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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  The Prius - evaluating it for what it is - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By wvgasguy - August 25 - 4:33 am

  This is an efficient, but sometimes high priced economy car. It is in that class of cars I am comparing the Prius. The Model V does indeed stick to the road with no noticeable handling concerns when driven at legal speeds. Without trying I have been exceeding 50 mpg, even with the 17" wheels. I consider the "loaded" Prius comparable in comfort with anything Ive driven with the exception of some road noise AND the lack of a power seat adjustment. For economy, this car is at the top of the "want to have it" list. It has its own charm and to me the new body style is attractive rather than "funky" as I have described the previous generations. Not all will agree. Youll either love it or not.

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  You get what you pay for - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By Stew - August 25 - 3:56 am

  An excellent truck! Coming from the original 1995 Tacoma, this is a huge upgrade. I like the fat that Toyota basically kept the same features of the interior and didnt make everything complicated. Thus, the simplicity of the interior is awesome. The JBL sound system is next to none and the ride is outstanding. Good power with lots of options. Paid 33,000 for the entire package and it was totally worth it. I thought it was pricey at first but in ten years when it is still getting me to work and play every day, I will have no regrets. Anyone who buys ths truck will not be disappointed. It has plenty of room, plenty of power, and great mileage. I pull a 20 foot boat every weekend, no prob.

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  Solid Value - 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By rmiddlemas - August 25 - 1:20 am

  Ive put 2500 mainly highway miles on this new car. Averaging 41 mpg. Im pretty tall and large (62", 240 lbs), but this car fits me extremely well (no sunroof, thankfully). Electronic steering assist does not give great feedback, but it surprisingly makes the front wheel drive feel very solid and absolutely neutral...no FWD steering torque. Engines integration is absolutely flawless and the transmission is seamless. This is a very competent, solid car and is a screaming value...now, if they would put this drivetrain in the Venza!

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  Best car I ever had. - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By theron - August 24 - 6:49 pm

  My wife and I bought the car new Jan. 2001. 130,000 miles later, still runs like the day we bought it. My wife uses the car daily, and does not mind the 0-60 time of about a half a day. The car will not quit. Love it for that reason alone. Two sets of tires, one set of brakes, one battery & a timing belt, nothing else. Engine does not use any oil because I religiously change it every 3500 miles. It also gets better gas mileage that rated, with 500 miles per fill-up. Hope it lasts forever.

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  Replaced 325i - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Kawliga33 - August 24 - 8:10 am

  I always thought that I would own 3 series BMWs but because of extremely poor dealership practices, I purchased the Camry for my wifes normal driving. While not as peppy as the 6 cyl. Bimmer, it is fine for everyday driving. We both love the car and I honestly feel that we have not stepped down in quality, comfort. Those interested in fine family car should consider.

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  2006PacificBlueRav4 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By ToyotaOwner98366 - August 23 - 5:00 pm

  We have the 3.5L V6 and it is almost insane how fast this SUV goes. Another remarkable point is this SUV gets 30MPG which nothing else we looked at is even close. The interior design is layed out nicely, has plenty of room and is very comfortable even for my 68" friend.

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  Gave up my Lexus for TCH - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By James - August 23 - 11:46 am

  I gave up my IS 300 which was only getting 24 mpg and required super unleaded gas for the TCH which has averaged +/-40 mpg and takes regular gas. That and the fact this is more of a family car makes the daily 90 mile commute (Playa del Rey to Irvine) somewhat bearable. I went with the base model in magnetic grey because no dealer (went to 4 and contacted 10) had the set up I wanted (grey & leather). No complaints so far. Only quirk I noticed was the low gas light came on and the cruise range stated 29 miles, but when I filled the tank, it only took 14.5 gallons. I guess the car is very conservative about running out of gas. Probably couldve waited another 100 miles.

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  Long term ownership. - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Jeffand - August 23 - 10:20 am

  Driving habbits: Mostly country driving, 45-55 MPH. Location: Wisconsin. Summer: 49-53 MPG Winter: 40-45 MPG Cold weather, and short trips do reduce milage. Driving at speeds greater than 65 mph also will reduce milage. Acceleration is ok. Accelrates faster than some mini vans, and SUVs. 0 to 60 in 10 seconds.

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  Simply The Best - 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Alive - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Landcruisers are the best car out there. My last car was a 1999 Landcruiser and the only reason I purchased a new one is because someone hit me head on the drivers side on on a major PA highway (he crossed over a 20 yd grass median!). I was injured, but would have been dead in any other car.

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  Good value - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By mdd - August 23 - 10:00 am

  I leased this truck for 5 years and had a relatively positive experience. I had one major accident and the front of the truck was completely destroyed but I remained unharmed. The antilock brakes seemed a bit sensitive and would kick in under the most unexpected conditions. Aside from a couple of expensive brake jobs trying to correct the problem I only had to change the oil and go.