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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  Toyota Corolla - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Andrea Brouillette - June 2 - 8:03 pm

  I have had this car for about a year and a half and it gets excellent gas mileage, drives very smooth, is comfortable, and very reliable. I was also in a wreck about a month ago and the side of my car got hit hard but fortunately I did not get hurt because this car is very safe. When they fixed my car it looked brand new. It really is an overall outstanding car.

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  Quiet, Advanced, Love it - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By 20k_milesAyear - June 2 - 4:30 pm

  This is my first hybrid car and I must say that it is far exceeding my expectations. My Touring grade Prius is quiet, comfortable, and smart. The cabin is open and feels bigger than it is. The hatchback is more functional then my previous mid size sedan. The smart key feature is really cool too. This is the car of the future.

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  Awesomely Satisfied - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By JPG - June 2 - 9:00 am

  Wanted a Touring, but the dealer didnt have one in leather, so settled for standard w/Pkg #6. No regrets. Weve had the Prius for a week now and are still finding new and fun aspects of being a Prius owner. The comfort of the leather seats is first rate. Having fun with the "game" of maximizing fuel economy and energy regeneration! I must have a lead foot, because Ive been averaging 43 mpg (which is more than twice what I get with my other cars.) Havent been able to get it to average more - but we live in a very hilly area SE of Oregon City. Actually bought this for my wife, but Im driving it more than she is. Great handling, cornering, braking, etc. Good acceleration.

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  the best of the best - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By jimmy - June 2 - 8:10 am

  "Wow this truck just surprised me" I buy trucks, I love trucks and when it came to buying my new truck I looked at many others, but looking at reviews and reports, and a lot test drives later, this is the best large suv out there.

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  Very happy with Highlander - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By Excellent SUV - June 2 - 8:00 am

  1 month since I picked Highlander fully loaded. Love power and room inside it. Very smooth in city and on highway.

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  Great Car To Own - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Bobz - June 2 - 1:43 am

  I bought the car in 94 and its been running perfectly since than. It had been hit from behind and hit truck/van in front twice, body shop works had taken the original muffler out, and the replacement wasnt perfect. The original battery lasted ten years!

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  Does what its supposed to do - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Ryan - June 1 - 8:26 pm

  The Corolla, like all Toyotas, has been built with precision to be reliable and practical. I got the S model so I could look good at the same time. The car is fairly fun to drive too, thanks to a smooth and peppey engine and a precise 5 spd manual. I was looking at a Mazda 3, which I still think is more fun and better looking, but the price was right on the Toyota (probably because theyre revamping this model for 2008)with 0.9% interest and $750 cash back on a lease. Its built for smaller drivers (Im 6) as evidenced by the steering wheel being close to the dash and high seat height. After about a week I found an acceptable driving position, but still no thigh support.

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  Love this car!!! - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By DeeDee - June 1 - 5:56 pm

  I have been waiting for my Chevy Impala lease to expire and couldnt wait to get my Camry (I never considered any other car). I am extremely happy with my choice and this car has gone beyond my expectations. The ride is smooth and quiet and this car is just plain fun to drive. I got the SE model and the exterior is simply beautiful to look at. You cannot beat the quality of this vehicle nor the great resale value. It is like night and day going from my 2006 Impala to this car. Every time I drive it I love it even more. Test drive one, the quality speaks for itself!

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  Hidden Value - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By gkunz - June 1 - 12:46 pm

  Hidden value. Purchased my Echo to travel to work and back. Mostly interstate miles. Could not be happier. Worth the $ my husband now wants another. After over 150000 miles with no major repairs. And still gets 40+ miles per gallon. A hidden treasure. Its sad the Echo was discontinued.

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  Lovin the Sequoia - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By LuvSequoia - June 1 - 12:36 pm

  I chose the Sequoia because I did the research and read a lot of comments posted on this very website. I am very pleased with the Limited 4X2. The ride is what I expected, but even better. I love the turning radius, when once was disappointed with the Tundra radius. The Sequoia is very sleek in its interior design. It is very spacious and love the tri-climate control. Gas mileage is about 16-18 hwy. The body is huge and the front end takes some getting use to when it comes to parking. I am very happy I went with an SUV, as a long time truck person, I am pleased.