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:

• 

  Why Not 60 MPG? - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Spindoc - October 10 - 5:13 am

  Love our Prius and am in the process of purchasing a second! Many comments here about not getting the 60 MPG; of course, EPA ratings are a bit optimistic, but the reason Prius CITY mileage is better than HIGHWAY mileage is that the gas consumption goes to ZERO when you are stopped in traffic or at a light. Averaging in those zeros makes for great mileage overall! It is no slouch on the highway and I get nearly 50 mpg at 70 mph (high 40s, anyway). Makes you feel sorry for those SUV drivers out there!

• 

  Best SUV on the Road, Hands Down !!! - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By Theroses - October 10 - 2:53 am

  I bought the SUV after running from a hurricane in NC with my Oldsmoble D88 and the olds died in the middle of 4 lanes of trafic 20miles long. I called a close friend and he said I could use his old 4Runner to get out of town and we did, safely at that. After this life altering event passed and we got home safely I went to a local dealership to look at Toyotas. I bought this 4Runner with 30K, now it has 175K and runs as great as day 1. This SUV has been on beach where other cant go and now I live in upstate NY so its tackled its share of major snow storms with ease. I love it! Now my son drives an 89 toyota pickup, my daughter a 96 Corolla and my wife a 02 Avalon, Im sold on Toyota!

• 

  I love my Yaris!!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Monika - October 9 - 10:33 pm

  I bought my Yaris 2 years ago, I was probably one of the first customers. Everyone kept asking me questions about my car, people rolled their windows to ask me about my car. And after 2 years I have not had a problem, in fact I love it more, as it is reliable and very comfortable! I drive about 90 miles per day, and school at least 2 times a week, so as you can see I spend a lot of time in my car! I definitively recommend this car for everyone! it is known as the "green car" in Europe. In our last trip I was very pleased to see my car in every corner at least 5 different countries in Europe! Honestly, I can not wait for the 09 as my husband is getting one, good bye trucks! I really love it!

• 

  The Best - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Toyota Guy - October 9 - 3:10 pm

  Zero problems. Far and away the best riding truck I have ever owned. I have total confidence in its stopping power and reliability. Other manufacturers are missing the boat on the 6 speed transmission.

• 

  Wahoo - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By mark - October 9 - 12:50 pm

  Traded in a 2005 fully loaded Quad Silverado getting 18 MPG. Purchased loaded Camry Hybrid. Getting 39 MPG mix hwy/city. Comfortable interior and nice toys, i.e Bluetooth, nav system and keyless ignition. I commute over 100 miles each day and lumbar support in drivers seat nice.

• 

  For Adults Only - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By my money - October 9 - 2:36 am

  This car is for adults, rides great, looks good, sensible, super quiet and great mileage. I looked at 20 vehicles before I made my choice. One test drive made me a believer. Im averaging 33-35 mpg in town, and one road trip at 38 mpg. The trunk is short, but the kids have moved out, and if i need to haul that much junk, Ill rent a truck.

• 

  Must drive it to see what its all about - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By amh - October 9 - 12:36 am

  Coming from a 1992 BMW 325i, I have no regrets in choosing the 06 Prius! I am saving $100/month in gas, and I dont feel like Ive compromised anything. Granted, the BMW is an excellent car and I believe it is the best handling small sedan available, but the Prius has so many luxury features standard that I dont think its downgrade in anyway. I have no hesitation in recommending the Prius to anyone looking for a fun yet very practical car!

• 

  Power and comfort - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By lee - October 8 - 12:16 pm

  Best car I have ever owned after 10 vehicles. I have yet to find fault with this car. It is powerful, whisper quiet, short turning radius, conrners well at speed, and good mileage. It is what I thought it would be a bargain luxury car that competes with bmw, mbz, lexus but you do have to put up with a lack of a label prestige. So if you dont mind having a stealth car this one may be for you. Drive it fast and see what I mean.

• 

  Prius - one year - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By RMartin - October 8 - 11:56 am

  We love the Prius. It has more comfort for 4 people than our former Oldsmobile Intrigue. Overall well designed. Disappointing is the mileage in the winter. A typical 30 mile trip is about 46 mpg dropping a little in the winter when the heater needs to be on. Less than quoted. MPG goes up to about 50 on a 120 mile trip to Seattle on the freeway. The mileage goes up in stop and go traffic. The concept is great and if the batteries had more capacity one could draw more from them and mileage would improve greatly. The plug and drive would be immense help for us who typically drive 30 miles per day. Lobby for plug and drive!!

• 

  Rermarkable Car! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Toby - October 7 - 11:40 pm

  This is the most remarkable car I have ever owned. It is economical, roomy, comfortable (I am 62" and have heard about how it doesnt fit tall people. Nonsense!), and fun to drive. I love the fact that it delivers great economy without producing tons of emissions while at the same time it is quick off the mark and able to climb mountains without hesitation (I have also heard about its supposed defects in this regard). I replaced the tires with Michelin Energy Savers A/S and saw the economy jump nearly 9%. I highly recommend those tires.