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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  Pretty good - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By jen - September 16 - 3:03 am

  Overall a good truck, better on gas than most SUVs. Downfalls are it floats on the highway, a lot of blind spots, especially the 3rd window and the wide panel between the 2nd and 3rd. The roof is very low or the seats are high, if you have a kid in car seat, expect to hit there head a few times. The trunk is so heavy and they need to add extra assistance to close it, not at the end when you actually get it down. Id love to see a dual sunroof.

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  Loved it Until... The ENGINE FAILED! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By H M - September 15 - 4:06 pm

  I bought the Matrix new and it was the first one I had seen. I have absolutely LOVED this car...UNTIL THE ENGINE FAILED!! I never had one single mechanical problem, did ALL scheduled maintenance, and it ran perfect up to 94K miles. Then within the space of two days, NO WARNING AT ALL - engine problem. Toyota informs me it has sludge in the engine, and from that day on the engine is awful. Car stalls, slugs along, you name it. Completely unreliable now. TOYOTA claims it is MY FAULT, and completely FAILS to acknowledge a longstanding design problem with the engine. Then tells me I have to pay 8-11K to get A NEW ENGINE. Research Toyota Sludge people!!! Never again Toyota...Sorry.

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  Im in love... - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Roger Strand - September 15 - 7:06 am

  If its possible to be in love with a car, then Im in love with my 2006 Prius! Everything about it has more than met my expectations, which were high. Interior room and comfort, and ease of exit and entry are exceptional. The only bit of disappointment so far is with city driving mileage - its been more in the 45-50 mpg range, rather than the high 50s as I was expecting.

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  ugh... - 2012 Toyota Corolla
  By tess19 - September 15 - 4:32 am

  i got this car as a gift but my dream car was the camry. i have the 2012 LE corolla but the 2012 Camry XLE was what i thought i was getting i was sadly mistaken. cons: inside is small and basic the shape is hideous there is just nothing positive about this car

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  Amazing Vehicle - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Joe C. - September 15 - 3:13 am

  Since purchasing my Corolla, I have had no complaints at all. The build quality is fantastic, and the engine has a surprising amount of pep. It blows away all of the other economy cars Ive driven. Im totally satisfied. (Note that I was the primary driver for two years prior to my purchase of this vehicle, so my review covers the entire lifetime of the vehicle)

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  The great Rav 4 make over - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By jlb1143 - September 15 - 12:36 am

  This new design takes the best of the old and incorporates some much needed improvements.

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  A Good Decision - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Rhonda - September 14 - 5:13 pm

  While I wasnt crazy about the exterior design, my research helped me decide based upon other positive features and ease of getting in and out. I am delighted w/my Prius. It holds the road well, maneuvers in traffic well. Solid sounding door closure. Mileage is better when not doing a lot of hwy. drvg. I compute mileage by the tank and have gotten as much as 412 miles to a tank of gas and as little as 308. The specs say its an 11.9 gallon tank, but from empty, Ive never been able to put more than 8.8 gallons in it. That equates to 35 to 46.81 mpg. It sure beats the 17 mpg I was getting in my minivan. I also love people asking me about it. I could be a Prius salesperson.

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  My Prius... - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By JackN4746 - September 14 - 1:10 pm

  I have had my Prius for a little over two months now and have 2100 miles on it. the car is great to drive and I must admit I love it. I bought it to use to run errands and now its my main car. Especially with the ability to use it in the carpool lane as a solo driver. Everything about the car is great. I have no negatives here. I had no idea about all the options that came on it and am very pleased. DVD navigation, keyless start blue tooth etc., all great.

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  Great on and off road - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Ewan - September 14 - 9:20 am

  This car is stunning and a head turner. But has the goods to back up the bold looks with an ample engine, towing ability and drive train to go anywhere you so desire. Also there is plenty after market goodies to customize and make it the way you want it to look

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  Terrific SUV Crossover - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By MikeND - September 13 - 10:26 pm

  I had previously owned two Corollas and loved both of them. I needed a bigger vehicle because of two new children. I test drove a Santa Fe, a Highlander and a Rav4. It took me about 5 minutes of driving a Rav4 to fall in love. I obviously like the added size and power. However, what I find amazing with the Rav4 is I still feel like Im driving my old Corolla. Im also looking forward to the 4WD and added weight this winter.