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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  Absolutely in love - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By leeharvey418 - April 3 - 2:30 am

  We took delivery two days ago, and we just completed our new vehicles first road trip. After 400 miles in all types of driving, I am happy to report that our new RAV4 meets or exceeds every expectation that we had. Ive seen several reviews that cited poor front seat comfort, but after two and a half hours each way in the drivers seat I didnt feel the slightest bit of fatigue. The front seats could stand to slide back another inch or so, and they maybe could use more side bolstering on the seatbacks, but overall they are very comfortable. Fuel economy for the first tank came in at 24 mpg, which I find spectacular in light of the available power. In short, its a great ride.

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  Toyota Prius-a great car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By sivaram - April 3 - 2:16 am

  very comfortable, smooth and reliable. Good power and very good acceleration. Excellent gas mileage. Everything about this car is great except for two things- The shape of the car could have been better. The navigation is very very disappointing- very user UN-friendly compared to Honda Navigation annd Magellan Roadmate.

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  Great Vehicle (so far!) - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Mike - April 2 - 8:33 pm

  Purchased the Limited model four weeks ago, so far great. Drove several like vehicles, Honda Pilot, Edge and I traded an Acadia, I just couldnt live with the transmission any longer!!! The Toyota is averaging 20.9 mpg in a mix of driving, most runs are less than 10 miles, so Im happy with that number, will find out what 300 mile interstate trip delivers in a few weeks. Vehicle is very quiet at highway speeds and has a very good audio system but wish Toyota had separated the audio/GPS and Bluetooth functions. It just takes some playing with the controls to figure them out but it could have been simpler. And the 5 speed transmission in this one shifts beautifully.

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  Toyota camry xle = luxury car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Eric - April 2 - 4:22 am

  This car has everything a luxury car has. It has rear sunshade, rear air vents, woodgrain, power seats, 6 disc changer, and the best sound system ive ever heard from factory.This car is super reliable it now has 230000 miles. Only maintance was oil changes tires had to replace valve cover because had leak but other than that its been excellent. It has a very quiet and smooth ride. Im keeping this one until engine dies

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  Best car I have ever owned! - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By Noel Newby - April 2 - 3:59 am

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  Off road machine - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Ritchie - April 2 - 3:46 am

  I ended up pulling out two full-size trucks and a lincoln navigator out that were stuck in the snow. I am very impressed with its offroad capability. The differential lock is a great feature and it makes it almost impossible to stop. Awesome vehicle! Very glad I bought it!

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  Amazing car!! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By BarriBum - April 2 - 12:16 am

  This has been by far the best car Ive ever purchased. It is sporty yet roomy, rides almost like a luxury car but with serious kick, and people constantly comment on how sharp it is. I will absolutely buy a Solara again...Im an author and travel to booksignings, so it was important to look good but be affordable and cost-efficient. Im getting almost 30 miles per gallon on the highway, and for the performance and gas prices these days, that has been one of the most pleasant surprises!

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  Totally rocks - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By rob - April 1 - 11:13 pm

  Ive owned 2 Chevys and was headed towards an F-150 when I saw a review on the Tundra. I was upgrading to a 4 door and was looking for a family adventure vehicle with lots of space and the ability to get our gear in to the mountains. I drove the Crewmax Limited and bought it on the spot. The engine and transmission are powerful and silky smooth. The TRD package has everything you need to feel secure off road. The seating is extremely comfortable which was a major selling point and the cabin is almost dead quiet.This is a serious truck without a bone jaring truck feel. Ive talked to several other serious truck users who have owned every brand.They agree the Tundra is the best they have owned

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  Well engineered - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Peter - April 1 - 7:53 pm

  A very well engineered vehichle. Attractive outside and inside, comfortable, sensible controls, lots of space, cupholders. Easy to flip down rear seats for cargo space, put them back up for passengers. With the windows closed, the most quiet vehichle Ive ever owned. Very relaxing on long highway drives. Peppy acceleration. Excellent off road performance, and surprisingly smooth on rough terrain. My quibbles: front passenger seat has only 4 way controls instead of 6, and no lumbar support -- why shouldnt I have same adjustments when wife drives as when I do? In daylight when Im wearing sunglasses, hard to read clock. Responsive handling, but on curvy highways you dont want to push it.

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  Love it - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By sigjuliussen - April 1 - 11:50 am

  Great MPG, I have been getting 50+ city and I got 51.7 on 400 mile trip through Alaskan mountain roads. Im 64" and 340 lbs and I fit fine, easy to get in and out of. Lots of cargo room