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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  Pleased - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By IAGasman - September 17 - 12:16 pm

  Weve put 700 miles on our Highlander Hybrid Limited, and were really enjoying it! Weve averaged 25 MPG thus far in mixed city/hwy driving. I think my driving style has been modified in response to the instant feedback supplied (is the power from electric or gas?) Fit and finish are perfect. Overall, an excellent purchase!

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  2008 Toyota Prius Touring - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By 2008 Prius Touring - September 17 - 5:53 am

  The new Toyota Prius Touring model is the third generation of Hybrid Automobiles. It is the most different car I have owned after nearly 40 years of car ownership. As far as fun, it takes me back to my 1973 Volks Karmann Ghia. As far as fuel economy, not even my 1960 36 HP Volkswagen bug could top the Prius. It makes a game out of saving gas and works like a champ. From my home in central California to Sequoia Natl Park , and return , I averaged 45MPG . That with climbing up to over 7000 ft. elevation, a trip of 302 miles with only 6.7 gallons of gasoline. Two different 650CC motorcycles could not do as well. I was cruising about 60 to 65MPH on the flats .

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  Great NEW model...Worth waiting for. - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Rob Greenberg - September 17 - 3:43 am

  Love this truck...replaces a 1988 Toyota 4x4 pickup with over 200K. All aspects of experience are excellent or near excellent. Have been an exclusive Toyota and/or Lexus buyer for years.

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  Great NEW model...Worth waiting for. - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Rob Greenberg - September 17 - 3:26 am

  Love this truck...replaces a 1988 Toyota 4x4 pickup with over 200K. All aspects of experience are excellent or near excellent. Have been an exclusive Toyota and/or Lexus buyer for years.

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  76000 miles and going strong! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Cece - September 16 - 2:43 pm

  I bought this car in 2003 (2004 model) and now have 76000 miles on it! Not a single problem! I have a manuel transmission and it is so much fun to drive. Its young and stylish and I wouldnt trade it for any other car :)

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  Access cab, AC, Speedctrl etc package.. - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By calletacoma - September 16 - 7:31 am

  Our first truck got it through a local car dealer as I traded in my VW 2.0 T Lemon (self disintegrating POS). Our Tacoma is fantastic with its instant heat / AC. "Only" 159 HP, sure but its 2.7 L engine produce plenty of torque. Mixed mpg was 21, which is great on a 2010 with 35K miles. Engine compartment looked in mint condition and the rest of the body had a few small dents / scratches. Im keeping this car and adding a dew upgrades to it..

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  Thumbs up Toyota - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Patty - September 16 - 7:23 am

  Hi folks I just wanted you all to know that when Toyota built this car they did it right with crashes. My 18 yr old was in a rollover, it rolled three times and she walked away with 6 stitches in her left hand and the inside was unharmed. The outside however did what it was designed to do, it broke away from the driver. Thank you Toyota for a well made car. I will be looking for a new one just like this one.

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  Awesome SUV - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By bj - September 16 - 5:40 am

  I ordered a Highlander (Sport) model with the TRD supercharger in late 1999 and have owned this ever since. It still rides like new, the car looks awesome with the hood scoop. I have not seen a better looking SUV. The newer 4Runners have too much cladding. This body style is very clean looking. Not the most powerful SUV but very quick. You cant beat Toyota reliability. Excluding maintenance costs, I have spent $0 repairs since purchasing the car.

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  Excellent Car - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By ardalan2003 - September 16 - 1:56 am

  I was in the market for a hybrid car. Toyota Camry seemed a good choice, but with long waiting list and more importantly poor acceleration, I changed my mind. As soon as I saw the 2007 Solara, I knew that I wanted this car. It is very stylish, powerful and comes with features that anyone would love. It is a very fun to drive car and you dont see too many of these cars around either. The price is certainly better than the other competitors. I love this car.

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  nice car - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Mary allen - September 15 - 10:06 pm

  We have owned this car for a few months and it really stands out, but one problem is 2003 Toyota Sienna CE had more feauters than this LE, but not including the Homelink or the folding seats. The fuel economy is average for its power. Another thing is that the Honda Ody. EX without leather cost the same but with much better features like two power sliding doors and 6 CD changer!!