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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  Amazing - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Michelle - April 29 - 12:03 am

  I rented this car for a week while decided which car to buy. While Ive decided to wait until Toyota releases their next-gen battery, the 2008 Prius I drove was absolutely wonderful. I commute 50 miles round trip to work each day, and averaged 40 mpg during my commute. It was also comfortable and had all the creature comforts I could want. My only complaint is that as a 56" driver, the bar across the back makes it difficult to see out the back window at times. If buying, I would opt for the rear view cameras. Otherwise, worth every penny. As soon as those lithium batteries come out, Ill be trading in my Honda Fit for a super eco and fuel friendly Prius.

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  Fast Car!!! - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Nate - April 28 - 6:03 pm

  I am the 2nd owner of my 97 Camry V6, and it has over 145,000 miles on it and it still runs great. The only work I have done on this car is replaced the A/C compressor, and the brakes re- done. I love the V6, it makes the car much faster than the model with the 4 in it.

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  My Wifes Sienna - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By JohnnyJ - April 28 - 5:33 pm

  We purchased the plain Jane model but even so, this vehicle still comes loaded with features that other car manufacturers would consider options. It is a very nice vehicle. We purchased it after reviewing Consumer Digests reviews of 2004 model vehicles. Our top concerns were safety and dependability. With this vehicle, we have both.

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  Lousy Gas Mileage/No pick up - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Gdcsb - April 28 - 10:33 am

  This is the worst car I ever owned. I am lucky to get 17mpg around town and 22mpg on hwy. For a small car, light car it has no guts. It is reliable and has a nice look; however, it really stinks. I just traded mine in for a Saturn SUV.

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  Doesnt get advertised gas mileage - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Larry Guice - April 28 - 9:40 am

  The Vehicle is nice, but it doesnt get anywhere the gas mileage that was advertized

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  So far, so good - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Mike - April 28 - 6:46 am

  I bought this car based on its exceptional reliability. Hopefully, it will live up to that reputation over the next several years. The Corolla has an uncomfortable driving position, but handles well. Controls are logically placed and easy to see. Very smooth, shifting transmission.

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  Excellent - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By vlapizco - April 27 - 9:00 pm

  Best priced pick up in the market for its exterior and interior design, reliability and performance on the road. Perfect size; not too big or too small.

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  Front seat - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Pat - April 27 - 8:16 pm

  I bought the Matrix because I love the exterior design of the car. After driving it home, I notice how sore the under part of my leg just above the knee was. I have written to Toyota and the dealer where it was purchased for some help or advise to no avail. I do like the car except for that but I think it is also a little under horse powered.

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  Too hot my - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By darlene - April 27 - 7:40 pm

  Love the outside of this car. I would return this car tomorrow if I would not loose 34 thousand dollars. I have had it two weeks. The Glass windshield is 36 inches in width with no tint. The plastic black vinyl dash board is also 20 inches deep. Add all these up plus 95 degrees outside. Its like being in a barrel of burning oil. The dash board is ugly plastic it absorbs heat. Black. Horrible. I called the dealership once they have your cash forget it. Do not buy.

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  Simply WOW ! - 2018 Toyota C-HR
  By Rabia - April 27 - 7:37 pm

  Great car at a great price .