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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  Nice Vehicle - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Tundra - October 6 - 5:30 am

  I love most everything about this truck. I am a first time truck owner but this things is awesome. The only drawbacks are the gas mileage (14 mi/gal) and its turning radius. Ive never owned a truck before so Im guessing the turning radius and gas mileage are probably how most trucks are. But this things rides like a car.

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  Buy this model - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By IMAQUIVRN - October 5 - 11:00 pm

  Purchased our 2010 Prius II this August. Heres what we found: 50 -52 mpg below 60 mph 46 - 49 mpg at sustained 70-75 mph. Rides/feels like a much bigger car. Lots of passing power due to electric motor kicking in. Top speed - 115 mph (rock steady, but wife whimpering). Good storage space; well planned. Pick a small Toyota dealership and dont pay for all the nonsense and gimmicks on the III, IV models. Or wait for the Prius I to come out. Youll like this car, no disappointments.

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  Incredible savings - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Heff - October 5 - 6:23 pm

  I traded my second Cadillac CTS for the Camry Hybrid. I was worried about what I considered to be a huge step down for the sake of fuel efficiency. I was wrong. Its not a race car, but the Hybrid is still an exceptional ride. The Hybrid shifts flawlessly between the electric and gas engines with greater smoothness than most transmissions. To hedge my bet, I had every available option included in my Camry. Wow! The fit and finish match my CTS stitch for stitch and the sound system is incredible. Best of all, I am buying LESS than half the gasoline I used in the CTS. Whatever the price is at the pump, Im saving half. Buying this car is the right thing to do.

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  My Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Dave - October 5 - 2:23 pm

  Awesome car and fun to drive. CT no sales tax, $2,000 FED Income Tax credit and averaging 50 MPG, what more could you want.

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  Love my Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Steph - October 5 - 2:00 pm

  Ive become the local Prius ambassador because Im so happy to tell EVERYONE about my fantastic experience. And people WILL ask you. The styling, the roominess, the storage, the MILEAGE; its all good.

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  Love it - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By puppylover - October 5 - 10:00 am

  I just love it so much.

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  1998 4Runner Limited - Very Reliable - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4RunnerLimited - October 5 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a 98 4Runner Limited with 87,000 miles on it and was not at all concerned with the mileage because of Toyotas legendary reliability. At 90,000, I had the timing belt, spark plugs, etc. (the 90k service job) replaced and have had an excellent suv thus far. Knock on wood...I have not have any problems whatsoever with the suv. I have put about 16k miles on it including taking a 3,500 mile trip this past summer and experienced smooth sailing through the mountains, desert, etc.

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  I love it!! - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By - October 5 - 10:00 am

  I dont think I could have gotten any more vehicle for the money. I have had NO problems. The only negative would be the comfort of the front seat. I have the split bench seat. It is not very comfortable for my lower back.

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  Ive always been a Honda owner... - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By EJM - October 5 - 10:00 am

  so this is the first Toyota Ive owned. The primary thing that attracted me to this car was the price. On average, Hondas sell for about 2-$3,000 more than a Toyota, and basically the quality and reliability are the same. I believe that I got more options for my money than I would have for a Honda Civic. If money is a concern, then buy a Toyota. Breaking is excellent and responsive. If I had the ABS option, it would be perfect. Cornering is also responsive; better than I expected from a small car. While this is not the 89 Acura Legend I once owned, this is a wonderful compact, economical car! I am confident in my purchase.

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  1998 Camry LE low mileage - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Hymie - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Trouble free, reliable and a pleasure to drive