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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  Brakes - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Ilene - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Love the car except for the brakes. This is my first hybrid car. When I have to panic-stop in this car, I apply what I think is normal pressure and the car screeches and grabs the road too violently. It really scares me. Does anyone else have this problem?

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  I love my Prius, too! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By PrAl10 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Bought my 2010 Prius (my first Toyota) to replace my 2003 Altima (with 280,000 miles!). I am impressed with how brilliant its design philosophy is, and, of course, the amazing fuel economy (53 m.p.g. actual average over the first 10,000 miles). I love driving it, I feel more relaxed and no longer "sweat" traffic jams and red lights as much as before. Compared to the Altima I am saving ~$40/week at the current fuel prices. I think I will always buy hybrid cars from now on!

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  Great Car - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Steve - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Just bought my second Toyota Corolla. After reading prior reviews, I am convinced some people are opposing dealers or amateur drivers who cannot drive this fantastic car. The steering is great! Went 2 miles on the interstate with my hands off the wheel, the Corolla stayed in a perfect line until the next curve. People were probably texting, then blaming the car for their poor steering.I think the interior is great, no lint on the seats. The interior is no different then other cars in its class as far as materials! Step on the gas and the car goes! I passed muscle cars on the highway! Gas mileage around 35 mpg so far. Know the car, before you buy it! Love the S model.

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  Excellent! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By MangoMan - October 24 - 11:46 pm

  Im quite happy with the Yaris. Excellent design with lots of room for adult passengers and a huge trunk. I avg 31 mpg in-town commuting. Overall, I m very pleased with the car but the interior needs some re-design. Toyota forgot to put somewhere to hold change! No ashtray, no console tray or pocket. Come on, guys. My only other complaint is the car is overly susceptible to crosswind. Maybe some suspension or tire/wheel change could improve that. To me those are the only deficits in an otherwise well planned and executed entry level automobile.

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  So Far, So Good! - 2009 Toyota 4Runner
  By C.B.R. - October 24 - 10:43 pm

  I have only had this vehicle for 4 months but thought I would post a review. This vehicle is fun to drive. It feels solid, safe and responsive. I have only driven on the highway and around town, but I am anxious to get it out into the country. One complaint is that the transmission frequently feels as if it is not engaged, sort of free spinning. Initially I had difficulty finding a truly comfortable driving position and constantly shifted positions, especially my right leg. But I notice that less and less as time goes on. Even though it is labeled mid-size this is a big vehicle. Plenty of room and storage for friends and gear. Gas mileage is much better than expected at 20.8 per gallon.

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  Amazing at 107K miles! - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By John in Wisc - October 24 - 10:36 pm

  Bought used at 30K miles. One owner (per dealer) and no wear/tear. Now at 106K miles, and repairs virtuallly nil, except the routine (1 tune up, 1 brakes). Front seats a bit crowded, could use 2" more on each. Cloth upholstery on this one - seams are opening up a couple places, need to sew them up. Handles great in snow with 4WD, excellent traction control. The engine purrs and virtually ZERO vibration at idle. Slightly underpowered at 5cyl-has tow package which is easy to hook up. Dont expect a soft "car" ride-this is a truck frame and lets you know it, but thats fine for a true SUV that can off road with the best of em.I keep it well maintained/lube oil trans . Great product

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  Cool Mini Truck - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Rockn Ride - October 24 - 10:30 pm

  I love this truck, its fun to drive, has great performance, kickin stereo and looks real cool.

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  2006 hybrid highlander - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By michael blair - October 23 - 6:16 pm

  I am getting 33 miles to the gallon and I am not trying very hard yet because this automobile is a thrill to drive. I have a 05 Prius that I am getting 60 mpg and that is a lot of effort. The mileage, the clean burning, and the fact I have a new vehicle that is worth more than I paid for it, I have to pinch myself every time I get behind the wheel of both of these technological wonders. I’m not going to go into detail about the fact I have been researching these vehicles for a year now, I just can’t believe there are still so many skeptics. Toyota has been working on this technology 40 yrs. these cars are worth every penny, and will be the most dependable car you have ever owned. It is the future!!!

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  Very Impressed - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By Chexx350 - October 23 - 4:10 pm

  We test drove 6 minivans (Sienna, Odyssey, Sedona, Town and Country, Entourage, Grand Caravan) and found the Odyssey and Sienna the most pleasurable to drive. Honda/Toyota reliability tend to be similar (best in class). We have always owned Hondas, and actually prefer the styling of the Odyssey, but found the Toyota to be more spacious with better power, an an equally smooth ride.

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  THE Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Candice - October 22 - 6:00 pm

  I love my Yaris. It looks like a small Corolla. It handles well and has that extra power that you need for the freeway. I am getting 350-400 miles per tank, WOW!!