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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  great reliability - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By chasmarti - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Great car to drive

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  Best car ever! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Makrus - November 9 - 10:50 pm

  We absolutely love this car so much that we only use our other car about once a month. This car is so SMOOTH and easy to drive that the great gas mileage (50mpg in summer and 46 in winter) is just a bonus. Plus it has way more space inside than you would think just by looking at it. We can fit 2 people, 2 mountain bikes, a cooler, and lots of camping gear in the back and still see out of the back window. Another great feature is the keyless entry and start button (see below). Also, both my wife and I agree that driving a PRIUS reduces your stress level while driving (its quiet and variable transmission is SMOOTH) and at the pump. All other cars now seem primitive compared to the Prius.

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  I should have looked elsewhere - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Jenny - November 9 - 7:33 pm

  Not a very impressive car for $35,500. Loud, and more problems as the miles add up. I had a Corolla back in college (thirty years ago) that I really liked but this one leaves me very cold.

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  Best all around - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By M.FREEMAN - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I have 240,0000 mi. On my 4runner. I replaced a few parts but saved money by doing my own repairs. Plenty of room inside for my gear and just enough power to tow my boat. Does well in the snow doesnt in the mud. Drive it hard and use it for commuting. Motor still runs smooth w/no oil leaks. I always loved the look of this generation.

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  Great on fuel - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By convair580 - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I just took a trip from Spokane to Glacier and setting the cruise control at 60 mph to 70 mph with the AC I got 48 miles per gallon with an automatic transmission! On the way back I got 42 miles per gallon. On the average we get between 35-40 miles per gallon. So why buy a Prius and save money a guy a Yaris.

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  Trust Toyota - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By Steve-O - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I love my new Highlander SE. My only complaint is the leather on the driver seat appears to have an odd wrinkling spot but other than that a great car.

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  Best Hybrid I have ever owned or driven! - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By djmontierth - November 9 - 5:03 am

  I have been driving Hybrids since 2004. I owned a Prius, and Insight. I have driven the Fusion and was seriously considering the new Fusion to come ... someday... I have driven the Volt and the techno wizardry is way cool but the numbers and economy for my long commute dont make sense. I drove the Priuc C and it is cool and efficient to be sure.. Easily averaged 57mpg but it seemed small like my Honda Insight. I drove the 3rd Gen Prius and thought it a major improvement over my 2nd Gen in ride and economy. Then I drove the Camery and practiced my hyper-milage skills I learned just to see what I could do around town. I got 63 in town and 53 on the hwy. Driving normal I got 47 mpg

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  love my 2000 Tacoma 4cyl, 4WD, manual trans. - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By p8ryot - November 9 - 2:41 am

  I bought my 2000 Tacoma in 03 with 32K miles on it. It brought instant satisfaction from bumper to bumper. Ive never had a vehicle that I found so fun to drive in city and highway alike. I now have about 175K miles. I had the water pump replaced 2 years back and a few bearings too, but otherwise its been maintenance free. Now its time to pass it onto my driving age son and I will buy a newer Tacoma very soon. Its been a problem free, well built, fun to drive and fairly good mpg. I get around 320miles per tank in 2WD and about 290 in 4 WD. Im gonna miss her but its comforting knowing my son will be off to college in a reliable and fun truck.

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  Possibly the best? - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Theneup - November 8 - 11:26 pm

  I have owned a loaded 2007 Camry and Prius hybrid. I traded both in and bought the new generation 3. This car is every bit as refined as the Camry and far superior to the generation 2 Prius. This could possibly be the best car ever built by any auto manufacturer. It addresses fuel economy, looks, styling beauty, comfort and driving excitement--yes--I said excitement. Press the power button mode and this car takes off like a rocket. Handles and drives like a more expensive car. I cant say enough about what Toyota has done to create possibly the best ever automobile ever to grace the highways--I know doubters are out there, but---give it a try and any honest person will agree with what I stated.

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  Tacoma 1998 4wd - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By Larry F - November 8 - 10:33 pm

  The ride is a bit rough but its a durable truck thats well suited for work or play. The Tacoma would be a bit of a drag as an every day driver. I do my own maintenance and can attest to the fact that this is a superbly designed truck.