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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  Not for everyone, but for the few - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By meagle1 - June 15 - 12:16 am

  This car is not for everyone, but if you live in a rugged area with a lot of snow and ice in the winter this is the perfect vehichle for you. I have had to "pull out" the popular cross-over "cars" with my 4runner when it snows more than 1 foot. When I drive to the city it is comfortable and has all of the amenities of my last Lexus. I would buy this luxury tough vehicle again.

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  What a nice ride! - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Dale - June 14 - 2:43 pm

  I purchased this Camry to help ease my pocketbook with the rising gas prices. It has an incredibly comfortable ride! Even compared to my 2005 Cadillac Deville. You feel the quality workmanship that went into the making of this car. Go buy one!

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  Not your average SUV - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By DIKKINS - June 14 - 1:46 pm

  The FJ cruiser is like buying a prom dress, It has a specific purpose and no other vehicle does it as well. I have driven this vehicle 6000 miles in 3 months, 2/3 on the highway and 1/3 off road. It has no real equal off road, and is very good on the road. I have no qualms about about driving just about anywhere. It goes through heavy snow, fields, mud and on superhighways with ease. I purchase a more aggressive tire than the standard ones it came with and would advise this if youre going off road or in snow. This vehicle is solid, and seems more like a truck than the average SUV. The joy of this vehicle is that it will take you easily where others will not go and do it with ease.

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  Nice ride - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By koukla - June 14 - 11:53 am

  Its a very smooth ride. It was much better then I had anticipated when buying the Prius. Excellent mileage! The rear view visibility isnt the greatest but it really isnt terrible either.

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  My Report - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Corolla Sport - June 13 - 6:33 pm

  The best small care I ever owned since 1963!

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  Recommended - 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By StlCards - June 13 - 8:36 am

  Did some research and decided on the HH Limited based on gas mileage (better all around than my 4cyl. 2008 Accord), room/comfort, and reliability (customer feedback, Consumer Reports recommendations, and car mag editors). Smooth ride plus some nice features but youd expect that from a $44k vehicle. Also drove the Lexus RX Hybrid and Caddy SRX, both of which were equally smooth but opted for more room and a decent deal since Toyota is trying to rebuild their goodwill. Note that at the time of this writing, the Toyota 0% financing is for non- Hybrid only. My Credit Union offered a lower rate but when you start the negotiations, Toyota will match rates - but make them go lower.

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  Toyota - best car on road - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By bond bayse - June 13 - 7:50 am

  Ive owned three Lincolns and they dont compare to the Sienna. Mileage is great... just got back from a 7,230 trip and couldnt have asked any more from a vehicle... rode great, good mileage, avg almost 25 mpg for the whole trip. Traveled from NC to the west coast and back with numerous stops in between. One reason why the trip was so great was the ride was great. I give my Toyota a solid 9.75. Reason for no 10 is thatI honestly thought Id do a little better on the gas mileage.

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  Love it! - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By vdurbin - June 13 - 12:20 am

  I have had my Echo for 6 years. I am about to trade it in so I can have room for my sons car seat. I will miss it dearly! I have had no major problems. I just replaced the original battery. It still gets good gas mileage!

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  High Five to the Highlander - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Ragini Aggarwal - June 12 - 3:37 pm

  Excellent purchase. Handles like a van, not like a truck, and similar to a sedan. The leather and interior is excellent. Kids love it.

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  Lexus in disguise - 2010 Toyota Sienna
  By EDDY - June 12 - 12:20 pm

  Did a lot of research.Toss up between Sienna & Odyssey. I am disabled and need a AWD vehicle that can accommodate my scooter and me. I have a wooden right leg and need room to bend the leg to hit the gas. Dash board is high enough with no interference. AC outlet lets me charge scooter. The color is Silver Pine Mica with a Taupe Interior. It looks like a Lexus inside with the wood grain on the steering wheel, dash, and arm rests. Folding mirrors are the best thing they ever did.Should be standard on all vans. I have every option on this van except Lasser Cruise, HID Headlights, Spoiler & Satellite Radio. I wish it had the HID Headlights Standard with the Limited Pkg.