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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  2 DR Hatchback first 1000 - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Dale - December 15 - 6:46 pm

  Well I hit the 1000 mile point in two weeks. The car I bought is a bare bones unit with an upgraded radio and cruise control. No power locks or windows. The car has plenty of power to get you down the road. This is not a rocket, but does good. My mileage over rural / highway has been 34.7. I have a heavy foot and my daughter found that she was driving around in 3rd instead of Drive. Very roomy feel in the drivers seat. There are several things that take some getting used to, like the position of the steering wheel. The seats are a bit stiff, but should soften in time. This is a good lower priced car, but it seems demand is driving the price up. Wait to buy when the price comes down.

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  money - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By tanesha brandon - December 15 - 2:00 pm

  i want to know if i payed to much money

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  Excellent Ride - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Pippin - December 15 - 2:00 pm

  The Yaris has far exceeded my expectations after reading lackluster reviews. It is as quiet as my wifes Mercedes on the highway, with far better gas mileage. It doesnt feel cramped at all. The stereo is decent, not great, but its all in the speakers which are easily changed. I have the pwr pkg, which has upgraded trim, well worth it. Auto has very smooth operation, and the electric steering is buttery. Very solid on hwy, no small car feel. When I walk to the garage and have the option of the Mercedes E320 or the Yaris - its always the Yaris for me. FYI - the dash lightup at night is very, very nice. The center gauges mean no reflection on the windshield in front of you at night.

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  Disappointed - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By welz - December 15 - 12:46 pm

  The RAV runs great, but rides like a light little toy, too much road noise, maybe the tires? The hood looks likes its going to fly off going down the freeway, my front bumper popped out a couple of times, cheap plastic clips that melted in the Arizona sun. The right mirror rattled so much they had to replace the whole assembly. My latest disappointment is that my air compressor just went out! Not a good thing in the middle of summer in AZ.

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  Love this car - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By jt - December 15 - 11:40 am

  I just purchased this car a couple of weeks ago and really love it! Its fun to drive, has ample acceleration, and has a great ride. Love the roomy interior and storage in the back.

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  Cannot help but like it - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By RF in Ohio - December 15 - 9:46 am

  Wife wanted one. I drive it on weekends and have taken it on a few road trips. Other car is V6 Accord and until Prius were always Honda people. When we bought the Prius, we gave 03 Civic Hybrid to one of our kids. Typical Toyota steering feel, soft, unlike the Hondas so many of us like. Beyond that, great car. Unbelievably spacious, excellent sound system, runs very well at highway speeds, and gets very good gas mileage. I check mpg manually with regularity. The gauge mpg readout can be right on, or off as much as 5% high or low. Same with Civic but not as bad. Have gotten as much as 53 on highway, typically 41-43 in mixed, lower in dead of winter. Would not hesitate to buy another one.

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  For those who still want a truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jeff - December 15 - 5:56 am

  This truck takes a while to break in, but I am getting 21.5 miles per gallon (10,000 miles) up from about 18.5 when I first bought the truck. I think this is the most reasonable truck on the market. First of all, the 4 door crew cab can actually fit people in the back seat, even full size adults. Second, this thing can tow up to 6,500 lbs, which is more than enough for the average truck driver. Third, this truck gets 20 plus miles to the gallon. When you drive this truck, you will notice that the rpm barely break 1500 if driving light (lots of range in the transmission). But if you hit the gas, this thing will throw you into your seat (supposedly goes 0- 60 in about 7 flat).

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  Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By jm49 - December 15 - 5:30 am

  Very happy with car. Great gas mileage driving into Philadephia every day. Great acceleration onto very poor visibility and short access ramps of Schulkyll Expressway. No mechanical problems. After driving Ford Taurus for years, had to get accustomed to small size and not being able to see front hood.

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  OVERALL EXCELLENT and easy to customize - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By superflykhaeyo - December 15 - 1:39 am

  Bought this car in 01/2014, it is 7/24/2014 and had to do NOTHING, but an oil change,, ERROR FREE. love the sequential shift. this car handles GREAT in the snow,however the seats are UNCOMFORTABLE The transmission shifts HARD when you release gas at highway speeds, but this transmission is VERY responsive and gets very sporty when you drive agressively, it is very helpfull but the handling sucks because the steering is SLOW, and sooo UN-ATHLETIC, but changing lights(interior) are very easy, everything normally pops out with a screwdriver and headlight are simple too

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  Echo maintains Toyotas good reputation - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By Strother - December 15 - 1:00 am

  I thought that the Echo looked interesting, and wasnt as "everyman" as a Corolla or a Camry was at the time. All in all, this is a great car for folks that want Toyota quality, sharp, original looks, economical upkeep and FUN driving for a relatively low cost. My Echo, which had everything on it that I could get, cost $12,500. Not bad. Im so sold that Ive even encouraged a friend to buy one, and they love it too. Spread the word!