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:

• 

  Love the Prius - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By hdparker - November 11 - 3:16 am

  We purchased the Prius expecting good gas mileage and got so much more! The car has incredible rear seat leg room and is well thought out. We have had it for a little under a month, and in that time, the worst mileage has been 50.4, tbe best has been 52.5. This is rural/city combination driving.

• 

  What are people thinking?? - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Wingsfan - November 11 - 2:13 am

  Ok... I am here to tell the truth about the gas milage on this car. I have 7000 miles on my V6 4x4. I get the exact mileage posted. In order to get the milage that Toyota says... you cant "gun it" at every light and you cant speed!! I promis you on this. I love the car. If you ride mountain bikes... its perfect. The levers on both sides make the rear seats go down in no time. Dont get the 4cyl. It was quite a bit louder than the 6. Spend the money to get the 6. Its pretty much the same mpg but 100 more horses. All in all... Very much worth it!

• 

  when in doubt, buy a toyota - 2013 Toyota Prius v
  By joe540ci - November 10 - 7:12 pm

  Love it.

• 

  High on Highlander - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By Michael Cunningham - November 10 - 8:31 am

  Comfort, good value and reliability are but a few attributes Highlands are known for. Ive had three over the years and they just keep getting better. Decided Ill soon be shopping for my fourth. Great cars!

• 

  Solid Car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Richard - November 10 - 4:23 am

  Ill echo what other folk are saying. Bought mine new in 2005 and have had no problems at all, not even a burnt bulb. I think Im at 83,000 miles or so now. I put Goodyear Tripletreads on around 40,000 as I didnt like the factory tires, and the Tripletreads greatly increased braking power, corner, and wet-condition handling. I usually get low 30s gas mileage for mix driving and mid thirties for long highway trips. Just be smart and buy this car if youre looking. Oh, and change the in-cabin air filter at least once a year to help with inside fog.

• 

  2007 camry XLE V6 - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By mikki - November 10 - 4:06 am

  I bought my Camry in June 2006 and I have to say overall I am impressed. I now have app.12000 miles on it and have very few complaints. The acceleration is very quick and the ride is fairly quiet and smooth. However I have noticed an irritating rattle on the left upper dash speaker. There have also been a few isolated incidences where I have noticed a delayed surge in the transmission, which once put me in a potentially dangerous situation. Ive read other reviews stating that the leather seats were not comfortable for long drives due to lack of cushion support, but thats not been the case for me especially after recently driving from Houston to Key West, Fla. The seats were very comfortable.

• 

  I hate new cars-but love my new Toyota - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Kathryn - November 10 - 2:53 am

  I waited a long time to buy a new car, but finally decided to take the plunge. Picked the Toyota Corolla for reliability, gas mileage and looks. A little on the pricey side for a base model, but with gas prices the way they are, you cant beat the gas mileage I am getting from this car! The outside is nice and neat. The car handles nicely and for a 4-cylinder 1.8 - it can move! Interior is laid out nicely - driver seating takes some getting used to though, hard to adjust. The trunk cargo space is very good for a small car. Love the flip down passenger seats for extra cargo space. All in all, I have come to really love my new ride!

• 

  Great, safe economical reliable car - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By K - November 9 - 3:53 pm

  I purchased this 2000 toyota camry LE with 50,000 miles, certified. Now, I have just under 75,000 on it. Still has a great ride, performance, and handling. The 4 cyl engine gets well over 30 mpg highway, and has nice power. I like the standard power features, including the power seat. NEVER any problems with the car!!

• 

  Good - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Chute - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I have this car a little over one month. Purchased the latter of April 2003. I drove this car to Jackson hole Wyo. last month, there wasnt an incline in the Rockies From I 70 to Denver, to Salt LAKE CITY,then on to Jackson Hole. I 80 back to NYC. that I couldnt climb at 70 to 80 mph. Im very pleased so far and just turned over 8000 miles.

• 

  celica02 - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By atazman - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Handles excellent, a lot of fun to drive, great looks in and out.