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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  2008 Yaris - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By woodsie - August 28 - 4:36 pm

  After spending way too much at the fuel pump, I needed to change. After reading the reviews I went and looked at Toyota and liked what I saw, a few test drives later I was hooked. Its only been a few weeks since I purchased but still no compaints, the gas mileage is great, 35 mpg 80% highway 20% city. The interior is roomy and the ride is comfortable. I have mainly driven vehicles with manual transmisions but I really like the automatic in this car. Its fun to drive and easy to maneuver.

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  4-cylinder Review - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By In Tampa - August 28 - 8:36 am

  This car is pure joy. The 4-cylinder has more than enough power, and you save $1,500 + better gas mileage. The quality is great, same as other Toyotas. At first, I had a hard time spending $26k for this car compared to buying a Camry or Accord, but now Im glad I did. The utility and extra space this vehicle affords is well worth the difference.

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  Perfect first car - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By tu2010 - August 28 - 5:50 am

  Bought this car used last year as my first car and love every minute driving it. Its a fun little car to drive with a peppy gas pedal. Very comfortable, spacious, gas mileage is not as great(30mpg). Had many near accidents and the brakes saved my life. I drive very rough with this car but hasnt fallen apart yet. I get a lot of compliments on the color. (Its light green)Plan to have it for the next 6-7 years. Would definitely recommend this to ALL college students or anyones choice for their first car.

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  You wont be sorry!!! Buy it! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Matt - August 27 - 10:43 pm

  We did our homework on researching the best SUV for our needs. We wanted a reliable, well rounded SUV with V8 power for towing and off road performance for Beach driving . We have had no issues with our 4runner and are happy with decision. Gas mileage is 15-19 around town which really is not that bad, plenty of power and a great ride. Dont be fooled this vehicle has outstanding off road performance - it will not get stuck in the sand!

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  Why buy a Lexus? - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By 09corolla - August 27 - 6:40 pm

  Have all options available for the S trim. With urban freeway driving of 60 miles/day I avg. 38 MPG (calculated miles/gals not display) No problems with steering feel - much better than Honda Civic Hybrid. Good ride comfort, quiet, no wind noise.

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  sequoia - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By dana wright - August 27 - 2:16 pm

  Love the ride, the interior, the stereo, the seats are much more comfortable than the 99 model

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  Smooth Sailing! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Mandy - August 27 - 1:33 pm

  I traded in my Dodge Neon, which was averaging 30-32 mpg, for a more reliable manufacturer, Toyota. I found the Camry Hybrid on the lot and almost died of shock - I thought there would a a LONG wait for a hybrid in our small town of 25,000 people. I test drove the model and FELL IN LOVE! It rides so smoothly and it is extremely quiet, even when the gasoline engine is running. I got 430 miles on 3/4 of a tank of gas - how amazing is that?!? Everywhere I go, I see heads turn due to the gorgeous body style and the fact that its a hybrid and still so roomy on the inside.

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  Best New Wheels - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Walt Bardua - August 27 - 5:53 am

  This is a vehicle whose time has come. It is exactly what I was looking for in 01 when I bought my Highlander. It is loaded with all the latest Toyota features and has all the utility of an SUV without the SUV downsides. If my test drive was any indication, Im going to really enjoy this vehicle. The fit and finish are superior (what we used to expect from Toyota). And it comes without the hefty price tag of the new SUVs.

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  Great family vehicle - 2010 Toyota Sienna
  By Richard - August 26 - 10:06 pm

  Use this vehicle to haul 8 family members to vacation, fuel economy is surprisingly good, above 27 mpg highway, quiet and comfortable, nothing to complain.

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  Carolyns Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Gordon Peltonen - August 26 - 9:33 pm

  Our Prius is an excellent automobile in every respect. We have driven it on a long trip through the mountains and snow, city driving, hot weather, rain and it performed beautifully. On a long trip we never got tired of riding and were very comfortable. The engine has plenty of power and zip for its size, even accelerating up the mountains of Colorado. We are glad that we were patient enough to wait for it, eight months, it was worth every minute and cent we paid.