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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  I love my new Toyota Rav4 - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By ravgirl - June 28 - 1:00 am

  This was my frist new car. I have always liked my 99 toyota corolla, but when I test drove my rav4, I was sold. There is a lot of space for your back passengers. They can adjust thier seat and recline to a comfortable position. I love the hidden storage. Car drives nice and smooth. I feel safe in this car!

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  AWESOME FJ CANT BE BEAT!! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By MelloFJYellow - June 27 - 11:56 pm

  I have only had my FJ Cruiser for a few days, but make no mistake, it is one AWESOME RIDE!! Pictures do not do it ANY justice and driving it is, well, just short of BREATHTAKING! Classic, retro, good looks, incredible build quality, and everything you could want in a modern 4X4 is here today in the FJ Cruiser. Yes, mileage is not too great and the rear visiblity takes some getting used to, but all-in-all, the very best and unique SUV out there today, dollar-for- dollar. Just test drive one and you will be hooked, as I was. I bought mine without a test drive, that is how confident I was. And was I ever right. The best vehicle I have EVER owned, hands down! Just give it a try!

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  Best car I ever had - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Dr T - June 27 - 11:06 pm

  Driving this car is like eating chocolate. Really good chocolate that I got at a deep discount. The great mileage is only a bonus. I would love the car even if I didnt get 42 MPG.

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  Love it - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By starpalms - June 27 - 8:33 pm

  The reviews are true, if you want a car like ride, with the space of a SUV this is it. I looked at Rav4, CRV, Lexus, Cx7 and I settled on the Venza. It fitted in correct price, space and MPG, quite well thought and marketed at the right spot. Interior feels like a Lexus. Has Toyota brand name and reliability, though early to say since it debuted in 2009, so far happy with it. I went for the 4cyl, FWD since gas mileage is important. Test drove both V6 and 4cyl, and 4cyl fitted to my lifestyle needs, getting ~24 in the city.

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  2010 Rav4 Sport - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Greg Wilson - June 27 - 11:00 am

  I have the run flat tires and the Sport package. I am getting 25.2 mpg ave. for the first 2000 miles. I am a handling nut and this car is very stable, has a very good steering feel and good brakes. The V6 has excellent power yet as previously noted gets excellent gas mileage. Overall I am very impressed.

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  Yaris Hatchback is FUN & Amazing on Gas - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Kandice Kartchner - June 27 - 8:50 am

  Yaris is a car that originally was introduced in Europe a few years ago, where I rented one and tried it out. I fell in LOVE with it, and wished that I could have one here in the states. Alas, the US had not approved them. (Perhaps the competition was just too much - so safe, fun, and amazing on gas.) Anyhow, when they came I had to see what they had done to them. It was utterly amazing! They are priced very reasonably. The hatchback has tons of space inside, innovative ideas & design features like three glove boxes, lots of safety, amazing handling & control, and nice interiors. I love driving it! It is really fun to drive, and very comfortable. I love the gas mileage and small size too!

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  Disappointed - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By 2010-V - June 27 - 7:40 am

  I have owned a 2010 Prius V for six months. At first I was pleased with the vehicle, especially with the MPG when compared to my 2000 Lexus RX300. After six months of ownership several issues have arisen; braking issues (regenerative brakes slip when navigating over a bumpy road or pothole), constant rattling while driving emanating from the passenger side windows and a disappointing 37.5 average MPG in the city. Although I am not expecting 50 MPG as is advertised, 37.5 is well below what I anticipated. Granted, I live in a very hilly city, but I am not a speed demon nor do I have a heavy accelerator foot. The only advantage I foresee is the reduction in the production of smog.

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  No Buyers Remorse Here! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Mike Dowling - June 27 - 5:03 am

  I cant say enough about the best car I have ever owned. The ride is smooth, Im getting 45 miles per gallon and having the best time enjoying the car. The computer trains you to drive more carefully and more responsibly. (You want to beat your last MPG report, dont you?) You soon learn to depend on cruise control, to go slowly when the light turns green, and to keep it about 65 miles per hour. Ive never had more fun driving a car.

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  Buyer beware - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By bk - June 27 - 2:46 am

  We purchased this car new and kept it dealer maintained for 7 years. I found it to be quite a reliable vehicle until recently. At 118,000 miles it developed a coolant leak. It was ultimately found to be due to stripped out threads in the engine block (i.e. the car needed a new engine ~ $7500.00). After discovering that I was not the only one to experience this problem (check online Toyota forums), I notified Toyota. The Rep stated, "Your engine may be defective, but we cannot help you because you are out of warranty." Beware of the 4 cylinder engine in the 03 Highlander! A dealer maintained vehicle is worthless, and Toyota has lost a customer. And so it goes.

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  High Mileage pitfalls - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By shaggs - June 26 - 9:33 pm

  I bought this SUV new in 2003 and have it maintined regularly at the dealer. I now have 216,000 km on it and am starting to experience some high mileage wear items that have become prohibatively expensive. The oil cooler developed a leak and cost $1,000.00 to replace. The rear hanger bearing on the drive shaft (the shaft that connects the front transfer case with the rear) is noisy. For a worn bearing or universal joint the whole drive shaft must be replaced at a cost of $1,700.00 just for the part. I am looking for a good used one but am finding it impossible. There are no after market shafts, only ones available from the dealer. Highlanders will last many years, but at what cost!!!