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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  Loving my new Car! - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By Anonymous - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I was driving a 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara which I really liked... except for the gas mileage. I was getting about 18 miles a gallon, and when youre job hunting... that doesnt work. I was pushed into driving a Rav4 and surprisingly... I LOVE IT. I hope once the "new car" wares off the mileage will be as great as I need it to! I am very happy with my new car!

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  Enoy my Venza! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By StLouisR - November 18 - 12:13 pm

  Enjoy driving my Venza! Have over 1,000 miles now. Dont understand negative comments as mine is great. Looked at Nissan Murano (premium fuel), 09 Highlander (had an 03, but 09 too large now) before deciding. Easy in and out.

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  Meets Expectations - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Paul - November 18 - 6:03 am

  Today, I have owned my new 07 Corolla LE exactly 3 months. I have over 11K miles on it, 80/20 highway/city at around 73-75 mph, highway. I drive with a light touch and I am getting 34.9 mpg. I anticipated closer to 38. We got this car for economy and reliability. I think the mpg will improve as the car wears in. Handling is ok, acceleration is ok and road noise is ok. ItÂ’s an econo-box, not a sports car. We are happy with the car, it has met our expectations. I like the traditional body style.

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  Excellent - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By my style - November 18 - 5:36 am

  I love my car excellent driving. Runs very smooth. excellent on turns. Very roomy. I havent seen the gas mileage yet. The longest distance drove was 300 miles one way. Which was ok the most I have gotten in was 24.9 on the highway, but in surface street 22.9 and 23.9 sometimes 24.0

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  Best Quality Compact SUV - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By lvknkt - November 17 - 5:13 pm

  I love the handling of this beauty, the interior is very well laid out with lots of cargo room. Upgraded 17" tire size will definitely help in the winter time. I also love the Blu Logic BlueTooth that come pre-installed on my Rav4, now I can call handsfree, and enjoy MP3 music through the car speakers from my Nokia phone. Test drive this beauty, and you will love it!!!

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Grabsback - November 17 - 2:03 am

  When we started looking at all the hybrids, we saved the Prius for last. Its totally different for all the rest out there. It has so much more power and interior space for its class. Everything is well placed and easy to use. The touch screen is really neet in the middle of the dash, constantly updating information while your driving. But be careful and keep your eyes on the road - no matter how fun it is to watch the screen. The only thing that I find is a problem is the gas gauge. Since the gas tank is actually a membrane and not a solid tank, its not 100% reliable. But I fill up when its down to the last bar so its not a problem for me. Overall, I would highly recommend Prius.

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  Titanium bullet - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Ti.bullet - November 16 - 10:50 pm

  MT6, BFG A/T KO: Off-roading on 5" new snow, no slippage. Muddy trails and shallow bogs, no prob. Treads 10" rocks with ease. Locking rear differential made climbing a staggered, stair-stepped incline (rated black diamond trail) possible. 34 degree approach angle allows driver to overcome large immediate obstacles. Taking all these capabilities into consideration, the MPG is acceptable. Our MPG has been between 10-15 (wheeling) and up to 19 highway.

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  My Toyota Highlander - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Janet Fisher - November 16 - 1:47 pm

  I really love the SUV, it handles like a nice sedan rather than a truck. I only wish Toyota would put "Leather seats" in more of their models. I have had those seats in all my vehicles for over 20 yrs and I miss that.

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  Fantastic!!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By amy - November 16 - 12:36 pm

  When driving the Yaris you feel like an ice skater gliding over the ice. I have only had the car for 4 days but I know its the best purchase Ive ever made. The gas mileage is awesome as a commuter this will come in handy!!!

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  Fun Fun Fun.....at 6000+ RPMs - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Mr.Pink - November 16 - 10:53 am

  I am very impressed with every aspect of this vehicle. It has the looks. Its got power. Its exceptionally versatile...and its great on gas. The vehicle handles very tight considering its ride height. The suspension is taught but not rough. The engine (2ZZ Celica GTS Engine) is silky smooth. Its a blast when you hit the 6000 RPM threshold where VVTL-i kicks in...sets you back in your seat. The creature comforts and standard features all play nicely in this very affordable pocket rocket. Highly Recommended!