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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  FABOULOUS Car - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Teresa - October 22 - 4:56 am

  WOW this car is like driving a $50,000 Car! Check out the safety rating and the residual value! Hands down this is the BEST car on the market! What more could you want and at a value price!And the 4 cyl. drives like a 6 only better gas milage! I LOVE IT! !

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  FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By BigWilcox - October 22 - 2:36 am

  This dual cab mid sized is just what this consumer needed. The hood scoop makes it look kinda masculine. It is masculine. Have got 7,000 miles on it and everything is good. Got 20.9 mpg last weekend overall on trip to Charleston. Enjoyed the drive.

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  Sweet! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Lauren - October 22 - 12:36 am

  I am so happy with my Prius purchase. You get so much in a small package. Very roomy inside. Very cool interior styling. I am currently getting about 48mpg with mixed driving. The black exterior looks great with the tail-lights. Fun to drive, looks great and I love saving on gas!

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  Wonder car. - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By John Nofzinger - October 21 - 5:00 pm

  I have experienced as high as 32.4 MPG on the highway with my 2005 XLS Avalon and also have LOADS of power at the same time. Smooth, quiet, comfortable this car has it all. The JBL stereo system is great.

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  2005 Toyota Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By JUAN - October 21 - 3:33 pm

  One of the best cars on the road!!! Its smooth, comfortable, economic and in parts like D.C. you can drive on the HOV even if there is only one person in the car!

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  Our XLE Sienna - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By Doug - October 21 - 11:43 am

  We bought this as a certified used van in 2003 w/28k. It now has 103k and still going strong. This has been a great van. The interior space is a little smaller than our old Previa was, but it has been ok. Since we have owned it we have had very few repairs beyond normal service. The window guides had to be replaced at one point and we had an O2 sensor replaced. The leather is starting to show signs of wear, but generally still in good shape. Gas mileage has been about 18 in the city and 23-24 on the highway (I drive fast). I would buy this van again with no regrets.

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  New Car - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By mike - October 21 - 3:33 am

  I drove several sedans from European brands to smaller cars and found the Toyota Camry XLE to be an outstanding value. We have one Lexus and a BMW sedan, but found the Camry more practical with a touch of style and luxury. We are not aggressive drivers and did not miss the sporty handling. We were actually surprised at the reviews on the build quality, but I think it has improved over the last couple of years. The XLE is almost Lexus like with a few less "creature comforts".

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  Great truck - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Susan - October 21 - 2:13 am

  I drove a Ranger for 14 years prior to this and was happy overall - just needed a new vehicle. The Tacoma is a comfortable, powerful, good-looking truck. My mileage is 18-21 MPG so far. I use my AC quite alot and drive city 60% of the time. Be aware that the brake and gas pedals are very close together in this truck and the steering wheel does not telescope as much as it could. The sound system (basic from factory) is terrible. I would strongly recommend upgrading at the time of sale.

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  MY CAR - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By REDHEAD38 - October 21 - 2:00 am

  GREAT CAR ESPECIALLY FOR A COLLEGE STUDENT

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  Hybrid technology is now mainstream - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Douglas Wade - October 21 - 2:00 am

  This car is phenominal. My wife refers to it as a "spaceship", but I love it. It is a full sized car on the interior and it is loaded with neat features. Toyota has raised the bar with this vehicle. The smart key system is great, but make sure you put the key in the ignition if youre going to have someone valet park the car or drive it through a car wash. The car will stay running if you leave the vehicle with the smart key in your pocket, but if someone tries to move it the engine will shut off.