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:

• 

  perfect - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By DXMARINE4EVER - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This was a great buy. I am in love with my car and will drive it anywhere and everywhere. I have had no problems at all and I have no complaints. If your in southern california, go to LONG BEACH TOYOTA on the PCH and for repairs, go to Chevron in Seal beach. GREAT PEOPLE and IMMPECABLE service. They make you feel like a king/queen.

• 

  A slick minivan - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By carshopper45 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  After driving this minivan for 800 miles, I am very happy with my choice. It has power, its smooth and its quiet. Theres lots of leg and shoulder room and the cargo area is deep and roomy: my double jogging stroller and single stroller fit well with room left for tennis shoes, ball gloves, groceries, etc. As a minivan "newbie" I love sitting up high enough to look truck and suv owners in the eye!

• 

  Best car - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Tinchum Wong - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Best car in the world

• 

  So Far, So Excellent - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By TNguyen - January 20 - 2:56 pm

  Weve been needing a family car for awhile now - with 2 kids and 2 dogs. Finally bought this tank. Man, weve been loving it. Comfy, tons of room, very quiet, drives great, and the turning radius is excellent for a car this size. Lots of storage, even when the 3rd row seat is up. I really like the 6 speed Steptronic shifting -- takes a little getting used to, but once you do, its fun AND its more fuel efficient and the full automatic mode (keep the RPM low). Overall MPG after about 300 miles = 15.5. I would imagine that once the engine is broken into more and my wife gets used to the Steptronic, getting 16+ mpg wouldnt be out of reach.

• 

  Love it so far! - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By jlee - January 20 - 9:43 am

  I just purchased the new 2009 Corolla LE over the weekend and I love it so far. The S model was too sporty for me so decided to get the LE model and it pretty much has everything I need such as power windows, power locks, a/c, keyless entry, etc. I was going to get the Yaris, but after test driving both vehicles, I noticed Corolla had more power and felt safer in the Corolla.

• 

  Most Versatile Vehicle Ive ever owned - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Firemark - January 19 - 6:06 pm

  I bought this new in Jan 04. Two of my most fav features are the power rear window that goes all the way down and the rear flip/fold seats that give a big floor area for storage. I always get 14 to 15 MPG. Never had a mechanical issue but at same time always have dealer service. Very comfortable ride, more like a luxury car or convertible with all the windows down and moonroof fully open. I get 30,000 miles on front disc brakes and first set of tires. I bought Triple-Tread 60k replacements that look new after 29,000 miles. Still no rattles after 5 full years. Just the right size for a light duty truck. Big enough but not a monster.

• 

  Best Car Ever Owned - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By WP - January 19 - 12:06 pm

  I bought my 08 Prius, Package II, in March 08. Lifetime average has been 47MPG with over 18k miles/year and mostly highway mileage. It does tend to do 2-5 mpg less in winter. Have owned cars for over 21 years now and this stands out as best car ever for getting from A to B as well as errands. Amazing and misleading amount of storage space.

• 

  A little spaceship - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By DBH - January 19 - 10:20 am

  I just bought my Prius last week and I love it. I was concerned about going from a BMW Z4 sports car but I quickly got over that. The Prius is a fun, solid, practical car. Im enjoying how absolutely different and modern it is. Its like driving a cool, little spaceship. I may have sacrificed a bit (OK, a lot) of power and performance but thats more than compensated by the mileage and clever design of the Prius. And Im surprised at how zippy it is. Of course tracking MPG real time is a disincentive from flooring it but when the power is needed its certainly there.

• 

  Wow what a winner - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By DJE - January 19 - 1:16 am

  I always thought a convertible would not be practical in day to day living. Boy was I wrong... driving this car makes errands more fun and they seem to go quicker. I am looking for more reasons to drive every day. The back seat is extremely roomy and was easily able to accommodate even a six foot friend with ease. I thought I would tire of a convertible after a year and now I am thinking why didnt I do it sooner!

• 

  Good Horse - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Timothy - January 18 - 8:13 pm

  I am using for the past one year and definitely worthy in buying this still it costs more. Good for long drives and slow driving will save more gas. Seating comfort is excellent with lots of room for the legs. Altogether a good one and also good for carrying more goods in the back than the old models.