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:

• 

  Excellent SUV - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By dwmiller25 - June 22 - 8:05 am

  This has been my wifes vehicle for 5 years and now with 107k on the clock, we have done nothing to the vehicle except regular maintenance and one battery change out. This car is a fantastic family SUV. The car has plenty of power, a very smooth transmission and all out feel of a well made automobile. Hopefully we will have it for another 100k miles!

• 

  over all value - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By shirley261 - June 22 - 7:20 am

  These cars deliver maximum MPG in a city setting. My car requires a fill up only once every 3 weeks. I test my milage and have found that the mpg as listed in the cars figures and my figures agree. I have no complaints with the interior except that my golf clubs are about 2 inches to long to fit in the trunk comfortably. I am 53" and my husband is 63" and we both are very satisfied with the car, both comfort wise and performance wise.

• 

  Best car in its class - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By camrylover - June 22 - 3:13 am

  Quiet, luxurious feel, top notch quality inside, classy exterior. My car has 6000 miles on it. Running great and giving me lots of pleasure and jealous looks from Honda owners

• 

  Love It - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Mary - June 22 - 2:10 am

  I went from a 2000 V8 Ford Explorer to the Highlander. The pick-up is great, comfort is exceptional. Very smooth ride, quiet, handles surprisingly well for an SUV. Lots of room.

• 

  AWESOME TRUCK - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By AWESOME - June 21 - 11:33 pm

  Out of all of the trucks out there you can not go wrong with toyota. My family has 3 all total. Toyota isnt given its credit for its solid designs and reliability.

• 

  2005 Sienna - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Toyota customer - June 21 - 3:16 pm

  After owning a Grand Caravan for so many years, this van is a huge leap forward. The Sienna packs a lot of value into a package that doesnt cost that much more than the Caravan. The Sienna has noticebly better desinged and built interior and exterior. The seating is very comfortable and spacious, but the legroom in the third row is a little tight. The six-speaker audio system is excellent, with stunning clarity and a plethora of bass. The ride and handling are also leagues ahead of the Caravan. The stiff unibody construction and finely tuned IRS allows the van to manuever easily with little roll and under- steer. Overall we are pleased with our Sienna because of its value and quality.

• 

  Good Value! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By aclake06 - June 21 - 12:13 pm

  I have had my matrix since June 2004, and it has been a great car. I average about 27-28 MPG mainly city driving. I love the interior. The only thing I would change is my exterior color. I got the Indigo Ink, and it is very hard to keep clean. If I had to choose again, I would get red instead. Overall, a very good car with a great stereo system. I LOVE the redesign for 2005.

• 

  I Love My Little CarCar! - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By claybirdie - June 21 - 12:36 am

  I am so in love with my Celica. I bought it new in 2002. Ive put on so many miles! I drive a ridiculous amount and this car has never let me down - including the time I drove it home 85 MILES after being rear-ended - the exhaust pipe was COMPLETELY bent in on itself and the car made it home like a trooper! This car corners like its on rails and has the most awesome breaks ever. It stops on a dime and gives you 9 cents back! It is a sporty car so you definitely feel every bump on the road, but let me tell you, this car makes you ONE with the road! This car is so responsive! I love it!

• 

  love my toyota - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By joe colon - June 20 - 11:56 pm

  IÂ’ve been driving this car for 11 months. I drove to Richmond Hills GA, a distance of 421 miles on 10.6 gals of gas. On interstate 95 it handle very well was able to cruise at the posted speed limits of 65 to 70 miles with no effort. In town driving IÂ’ve received 49 mpg by staying off the interstate. When I drive in town and the interstate I average 43.3 mpg. I find it a fun car to drive. I like it clean lines, it a car who time has come. IÂ’m looking forward to driving it cross-country. IÂ’ve been driving for 55 years and truly enjoy driving this car. Before I purchase this car I drove a Buick Park Avenue Ultra for over 100000 miles on it.

• 

  Pruis is great - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By pencowgirl - June 20 - 9:53 pm

  I have owned the Prius only 2 months, and love the nav system, the handling, and the cost to fill up a tank of gas. I went from driving a BMW and think the handeling is comparable although the braking is not as good. It is nice to have the back up camera although on rainy or foggy days visibility is limited. I have a small dog and he sheds, the dash is a hair magnet as is the CD holder. I wish the seats were a little more cushy and electronically adjustable. I would recommend this car in an instant and have requests daily for people to test drive it.