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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  More than expected - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By b_miller - February 21 - 4:56 am

  I was expecting great gas mileage, I was expecting legendary Toyota quality. I was not expecting the power that this sub 100 horsepower engine put out. Very quick acceleration considering it has something like 73 HP. Very good cargo space, seats folding flat is a great plus as well. Car drives very smooth, and handling is responsive. Car seems to have a very light but noticable shift/transition from electric power to gas. Overall a great car, I would rate a 8.5 out of 10. Gas mileage is amazing and get up and go is more than adequate. Would recommend.

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  Compact SUV, fun to drive - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By photog4fun - February 21 - 1:16 am

  Ive had my RAV4 for 4 1/2 yrs. now and it has been one of the best cars that Ive owned in the past 35 yrs. Top qualities that I love: 1. Higher viewing position compared to a sedan 2. Short, compact with plenty of room inside 3.Comfortable seats, easy to reach radio, good drink holders, nice ride 4. 24-26 mpg mostly highway travel 5. Highly reliable car with almost no mechanical problems over the past 80,000 miles Cons: 1. Slippery in icy conditions 2. Body dings easily

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  Best Decision I made this year! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Laura - February 21 - 1:00 am

  I love this car for the most part. Getting used to all of the electronic gadgetry is a bit daunting, but its new and innovative and real saver on gasoline. As a commuter, this is a great car that will inevitably save me much in expected gas costs, but it is not a car for hauling mulch or strapping kayaks to for a road trip. The inside cargo space is better than adequate and can likely meet most minor hauling needs. It definitely seats 4 people comfortably, if necessary.

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  Great on every aspect - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By patricksound - February 20 - 10:36 pm

  Excellent, extremely strong and very comfortable. The luxury fixtures make it a truck to want.

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  Pretty Good SUV So Far - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By anw - February 20 - 6:50 pm

  We are pretty happy to get the 2005 model instead of 2004 even though they are identical and is more expensive. We love the safety features of this car which Honda does not even offer as an option. The gas mileage is not as good as my Sienna.

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  Uncomfortable drivers seat - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By arlene - February 20 - 2:16 pm

  I am 52 and I am sick that my new car has such an uncomfortable drivers seat. I never had a back problem and I do now. I bought the car for comfort for long drives, and now even in the car for 30 mins., my back is in pain. I am hoping Toyota has some sort of a cushion to rectify this very serious defect in a brand new car. The new 2009 design is the most uncomfortable seat I have EVER driven in, and I have been driving for 36 years in a lot cheaper cars in the past.

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  Better than expected - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By sidefx - February 20 - 1:16 pm

  I wasnt expecting this car to have as much oomph as it does. Coming from a v6 Honda with 265 hp, I thought I would be disappointed, but Im not. Two weeks so far and mpg is amazing. At fill up I compared my own calculations on my 1st tank to what the dashboard says and it was exactly the same to the tenths place!! BTW it was 47.6 and that included me pushing the car to its limits in the first few days ;) halfway through the second tank Im at 54.2 mpg and easily maintaining that thanks to the useful meter that helps you achieve great results. Id like to comment on another post. You CAN make all the doors open when touching the sensor on the handle of the car. Read the manual!

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  Breathtaking Design - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By luvchrysler - February 20 - 11:50 am

  I have to say we were intending to purchase a Prius after driving one on vacation. The trade in was our Cadillac CTS that was stylish and fun to drive but uncomfortable on trips. Needless to say, the Venza blew us away after a test drive. The passenger comfort front AND rear (rear seats recline) is just amazing. It is so roomy and offers plenty of luggage space for 4 passengers. The controls are easy to use, doors open wide and there are many cubbyholes and storage pockets. The ride and acceleration are excellent, the AWD operates smoothly and unobtrusively. We enjoy the styling and get many compliments as well, we are very happy with our decision a year later!

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  This Truck Is Awesome! - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By David Habermehl - February 20 - 10:00 am

  I love my Toyota PreRunner! This truck has the off road capabilities of any 4x4, but without the maintenance of 4wd. The 190 hp V6 is gutsy and pulls my boat with no problems and the automatic tranny shifts smooth through all gears. The bed carries both my bikes and any equipment I need for camping. Extended cab is a must and can really fit 4 passengers for short trips.

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  A few minor complaints - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By T0pS1aker - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Well, for starters, the truck hasnt let me down yet [knock on wood]! I love the styling on the exterior, although the interior can use a little work. The major complaint is the jerk that happens when you let go off the brake sometimes. I havent figured out whether it is related to transmission (my best guess), or the breaks. The dealer says there is nothing wrong. The gear shifter also moves slightly by itself when I drive (voodoo, I suppose). Road noise can be a bit of a problem, but thats expected with the tires that big. Positives: great AC, fine handling, superb off-road capabilities, lots of room for a "compact" truck, rear- locking is always good.