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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  Camry - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Ashu - August 28 - 2:00 am

  Phenomenal !! By far the best !!

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  New V8 Sport Edition - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By HankRTG - August 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my 4Runner 4WD V8 Sport now for a little over a week. My initial impression is that I like it a lot. Its comfortable, sporty looking (for an SUV), and fun to drive. The V8 is powerful and responsive. However, the displayed mileage indicates that I am averaging about 17.5 MPG which seems about 2 MPG higher than my own calculations show. I test drove the Honda Pilot before buying the 4Runner. I liked the Pilot, but decided to buy the 4Runner. So far, I am pleased with my decision.

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  4ever Runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Gintyman - August 28 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd 4Runner, having traded my 95 for a the new 2003. And its worth the wait! Wow! What a refined, sophisticated SUV! The V8, as promised, is buttery smooth & powerful. The ride and handling are also much improved over my previous model. New interior is wider, comfier, smarter. Great job Toyota! Now, just add the things that the dealer tries to pin on you after already spending $32K!! Rip-off!

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  Best truck we ever owned - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By Trundra Limited 4.7 - August 28 - 1:00 am

  This has been the most reliable and comfortable truck we have ever owned. Great design and never a problem. We have 115k two sets of tires so far and never a failure of any kind.

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  Great Little Car - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Michael - August 27 - 7:46 pm

  I also currently own an 03 Tundra 4x4, but the gas cost is killing me so I needed to get a little car. I bought the Corolla to use as a commuter (and Ill use the Tundra to haul my toys around) and I am so glad I bought this thing! The Corolla is a really great little car. Im getting well over 30mpg. The car is comfortable, reliable, and should be safe (with all the air bags in it). I looked at the Yaris and the Matrix as well, but the Corolla fit my needs the best.

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  Beats the the Civic hands down - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By SteveB - August 27 - 5:23 pm

  Bought the Prius May 2009 and love it. Had one as a rental car for a week and decided then that my next car was going to be a Prius. Thanks to Toyotas 0% interest, Im not a liar. We are averaging about 46 mpg with mostly interstate driving and some city. I have averaged as high as mid 50s on the interstate while still doing approx 65 mph. I think my wife just has a heavy foot when she drives. Traded in a 07 Civic and WOW, the Prius beats the Civic in every category, especially comfort and performance. I no longer feel like I am driving a college kids car. The dealer had aftermarket leather installed on the seats, but gave me a great deal on this car.

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  pikecology - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Pikecology - August 27 - 11:30 am

  Bought used; I love it except for the fair to poor gas mileage and noisy top lowering pistons.

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  Wonderful reliable car - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By jastin - August 27 - 11:22 am

  I have been driving my corolla for 95000 miles over just 3 years. This car has been on long road trips with no problems. Car is comfortable, very little cabin noise. Reliability has been exceptional, only oil and filter change. Drive like the day I took it out of the dealership.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By dave shaner - August 27 - 8:10 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. It is fun to drive, good on gas and I feel the body style is a work of art. Every time I wash it I like it more and more. Just to note I have the 2006 light blue SE COUPE with black soft leather and JBL stereo. It is just a great car all around.

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  Great all around car, but not for touring! - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By Michael McRae - August 27 - 12:57 am

  I actually love my 2013 Toyota Highlander Limited, but I wish it had more comfortable and adaptable front seats. We have put just under 40K miles on ours and just recently took the first extended trip in it. Both my wife and I couldnt stand to stay in the seats for more than a couple hours. They literally were a pain in the ....