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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  A cute small car! - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By 64alpha - February 2 - 8:46 am

  What a nice car! Honestly, I have 76000 miles on it from 2 years of buying it. I bought this car for commuting reasons so size and looks is not a prob. The MPG is really awesome for the car. For the money, the Corolla is much better than the Yaris. Has more hp, about the same gas mileage, and nice looks. Compared to the 09 model, the Yaris is a much better choice for the $$. But for the 06 and all other years with this look, the Corolla is it! The chairs are a little stiff compared to our 08 Toyota Prius hybrids chairs. There is 1 little thing that I am disappointed about the Corolla, the tank size! It has a 13 gal tank and takes $58 to fill from empty light (not that good for a small car!).

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  Great Truck - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By rkrdr2 - February 1 - 7:36 pm

  I love everything about this truck. The v6 is a great engine has plenty of torque,and I am getting 20mpg combined w/ mobil 1 in the crank. The ride is good even w/the TRD sport susp. I think the long W/B helps. I have 9k on it and it has not been back to dealer yet. I get compliments everywhere I go. It is a fun truck to drive.

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  best car i ever owned at any price - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By d woodward - February 1 - 10:00 am

  of all the cars i have owned fro 4 cylinders to 12 this is the car that i like to drive the most.great innovations,great mileage ,and with the back seats put down,more room to carry baggage etcthan any car i have ever had.

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  I am loving my Prius - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Paula Bell - February 1 - 6:56 am

  The car rides well. Due to gas prices rising, I knew that I needed to try and get the best for the buck. I have an SUV and a sedan and another small car. My husband and I drive the small car and the Prius. It has plenty of room - Im 61 and comfortable in it. I got the base model. I have had it a week and it appears we made the right choice. We are happy with the car. It has a few small minor issues which it is a 2007, but overall the car was clean! I am looking forward to saving gas, and being able to use that money on another bill. Awesome!!

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  Bought one... wish I didnt - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By outnumbered - February 1 - 6:00 am

  Although it has a lot of positive aspects, its what comes up short that makes all the difference! Front seats dont go back far enough. If you are 6 tall the angle of the seats cause upper leg discomfort on long drives. Dash display failed in the 1st year & dealer said "the lights are on" but the display WAS broken. It took 4 trips before they admitted a problem existed. Mileage is good in the city, but no better than std Highlander on the hwy. Very disappointing! Navigation system is a very low-end unit (they charge for a top of the line unit). The display is dull like a low resolution monitor. Interior lights cannot be adjusted separate from dash lights-BAD.

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  NEW FLEET AUTO - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Trish - February 1 - 5:20 am

  This was my only option for an all wheel drive fleet car. This is the base model, so I know upgrades would help. It is the most uncomfortable car I have ever owned. I am a healthy person with no back issues, but this seat, with no lumbar support, caused a lot of lumbar discomfort. The suspension is terrible. I can rotate the steering wheel three inches in either direction, and no response from the SUV. It is cute in appearance, but I am very disappointed that I have to spend the next three years in this automobile.

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  Disappointed - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By LK - January 31 - 10:10 pm

  I traded in a 2004 Malibu for this 2010 Corolla. I wish I had my Malibu back. The only thing I like about this Corolla is the gas mileage. The car floats all over the road with the steering, is not comfortable, and hard to see backing out from 45 degree parking.

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  Prius is Good - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By B. Whitcomb - January 31 - 5:16 pm

  Excellent acceleration - achieved 50.4 MPG from Philly to NYC. Average in first year combined 44 mpg. Quiet comfortable in passenger seat. Technology state of the art with keyless start, mpg, back up camera.

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  2015 Toyota Camry SE - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Marquis Staton - January 31 - 4:08 pm

  This car is reliable and roomy. It is really good on gas.

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  2015 Toyota Camry SE - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Marquis Staton - January 31 - 4:08 pm

  This car is reliable and roomy. It is really good on gas.