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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  Most cost-effective and reliable sedan - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Manop - October 10 - 10:00 am

  At first, I looked for 2003 Toyota Corolla, new popular model, new design. At dealer, I found out why dont I try test drive for Camry as well. And Im so glad I did. This 2002 Camry is so spacious. Bigger than previous model that I used. Passenger room is very quiet, no outside noise, turning the car is very stable even at 40-50MPH. The bigger car also didnt make it more clumsy. The powerful 2.4 L engine really helps when you need to speed up and you still get same excellent gas mileage as prior model. More important, Price is even less than new launched prior model 2 years ago. I think 2002 Camry will return to No.1 best selling car of the year again.

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  The Lurchmobile - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By obob - October 9 - 9:00 pm

  This car cannot make up its mind what gear it should go into. It drives like, (Im not kidding here), my old 3-speed K-car from the seventies. It cant seem to change gears without first dropping into passing gear, even at 70+ mph in cruise control, thus the "Lurchmobile". But at least I have the comfort of knowing that it looks beautiful and handles like Im towing a trailer. I guess my overall rating is a 5.

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  Awesome Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Lazybum101 - October 9 - 2:23 pm

  My wife and I purchased this car in an effort to save a little money on gas, but not have to pay so much extra for a hybrid. Turns out, its great on gas, fun to drive, and pretty reliable as well. I would recommend this car to anyone, and feel entirely comfortable putting my wife, 2 year old son and my dog in for long car trips.

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  Whole new level above - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Mike - October 9 - 11:53 am

  My wife has been driving an 03 Rav4 limited 4WD since getting it new and has been very happy with it. And I wanted one also. So when the 06 was announced I thought we should go check it out. Well I was blown away at the improvements Toyota made with this new RAV4. We bought it for a few % above what the 03 cost us even though both were loaded. Everything about the design is impressive. The size and MPG it gets are hard to believe. The inside styling on the L version is really nice. The general feel of the vehicle is fantastic

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  Try it youll LOVE it - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By DTMhazaPrius - October 9 - 11:00 am

  I have been a Pick-up man for 20 years. When my mechanic told me the cost of repair was more then the value of the truck we went directly to Toyta for a Prius. I am a big guy so I was looking for plenty of room (has plenty for my family of 4), a good stereo (the JBL rocks) and 50mpg (it has exceeded the advertised number for the first two tanks!!).

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  Heavy on gas - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By preferbettermilage - October 9 - 5:30 am

  The van drives nicely, handles great. It is a tank in the snow and ice, which is mainly why we went for it as there are no AWD models from other manufacturers. That display showing 15mpg though is a real downer.

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  A GREAT CAR - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Robert - October 9 - 3:30 am

  The only frustrating part of owning the Prius is the MPG that one expects vs. the real world. When I bought the car in 9/2004, my average mileage was 45 City - 52 highway. Then the car stalled and I needed a new software update. Since then, it seems that the car runs more on Gas than electric. Average now 38-41 City, 42-45 HIGHWAY. WITH ALL THIS NEGATIVE SAID... the car is GREAT, and with the prices of GAS I am a HAPPY buyer. One must also consider that the Federal $2,000 deduction is still in effect, AND check with your local state. Here in Connecticut there was NO sales tax on the car, saving me another $1500. CONSIDER THESE SAVINGS ALSO. Overall I give the car a 9+!

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  Sensational SUV!! - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Ryan - October 9 - 1:03 am

  I absolutely love this car! Im a research junkie and thoroughly reviewed and test drove the Honda CRV, Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi Outlander, Ford Escape, Subaru Forrester, and Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe. The RAV4 blew them all away. My last car was a BMW 5-series with all the bells and whistles so I was a little worried about making the adjustment to a non- luxury SUV. However, this car has continued to impress me with its easy handling, roomy interior, reliability, features, appearance, comfortable seats, and gas mileage. I have read a few of the negative reviews and I really think that we must be driving completely different makes/models. My RAV4 has been fantastic!

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  Best Midsize Truck Anywhere. LOVE IT!!! - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Siafu - October 8 - 10:13 am

  I love my Tacoma. It has been a great vehicle. It has been reliable and has accomplished every goal that I have set for it. A superb automobile.

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  Vibrates like a 20 year old car - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Delsher Sino - October 8 - 8:03 am

  I do not want you to make the same mistake, even though I bought brand new 2010 car, the car vibrates like a 20 year old car, you can feel the vibration in the steering wheel, doors, seats. I told the dealer about the vibration and his answer was that all Toyota corolla vibrates and that I am not driving BMW.