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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  No Soccer Moms Here - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By K48paw - August 9 - 7:56 pm

  When my wife and I were looking to replace her Ford station wagon she was determined to buy a small SUV. Being used to the space in the wagon all the mid-sized SUVs we looked at seemed too small to hold the kids/dogs/groceries/SOCCER. We looked at the Sienna. Wow what a differnce. It even blows away the space we had in the wagon, and has so many little extras it took us about a week after we had the van to find them all. The ride is great, quiet and all the safety features are hard to match in a mid-sized SUV. My wife never thought she would own a van (she loves sports cars) so the deal maker was I agreed to add a sun roof.

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  Love my RAV! - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Judy - August 9 - 4:50 pm

  My 2009 RAV4 Limited with 4wd is my first RAV, but will not be my last! I have owned two Jeep Grand Cherokee Limiteds previously, but didnt need a big SUV any longer. The size is perfect. It handles so well--a joy to drive. I really love this vehicle and highly recommend to anyone looking for a smaller SUV.

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  MR Reliability - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Eddie O. - August 9 - 3:43 pm

  I have 108,000 miles on my camry and it still runs like new. I bought it with 25000 miles on it in 2001. I would not give up my camry for any other car on the road. It looks and rides great! If you are in the market for a fuel efficient and reliable car, GET A CAMRY!

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  Love it - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By camrymycar - August 9 - 2:26 am

  I bought this car 3 years ago with 95k miles. It caught my eye because I was looking for a toyota coupe. I love this car because it is very comfortable and quiet. The engine is smooth and quiet and the tranny puts the power down very smoothly. For a four-banger, it has good pickup and a good-sounding redline. Quick shifts, smooth power, smooth ride, quiet, reliable, dependable, good trunk space, nice sunroof, good-looking, comfortable, sporty, just perfect. It could have more storage space in the interior and better cupholders though. The paint is chipping on the front and fading with sunburn, but that comes with age. Needs more steering feedback but is a great car with a comfortable ride.

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  Protect the Environment and Great MPG 2! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Kenny - August 9 - 2:20 am

  I am a car enthusiast so I had a closed mind to Hybrids, but after knowing a few people who really liked them I decided to test drive one. Ive now owned mine for over 3 months and I really am impressed with Toyota and this car. Concern for the environment was my original incentive but the gas mileage is really impressive with commensurate power and handling. Its great filling the tank up for $30 (its a 10 gal tank) twice a month. At stop and go speeds the electric motor is working with no emissions or usage of gas. Gridlock and drive-thrus or waiting for someone with the a/c or heat on is no longer a concern.

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  Best of all worlds! - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By phoenix55 - August 9 - 12:56 am

  I bought my HIHY06 about a month ago as a certified vehicle with 42,000 miles on it. I bought it used, because I didnt like the changes in the 08 (bigger and heavier). The performance for a SUV is great, passing on the highway or secondary roads is effortless. Mileage varies with the temperature and the heaviness of my right foot. Since its not an aerodynamic vehicle, the mileage drops over 65 mph, but I get 26-28mpg driving 65 and still get 25mpg going 75mph. Best mileage in the city has been 32, worst has been 21 when it was cold. The fit and finish are good even after 45,000 miles. Maybe some of the critics got a lemon, but Im very happy with mine.

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  Honda to Toyota - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Dick - August 9 - 12:30 am

  I traded in my 2008 Honda Accord for the Toyota. Both are V6, fully loaded, including nav. So far Toyota wins hands down! Although about $1200 more, it is worth it. Quieter on the highway, better fuel economy, better sound system, smoother transmission, bigger trunk, more comfortable seating, equal acceleration. The Honda nav had more bells and whistles, like an altimeter. I tried to save a few dollars on the Honda and discovered it was not worth it.

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  Lean, Mean, Green Machine! - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By groovology - August 8 - 3:36 pm

  We purchased our Highlander Hybrid after buying a Prius last year. So far, we are impressed with the power, comfort, and ease of driving our Highlander, and more importantly, we enjoy an average of 30 MPG in combined City / Highway mileage using the same techniques we use to get about 50 MPG out of the Prius. All in all, we love Toyotas reliability and attention to detail. The biggest drawback is the rather mundane styling.

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  Good Decision - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By mgbte - August 8 - 2:46 am

  I hesitated about buying the car but my 85 year old father insisted I look. I was very pleased once I got in and took it for a drive. Like some others, Im not bowled over by my mileage - high 30s - but its better than my old SUV. Someone called the look of this car "a Middle School science experiment" and I cant disagree. I hope they "update" the exterior with future models. Good purchase, happy about it, but a bit disappointed with my less-than-advertised MPG.

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  Im Happy - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By ToyotaSceptic - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I am getting way better gas mileage that what Ive seen in the reviews. In the summer I am getting 40. My only issue is with the paint job. My first Black car and it will scratch if you look at it wrong. Understandable Black cars can be cursed with this issue but when I noticed rust specks around the wheel areas? I was told it was because of the break pads and the dealership basically told me pound sand. Oh well next time Ill drive out of state to get my next Toyota.