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 reliable car Ive ever owned - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By ColoradoToy - November 20 - 3:46 pm

  Ive owned virtually nothing but Toyotas in my 25 years of actually owning cars (everything else led to misery) but this has been the best. Eight years old now and Ive had no repairs. No rattles. No vibrations. Still acts like it is brand new. Can barely hear the thing running. Amazing car. I dont see how they can do that. Im not selling it but this sort of quality leads me to buying the new 4Runner (wife/kids).

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  Small & Quick - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By SLOJO - November 20 - 12:33 pm

  Its new. Rides great. Maneuvers well. Plenty of get up and go. Has all the bells and whistles. Fit and trim are excellent. First non-"big three" we have owned. Center dash w/navigation/CD combined is too delicate and complex. Steering wheel controls good/dash controls unnecessarily confusing. Owners Manual near useless - WAY TOO LONG. More comfortable than competitors especially for someone over 62" and 250 lbs. Cargo area is good w/3rd seat down.

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  Dont miss my Cadillac! - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By vinceburns - November 20 - 10:00 am

  More than a year now and the Prius goes humming along. Great seats,comfortable ride and quiet interior are joined by excellent mileage (44 at 70 mph on the highway, and 46 mpg overall).The trunk is plenty big and all useable. The sound system is surprisingly good. Cant believe how much room there is; Im 62"/260 lbs, and I am comfortable in either the front or the rear. !

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  Matrix - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By nvjohn - November 20 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a Matrix a little over a month ago. So far I am very pleased. The gas mileage is great - averaging 27 mpg for mostly city driving. The interior is funtional and roomy. The styling is a little different, but overall it is a good looking car (although a little goofy from some angles). Performance is great - especially when the timing changes above 6000 rpm.

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  wonderful car - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By fingersray - November 20 - 10:00 am

  I do a great deal of driving in town, and the fuel economy is fantastic. This vehicle does every thing right, smooth, quiet, very reliable and the perfect size.

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  I love my new Highlander!!!!!!! - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By brandi - November 20 - 10:00 am

  This drives so much like a car and not an SUV. Believe it or not I chose this over the Lexus RX300 and not because of the price!!!

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  The best car of its class - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Daniel B - November 20 - 10:00 am

  An excellent car. Driving is smooth, silent, sound isolation inside is perfect, steering is great, need to use a manual break bar while parked since it adjusts a rear breaks. Convenient features are great. Need to be careful on the freeway if windy -- do not exceed 80 mph -- may be unstable beacause of its design.

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  My Cheap Lexux - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By lmid - November 20 - 10:00 am

  I love this car but wish I could have my cake and eat to. I wanted the NAV. system, but had to give up the CD- Changer. Sinmce I spend a lot of time on the road and love music.... Car also need audio controls on steering wheel. Altima & Honda has it. Thinking of getting another Camry, but will wait to see if any improvments are made.

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  bye bye CRV - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Ron - November 20 - 8:40 am

  I was waiting for the new CRVs to come out to make my purchase. After seeing the CRV i am so glad i got the RAV4, just went on a 400 mile trip with it last weekend and love the ride, fuel was about 25mpg, not bad.Power is awesome Great SUV

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  Love This Car! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Lisa - November 20 - 8:33 am

  I carefully researched this vehicle, comparing consumer reviews, cost, safety, and insurance premiums for the Yaris, Fit and Aveo. The Yaris won "hands-down" and was worth the one month wait for my vehicle. My Yaris is replacing our Ford Escape in my daily commute. I am now driving twice as far on 1/2 the price of gas. There is also plenty of interior space with the versatile seating capability. I packed the car for a trip "north" with golf clubs, gym bags, bike rack, dog and kennel. There was plenty of room to spare.