically good build design. I like it.