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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  Getting to know you..all about you - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By rwinga - April 6 - 2:12 pm

  Ive had the Prius Three for about a month and it is the first hybrid car Ive owned. Theres been a bit of a learning curve as to how the unit operates, what works in driving it and what doesnt. While not a sports car, I think the handling of the Prius is under rated. Its not glued to the rails so to speak but handles far better than many other cars from my past, especially the crossovers and SUVs. The vision outward is a bit of a challenge, especially in the early days but Ive since gotten used to the sharp angles and have come to rely on the side view mirrors more than on most any other car Ive owned. So far, so good. The joystick gear changer is OK but too cute.

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  Wonderful Van! - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Allan - April 5 - 10:43 pm

  Mine is a 2004 bought just before 2005s came out. Has everything, navigation, DVD, you name it. Have owned it over a year, about 25000 miles, not a single problem except minor hesitation due to computerized accelerator instead of cable. I also have a brand new Lexus RX 330, and I actually like the Toyota better. Great for running around town or for long trips. Friends are always impressed with the ride, comfort, features. Im spoiled, though. No other car Ive seen has everything this car has -- and it has space and versatility!! I hope this one never goes away. I get decent (not great) mileage, have had it in heavy snow. The AWD performs almost as well as my Land Rover. Great car!

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  Headlight problem - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Liz - April 5 - 5:46 pm

  Most of these reviews are given after a day or week of owning! Ive had the 06 Prius for 2 years and 40,000 miles. New problem: at about 37,000 miles, the headlights started going off, one or the other, sometimes both at once. Fixed temporarily by turning lights off and back on. Mechanic cant find anything wrong with it. Toyota should do a recall and fix this. Gas mileage is greatly affected by the quality of the gas you buy, and how you drive! Watch the info display, and buy higher octane, and no gasohol!

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  Not good with kids - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By stephanie - April 5 - 2:23 pm

  This truck is not good for kids and small children. There is not enough room for two car seats to sit side-by-side. That means there is wasted space in the middle. My kids legs are crammed against our seats. I have hit my head in there numerous times getting them into the truck. The door design is horrible. If you park close to another car, you are sure to hit another car with the door getting your kids out. There isnt anything wrong with this truck if you dont have children. Its a good, reliable vehicle, but its just not compatible with small children in car seats.

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  Beware old Hybrid Battery - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By ihtsjnellay - April 5 - 1:20 pm

  I bought this car used at a dealership and they checked everything else EXCEPT for the hybrid battery. Being a hybrid, and having 2 batteries could be a nightmare waiting to happen. I used it for 2 days and the 2nd day, on the way home from work on the freeway my car had stopped accelerating. The main battery light came up and I had to stop on the side of the road to start it up again. This happened 3 times, and I only live 10 mins away from my work. The cost to replace an old hybrid battery is 3000 for parts and 2000 for labor. BEWARE. Only the new Prius are reliable considering this is the earliest of models.

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  Fun Subcompact big value - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By guye - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Toyota fit, finish & reliability. Fun to drive and great on gas. Great in the city & on the highway. With the 5 speed manual gear this little car does real nice in the performance department too. For people with two young kids and need for just a bit of luggage or as a second car, this car is great! (5man/HB)

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  Satisfied Customer - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By Toyota Woman - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Reliability, a good engine, fun to drive - I love my 1999 RAV4. Other than somewhat uncomfortable front bucket seats which slope downward and a headrest that pushes fwd, mechanically it behaves and has surprising surge power on the highway, when you press the power button.

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  Great Ride - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By hallbltmr - April 5 - 10:00 am

  This was the fourth vehicle I have purchased and by far the best. It has the best gas mileage out of all SUVs and thats real important for me especially now with the high gas prices. I would recommend anybody that is looking to buy/lease a SUV to really consider the RAV4. I know when I replace mine it will definitely be with a new model of it.

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  cool - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By mexican marine - April 5 - 10:00 am

  This car is the best car I have ever owned. Except for the fact that I bought it used, so now Im having a little trouble with it because of the person that had it before me. But all in all it has been the most fun vehicle that I have owned and I used to have a trans am, so as you can tell all I like to drive are two door sports cars. Im so glad that I went to a import vehicle, I will never go domestic again.

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  Great Car - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Marianne - April 5 - 10:00 am

  The car is reliable, sturdy and uses regular gasoline. Easy to handle.