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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  Being real - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Pianodr - March 13 - 10:00 am

  I first became interested in the Prius after a visit to my dentist left me in the chair for close to 4 hours. I happened to read the Motor Trend review article on the new design and decided to go look at one. I drive close to 30K miles a year. I have worked in the automotive industry in the past, so I knew not to expect that mind-blowing 61 mpg. I wanted to double the 20-22 mpg that I got on my Buick. Ive done a little more than that and loved every second. Its a fun car to drive, and Im looking forward to more Hybrid cars homing out in the future. Ill definitley buy another one.

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  Its all mine - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Jeri Waterloo - March 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car because of the 60 mpg it was supposed to get... it does get about 46 mpg and once it got up to 51 mpg .. that is the only complaint I have with this car. I even showed at two local car shows in the import class and brought home two trophies. It is a fun car to drive and handles well at all speeds.

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  One of a Kind - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By frank albert - March 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Prius, it is a outstanding automobile. Gas milage that exceeds 50mpg and best fit and finish I have seen in years. It drives like a sports car and has hatchback features like a 50K SUV. Also has a tax break for its hybrid design. Motor Trend and Consumer Reports were on target to select the 2004 Prius, CAR OF THE YEAR

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  04 Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By 20127 - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Perrrrrfect The best car to own must have navigation truly the car of tommorrow today

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  6 3" Prius Fan - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Paralaxed - March 13 - 10:00 am

  This car makes all others obsolete. My girlfriend and I bought it since we have two homes 100 miles apart, Fuel cost is really not an issue for us but it just seemed so wasteful. We were sooo surprised at how much we LOVE the Prius!! Its a blast and we have some other high end cars but we always drive the Prius. Pros: Fun, fuel economy, space and style. Cons: Rear spoiler blocks view

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  Great SUV - its a toyota !!! - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Rmarin - March 13 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this suv for about 2 months. It is the best Suv for the money. I rdes and handles like a dream and is pretty good on gas. The build quality is excellent and the controls are right where you want and need them. I should have bought one sooner and would definitely buy one again. I am not even concerned about reliability - its a given.

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  love my camry - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By sprof - March 13 - 10:00 am

  camrys are the best! excellent comfort, reliability, fuel mpg outstanding. never a problem; just general maintenance

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  I dont miss my Explorer at all - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By minivandad - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Due to the expanding family we wanted a 3rd row option. Traded in our explorer, and are THRILLED. We drive it daily and filled up with gas 2 weeks ago. Drives like a dream and has a tighter turn than our Volvo. Great van, and as a dad I do not fill like a total dork driving it.

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  XRS is a good compromise - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By mattie_me - March 13 - 10:00 am

  One drive and I had to buy this thing - its nice enough to take your grandmother to church in - yet crazy enough to go go rip it up in the curves chasing that R32... It doesnt seem like its as fast as it really is and the guy in the WRX will give you a wierd look when he has a great deal of trouble passing you.... Its not going to beat an awd car from a light (for that youd want a neon) but it is one of the best all around packages of comfort, economy, safety, reliability, and sportiness that you will find for 20 grand.

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  YOU CANT BUY BETTER CAR UNDER $20.000 - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By pleiadian - March 13 - 10:00 am

  THE BEST CAR FOR MONEY..........