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:

• 

  Visibility - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Mark Shaffer - April 28 - 2:10 pm

  I love that the Prius gets great gas mileage, not as good as advertised, but certainly a step in the right direction. The visibility needs to be improved. The rear view mirror is in the way of foot and car traffic approaching from the right-hand side. The many lights on the dashboard reflect in the windshield making night driving difficult.

• 

  I got what I bought - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By mrfinfish - April 28 - 11:06 am

  This truck "is what it is"; an economical version of a small truck, very handy and economical around the suburbs and city driving. Principal reason for my buying this truck is that Im sick and tired of loosing $10,000+ a year in owing a Ford or Dodge $30,000 vehicle when purchased new. I bought this truck for a little over $16K; it gets 22 to 26 mpg; it is decidedably uncomfortable; its 2.7litter engine performance is acceptable, and one year after my purchase, Ive probably lost between $3 and $4,000, based on its current resale value. Do I wish I had a big truck with 4-wheel drive? Sure; but its a function of whether I want the cash in my pocket, or in the dealers pocket.

• 

  Towing dream come true! - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Gail Shoults - April 28 - 5:13 am

  Pulling a stock trailer loaded with four horses and forgetting they are behind me, compared with other half tons and being kicked around the road at times! the stress free tundra ride is a dream and the hauling capacity sold me hands down!

• 

  Awesome Car - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Sean Thomas - April 28 - 4:03 am

  The first Hybrid vehicle I was in was a Honda and what I didnt like about it was everytime we would stop the a/c would turn off or not work well. Well when I decided to move from an SUV to a car I didnt think I wanted a hybrid but was suprised when I sceduled a test drive. I drove the camry, camry hybrid, scion xb, prius and the civic hybrid. I liked the prius but it didnt come equiped with a sunroof. I also really liked the camry hybrid. It was a great car. I ordered my vehicle before leaving the lot and couldnt wait for my car to come in. I have now had the vehicle for close to 3 weeks and I am getting over 38 mpg. I do have to admit that my driving habits have changed.

• 

  Amazing Reliability - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By she-ra - April 28 - 2:20 am

  Ive had this car five years, drove 150,000 miles, and have never had to take it to the shop! Incredible, amazing, wonderful reliability. Ill never buy anything but a Toyota again. Its such a perfect car that its only problem is that youll be bored with it long before it wants to die.

• 

  2004 Sequoia - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Annie - April 28 - 12:36 am

  The Sequoia has been a great vehicle for my family. The size is fabulous on trips, and everyone is very comfortable. The leather interior is a must for a family, with spills etc. Weve just done routine maintenance and have never had any mechanical problems.

• 

  stay away from EVO system - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By cauciousbuyer - April 27 - 9:04 pm

  Great car to drive, nice interior

• 

  Very reliable and economical! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By 3angelsfly - April 27 - 8:05 pm

  We now have 145,000 miles on our Prius and it has no mechanical problems and drives as good as it did when I purchased it with 67k. Still getting 45 mpg, and I dont drive easy. Cannot find a better car out there for the money and cost of ownership. Have done basic maintenance--oil changes, spark plagues, air filter, trans fluid, and a new 12V battery, and tires. Only thing that stopped working was the cd changer, but we use an ipod through the tape deck anyway. Still using original headlight bulbs, and brakes. Car handles well; very easy to drive, very good in snow and ice. Unfortunately, the car does not have comfortable seats, and is not sporty or fun to drive for a young man.

• 

  4 Cyl. 2WD great economy SUV. - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Cal. Highlander - April 27 - 3:23 am

  The Highlander is very easy to drive (not as easy as compact SUVs such as CRVs) considering its size. It is a lot easier to drive than a 4Runner or an Excursion. The steering is light enough so the car doesnt feel heavy. And there is not an overall sense of "bulkiness" when changing lanes, backing up, etc... The 4 Cyl. 2WD only feels slightly less powerful than the SR5 V6 4Runner. But, you should test drive both, back to back, before you decide if the 4 cyl. Highlander is powerful enough. I would not recommend getting the 4WD option with the 4 cyl. Highlander. It would weigh down the vehicle dramatically causing it to feel a tad sluggish.

• 

  My review - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By sid - April 27 - 3:16 am

  The Toyta Camry Hybrid is probably the best car I ever owned. Great for riding as well as driving. I would recommend the Camry Hybrid to anyone who wants a terrific automobile.