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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  Prius for the big guy - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By jb72 - June 9 - 8:20 pm

  I am 6 6" tall ans was concerned about how this machine would fit - before I bought it. Not anymore. This car is fun to drive and is quite comfortable. I improved my mileage 2 1/2 times from the SUV I previously drove. This is a fine car.

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  Very happy with my choice - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By ThatBrownGirl - June 9 - 6:03 pm

  As a long time Toyota devotee (1991 Corolla still going strong), I was hesitant to buy another one, considering the problems of late. However, Im glad I kept the faith. This is a great car. I settled on the Camry after the option packages I wanted priced me out of a Lexus and Acura. I got a fully loaded XLE V6 and it has exceeded my expectations. Roomy and luxurious! It isnt "sporty" or big on performance (maneuvering tight corners, etc.), but it is responsive and powerful; it easily gets the job done on freeways and hills. Design- wise, you cant tell the 2011 from other model years, but who cares? So far, oh so good.

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  Best Hybrid avalible!!! - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By breddick - June 9 - 4:15 pm

  This Camry Hybrid Le is an excellent vehicle. Average MPG the first week in FL was 45.2 mixed city and freeway mileage. As usual TOYOTA delivers what it promises unlike the others who promise MPG but alwats come up short. (KIA/Hyundai/Honda) Smooth quiet ride and excellent Michelin tires and superior build quality make this the best value available in the US currently. Thank You TOYOTA for this quality vehicle. Perfect!!!

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  Great van - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Amber Gonzalez - June 9 - 2:00 pm

  I have had no problems with this van. I run a daycare and with six children in care you are bound to have problems with getting in and out and the comfort, but with the sienna it is extremely easy to get in and out. Also, with the room that it has when the back seats are folded down is wonderful. We do a lot of traveling and this van is the most comfortable vehicle that I have traveled in.

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  BYE BYE Honda - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Chris - June 9 - 2:00 pm

  I have to admit, the V6 is a powerhouse. I opted for the 6 over the 4 and will sacrifice 2 miles per gallon any day. Outside of the truck is a beauty, I didnt like the wheel in the back on the standard model and went right to the Sport edition. The ride is a little hard, but its ok with me. I am usually a Honda guy, but the truck was too good to pass up. The stereo is pretty good, though I will add a sub woofer. Overall, this was a great purchase and can not wait for snow for the 4 x 4! Trust me folks, its a winner!

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  I love Prius! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By AKS - June 9 - 10:03 am

  I got my Prius 6 weeks back. I absolutely love it!! Before this I was driving BMW X5, Now I like the Prius much better. Fuel economy may be the reason. I drive 125 miles everyday (all highway) and I track all my gas purchase, date filled and number of miles. So far I am getting 56 miles per gallon and that is awesome as compared to my BMW.

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  Car better in summer than winter - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By JD - June 9 - 6:30 am

  We love the ride and gas mileage of our 2008 Corolla S. The big negative though is exactly like another owner stated if you do not warn this vehicle for at least 10 minutes in the winter the car has a lot of PISTON SLAP. We took the car to the dealer and was also told that this noise is normal but this cannot be for a car so new.

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  Toyota has indeed hit a home run! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Penny - June 9 - 6:03 am

  I had been waiting many years for a fuel efficient vehicle to come along. Id seen the SmartCars in Europe and wanted something comparable to find its way to the US. What I found is the the Prius. The quality, comfort and reliability of the Toyota has always been well known. They have brought it all together beautifully in the Prius. The car handles so well, Ive driven it on mountain roads and it hugs the curves like a champ. I drive mostly around my home and it has no problem at all keeping up with any car on the road. I get an average of 45 MPG in my everyday driving and dont have to fill the tank more than once or twice a month. I would recommend this car to anyone and everyone.

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  Horrible truck - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By tmoney09 - June 9 - 5:10 am

  the paint job is very terrible, you could rub your fingernail across it and tear the paint off, it tries to take off but unless you push to the point where it roughly takes off it wont go, yes it turns sharp but when you go around curves at even low speeds things fly all over the truck, it also has horrible gas economy, i mean its expected of a truck but the gas tank is too small so filling up often is ridiculous, also the interior is not built very well who builds a center console with cup holders in the middle causing it to have a little storage space

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  AWESOME CAR - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Toyotarawesome - June 9 - 4:50 am

  Wow. its been 3 years now and the Highlander is purely flawless. Amazing engineering and design. Its amazing how reliable this car has been. The car is very well designted and cup holders galore! The only thing I would want on my Highlander is a navigation system, which they have for the 2005 model year now. :) I love Toyota!