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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  One of the Best Ive Had - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By LHC021121 - June 19 - 4:03 pm

  Put 24K miles on in the 15 months with no problmes. Several 2000+ mile trips to hunt pens.Tires wore quickly but Toyota dealer gave me 2 Michelin and I bought 2 in a compromise. Much better mileage (24+ at 65-75 mph) than previous 02 Highlander LTD and many more passenger and cargo options. Wish they put the power passnger seat. Laser cruise is a pain but sonar is great for close parking garages. Havent used sunroof but love window shades and did put extra tinting in up to the legal max after purchase. A great distance vehicle. 02 RX300 just gets used for local trips now. Rarely fold seats as keeping them up leaves plenty of cargo space in the hole and can haul 7 people to dinner. Great

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  2007 Toyota Camry LE 4dr Sedan - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Carolina - June 19 - 2:50 pm

  Having driven Honda and Nissan for many years, would like to feel the difference of Toyota. Bought brand new Camry two months ago and put 1000 miles on it. It drives quiet and smooth. Since I didnt drive in traffic often, I didnt feel the hesitation in acceleration. However, the brakes are very soft and unresponsive. Ive got to depress brake pedal very hard each time to slow it down. The braking distance driving a Camry is a lot longer than driving Honda and Nissan. Returned it to dealer for check and the answer was "normal". Average local MPG: 25-28

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  34/40 mpg w/automatic - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By madpat - June 19 - 10:00 am

  mgp is great, could use a bit more eng power. good size trunk. get the powerstering,ac,bigger wheels on 2005. get 4 doors. a bit road nosie.when will it be found on road dead? relability and quality still testing and will test good on wash d.c. roads. ok for nothing special car.

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  2004 Prius is worth the wait - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Nancy Caskey - June 19 - 10:00 am

  The Prius is so unique and fun. Not only does it make great environmental sense, it is a sure conversation starter. If you do a lot of commuter or in-town driving, this car will help pay for itself, especially if you get reimbursed by your employer for mileage. Do the math...you can count on 50-60 mpg in-town, depending on how you drive. If youre a lead foot, you may get less that 50 mpg. You have to reprogram your driving style. This car gets 45-50 mpg on the highway, because you are running primarily on the combustion engine. Not so bad though compared to most cars! It is definately worth the wait and/or hunt. Get on a waiting list.

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  2004 Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By opticalbay - June 19 - 10:00 am

  The only problem, is the car is so quiet, my daugher forgot to turn it off in the garage. We noticed the lights on the dash. Excellent small car for driving back and forth to work,

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  2004 Prius Review - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By lclm505 - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car for six months and have had no problems. The mileage is great and the car is fun to drive. It handles well on the highway and was easy to drive on long trips.

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  Borrowed the car and never returned it! - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By kj82703 - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I recently borrowed my sisters camry with 130,000 miles on it and completely fell in love. The next day I went out and purchased a Camry and I am thrilled with my purchase.

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  My 2005 Matrix - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Dolphinrv - June 19 - 10:00 am

  A very nice automobile. We have owned other Toyotas and I am equally happy with thi one. We just took it on a 200 mile trip and it was very comfortable. I highly recommend this vehicle. We got good fuel economy, approximately 29-30 MPG.

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  What Youd Expect From Toyota - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By terenitup - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Solid. Reliable. Well thought out. Just about everything is right--fit and finish, quality of materials. I expect to drive this for a LONG time.

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  LOVE MY TUNDRA - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By JTLowitz - June 19 - 10:00 am

  It drives like a dream. The seats are comfortable for me. I love the room. What kind of milage does one expect from a V8, it is good under these conditions. Would like to see more creative cover... I am sooo very happy. My kids love it too. I have never been so happy, even with my BMW.