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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  First time Toyota buyer - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By khymburlie - July 15 - 7:46 pm

  I recently just traded in my 06 Saturn Ion for my new 10 Corolla and I couldnt be happier. I havent experienced the wind/steering issue... it did in my Saturn so its one of the things I love about my Toyota. Also, in my Saturn, it constantly felt like I was hydroplaning when driving over a puddle. Not in this car! I feel safe. My only complaint is the position of the clock. Its way too low and difficult to see while driving. Gas mileage seems to be great so far... averaging about 30 MPG and thats city and HWY driving.

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  2014 Prius "3" Model - Bought 5/25/2014 - 2014 Toyota Prius
  By brian20675 - July 15 - 11:27 am

  Me:63"(240 lbs) "tall back" Headroom (good): few inches to spare legroom (good): would be nice if the steering wheel telescoped a few more inches toward me, so I could move the seat back more. (can live with it though - not unsafe to drive). legroom width (good) - plenty of side2side room visibility (good): Rear View is just a little restricted. Would be nice if side view mirrors were larger/larger field of view. display (good): placed away from driver for ease of viewing. -smooth ride so far (new car) -quick acceleration when needed -back head/leg room (ok) -Its a commuter car (mpg=priority#1), not a luxury sedan. Toyota did an awesome job.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By MARecycle - July 15 - 6:16 am

  Just a very nice vehicle.Handles like a sportscar.

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  Getting The Best - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By gary - July 15 - 5:46 am

  I find the pick-up (my 4th toyota) to be incredible. Its room, solid to drive with great steering and braking. The suspension is very stable. All the controls are in the right place even the parking brake which has been noted as "not easily accessible" by Edmund. The dash and gauges are well placed and viewed easily. I need leg room and this truck has it. The 4 wheel drive controls are very simple. Con: the seat beal is a little hard to connect. and I would like some protection from door dings i.e. side molding.

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  A super vehicle - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By skidaddy - July 15 - 12:57 am

  Weve owned our Highlander Hybrid for 4 generally trouble-free years. The hybrid batteries significantly help gasoline mileage for under 45 mph trips - which covers much of my wifes daily routine. But the added horsepower of the hybrid also improves acceleration, which makes driving it more fun. Great room inside. Ours is awd, and it performs good in snow and great on slippery roads. We just did the timing belt/water pump at 97k, along with a new radiator. Looking forward to many more years of great, reliable transportation.

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  Love It! - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By MomzToy - July 14 - 11:03 pm

  This is my second 2008 Cruiser, I survived and walked away from a accident involving being hit at over 60 mph and rolling over. I was cut out of the car and advised the only reason I walked away from the accident is I was driving a Toyota. I was told this 3 x at the scene and in the ER by police, paramedics and a Dr, I bought the same car again on 4WD.What fun! I have just spent my first winter in snow and ice and it went everywhere.. It is dependable, durable, and always has people looking at it!

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  Toyota Corolla S - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Renee Ortiz - July 14 - 9:50 pm

  The Corolla S gets excellent gas mileage, which makes for a great commuter car. Its really fun to drive and has a smooth, comfortable ride. Ive received many good complimants from numerous passangers. With the S edition, you not only have fun driving this car, but you also do it in style. Who could have guessed that a Corolla could look this sporty and sharp? I absolutely love my Corolla S and would definitly buy another one if I was looking for a new car. I have had no problems with the car so far.

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  HIghlander Hybrid - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Rachis - July 14 - 9:16 pm

  This is a very well built SUV, that should provide excellent reliability, It is an excellent vehicle, but it is not a powerful SUV as one might expect in a BMW X5. Nevertheless because of the combined gas and electric engines it does provide more power than the standard gas Highlander. The gas mileage is not close to the EPA estimates, however, it does get about 25 MPG overall which is excellent for an SUV of this size.

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  Excellent Choice - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By veleven - July 14 - 5:53 pm

  I just bought this car and couldnt be happier. Traded in a 2001 Accord EX with 4 cyl. Love the ride and the quiet. Wanted 6 cylinders and leather so opted for the SE since I didnt want the faux wood interior, very happy.

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  Very pleasant to drive long distances - 2007 Toyota Sequoia
  By gagrice - July 14 - 3:43 am

  As a confirmed Toyota hater, I was surprised at how much I liked this vehicle. Not sure how long I will keep it. I wanted a diesel Mercedes. I did not like the MB 7 speed transmission. This is MUCH smoother and less intrusive.