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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  The whole family loves this truck! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By B Laue - January 25 - 12:33 pm

  We bought our FJ last year in Oregon. Silver, loaded. The entire family loves driving in it, even our kids! We still get stopped and asked if people can see inside. Fun to drive and the best looking SUV on the road!

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  RAV4=Rocket - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Alberto - January 25 - 10:23 am

  Great engine, same used in some Lexus vehicles. Very fast acceleration great handleding for an SUV. Nice fuel economy, mine still breaking in so Im not getting sticker yet. It does 0-60 6.3s which pretty much leaves most cars in the dust. It has lots of room, even with a child seat in the middle of the rear seats. I Like the tints. Nice sport rims. Nice ride, not rough.

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  Good purchase - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By flyfishpa - January 25 - 7:00 am

  I bought this car new and have had few problems. Replaced CD player under warranty due to skipping. Clunking sound in rear has been present since new and Ive still not found the source but its tolerable. Very well built, smooth ride GREAT mileage w/ 29+ MPG incl. many central Pa. mountain miles. Nearly 150,000 miles now without a mechanical issue. Just replaced the timing belt and rear struts, the first maintenance other than normal brakes and oil changes. Ive been using amsoil synthetic and changing on 20,000 mile intervals since new with no problems. Now starting to puff a faint blue smoke immediately upon startup when cold. Ill run it until it dies and hopefully buy another toyota.

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  2006 Toyota RAV4 Limited - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Claudette Longest - January 24 - 12:56 pm

  The noise level is really annoying to me on the interstate. I enjoy listening to the radio and just have to turn it off because of road noise. Also it rides like a truck. I expected more comfort. I guess I was spoiled by my last Camry.

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  I love my Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By lbstrgrl1 - January 24 - 4:46 am

  I love my Yaris. This is my fourth Toyota and I will never buy anything else. This econo car has it all... Looks, Performance, and Reliability. It sure doesnt look and act like an econo car.

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  Minnesta cold - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By rhuber - January 24 - 3:40 am

  Very quality automobile, does not feel like an economy car. Quiet, solid, tight. 6000 miles on it and no problems yet. Even if it wasnt a hybrid it would still be a great auto.

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  Great commuter car - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By matrixgirl09 - January 23 - 4:40 am

  I have had this car for almost 4 months and I like it a lot, I wanted the hatchback for carrying around stuff like my bike. I like that it sits higher off the ground like my suv did. Great gas mileage. The base model has enough power for me. The gauges take some getting used too, I can see them even with sunglasses on but in direct sunlight (usually at sunset) they can be hard to see.

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  4 cylinder worth consideration - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Anil - January 23 - 2:03 am

  I have had a pleasant experience owning 4 cylinder base Highlander 2009 model. The city mileage is 24 and highway 28 - could not have asked for better from mid-size SUV. I cruised at 70 while traveling from Boston to NY and never felt the vehicle does not have enough power. Dealers should inform the customers hybrid is not the only way to get decent fuel economy. Also, driving in snow was not bad either.

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  I love this car! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By PMM - January 22 - 1:30 pm

  I love this car! We own two in our household, and the monthly savings in fuel costs are exceptional. I am averaging between 48-52 mpg depending on my travels. I do a good deal of long-disance driving and find the interior very comfortable with everything I need at my fingertips. And as far as pickup goes, the Prius delivers. I am just as confident merging into traffic in the Prius as I am in my van.

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  Awesome Car - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By Katie Needle - January 22 - 12:56 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for 2 years and I love it! If you keep it maintained it wont fail you! Ive never had a problem yet, except for one day my rigt side power window didnt work. Then it worked again the next day. Its a great sports car to own before you have a family. I do cart my neices and nephews around in it though!!