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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  As much Sport as Utility - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Drifter 7 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  My mom bought a 2002 Rav4 in Nov, 2001, after weeks of research. Since then, it has continued to impress us, not only in its performace, but also in the utility and comfort. The only thing we have not been able to fit in was a 56" cabinet; even then, it was only 2 inches too long! The only reason (take note!) that I am not rating it as a perfect 10 is that my car is a 1982 RX- 7, which is a pure sports car. For some one who drives a minivan, itll be a blast!

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  Great Car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By TGuy - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This is one the best cars I have ever owned. You get so much for your money. This was a much better car than anything else I looked at.

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  Green car with... - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By PDK - October 6 - 8:20 pm

  Got our Pkg II Prius in Oct, after about 3000 miles thoroughly happy with the car. My heart leaps out in joy when I see it cost less than 30$ for a full tank, and that too once in two weeks (had a V6 Camry before). Love the styling, mileage (get about 49.5 mpg), Eco/Power modes, telescoping steering...

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  Bought for wife - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By daaotm2 - October 6 - 6:40 pm

  Over all an excellent car as Toyota is famous for. Now that gas prices are sky-rocketing, it has begun to pay off in mileage. We traded a 2001 Grand Prix GTP supercharged sedan for the Prius. Our gas expense has now gone from close to $400 down to about $115 a month. That is substantial.

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  A Great Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By AES - October 6 - 12:26 pm

  This has been an excellent truck. It is truly fun to drive. The turning radius is short compared to my old F150. The performance and handling is excellent. You have plenty of room inside and the ride is very comfortable. It rides like an expensive car. I have had no problems with it at all.

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  MB > Toyota....Yeah Definitely! - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By John - October 6 - 9:20 am

  Nice touches giving driver and passengers comfort and reliability. Very solid ride, turning, acceleration and on-spot braking. A/C cooly handles 100+ days here in Dallas! From Mercedes to the 4 Runner... yeah, I did it; and no regrets!

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  Luv It - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Randy - October 6 - 6:46 am

  This is really my wifes car but she lets me drive now and again. Think it is great looking,options are great, performance is all we had hoped for. Ride is quiet and comfortable. I have seen some reviews that dont like the fact that there is no 3rd row seats, that is a big plus for us we have no need for these and in vehicles this size a 3rd row seat just squishes everything together. The Venza has more rear seat leg room than my Tahoe and is much more comfortable than the Tahoes rear seat. We had narrowed our choice to either an RX350 or the Venza and I am more than happy with our choice and saving about 7k didnt hurt.

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  Best Convertible on the Planet! - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Robert Bronk - October 5 - 6:16 pm

  In white frost this is a real head turner - it really is a Lexus 430 with a Toyota badge. The styling makes a statement - this is one very striking car to drive. With the top down and the boot cover on it draws observers and great comments. The top does have a blind spot and the boot fills the trunk but I can live with those inconveniences. The interior is roomy, all controls are of quality and this is clearly one very premium car. Performance is excellent, the engine is quiet, and the transmission is really seamless. Mileage is 25 MPG - not bad for luxury. What a wonderful ride!

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  Aint nuthin like a Prius! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Jack Johnson - October 5 - 11:13 am

  This is the best car Ive ever owned Its fun to drive, and makes my in-laws cry when I tell them I use less then 8 gallons of gas every 400 miles. My average mileage for 30,000 miles is a tad over 51. I drive at 6,500 feet, 55 miles each way to work.

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  My Corolla - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By skhalsa - October 5 - 10:00 am

  One word describing it would be Loyal Its pick up is great, turns are awesome, mileage is wonderful.