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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  6 Months Now - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Tombola - March 20 - 3:03 am

  Ive had the FJ for 6 months now. Its a fun car and looks great. Shortly after we purchased it we had some major snowstorms. This is the best vehicle I have ever driven in the snow, and that covers a lot of vehicles. The FJ is built tough, feels solid, looks great and rides pretty good.

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  I cant see myself not Owning one from now on - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By sevamg - March 20 - 12:00 am

  Its the most flexible, useful and maintenance free vehicle I ever owned, I bought it with about 55k miles in 2008, it now has over 125k and purrs. Replaced timing belt at 100k, The way its running i think I could get another 100K. It was well worth the money.

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  An honest opinion - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By SecondCamry - March 19 - 8:53 pm

  I did a lot of research before purchasing and read many reviews regarding the cars harsh shifting in low speeds. After driving it for 3000 miles I understand now what was meant. The will not let you cruise at low speeds when releasing the brake. In stop-and-go traffic the car seems to be confused about what gear to be in. However once you reach higher speeds the car is very smooth and gives an impressive ride. I just really hope they will figure some way to take car of the shifting issue in city traffic, its a little annoying. MY HUMBLE RECOMMENDATION - test drive the car for a while to get the feel of this issue and see if it bothers you. Hope this helps.

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  What were they thinking??? - 2012 Toyota Venza
  By jpf22467 - March 19 - 6:52 pm

  First off, I do like the car. It does what it is supposed to do. It drives nice, has good pickup, gets good MPG for a crossover (mostly highway driving and averaging 26). A few things that drive me crazy. The Navigation system is a mess. Too many things are cut off while the car is moving. Can no add a phone, can not modify contacts just off the top of my head. The screen will not stay on the audio screen. When I listen to music, I want to see the audio screen, but it only stays up for about 10 seconds, then defaults back to the map. The screen is positioned in a horrible angle. It catches the sun and makes it very difficult to read the screen

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  2nd best car I ever owned - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By granny - March 19 - 1:26 pm

  I was employed with the Department of Childrens Services and had to drive a lot of miles. This car has never let me down and has never even had to have another battery.

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  TRADED A LEXUS - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By EX LEXUS OWNER - March 19 - 8:10 am

  I love my new Limited! I have had two Lexus ES300 and though I loved the ride, neither was large enough for my real estate business. This car has it all over the Lexus ES, except I did love the quiet and smoother ride of the Lexus. My Limited is more comfortable, more room for my coffee, storage and my clients love the leg room and comfort in the back seat. The heated seats are great and the mirror flashers are a plus..love it. I have just put 4000 miles so hoping the best is yet to come. This, so far, is a keeper. The mileage is about 29-30 highway and 16-17 in town....not great, but equal to the Lexus.

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  Toyota Prius Hybrid Synsergy Drive - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Ted - March 19 - 3:53 am

  The best auto Ive ever owned, in 50 years of driving.

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  Very fun car to drive - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Nick Diaz - March 19 - 3:13 am

  The car is a very fun car to drive and has a number of very well thought out features. It *is* the car for you if you drive for trips longer than 10 minutes at any one time.

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  A great upgrade from a 96 geo tracker - 2008 Toyota Matrix
  By dlbrooks - March 19 - 2:03 am

  When I purchased my Matrix I was looking for something that would be good on gas and my dog could fit in. Well I got both. I figured that the car would do well in the snow being front wheel. We had a big snow storm recently and I wasnt impressed how the car handled itself. I did not feel safe driving in the snow and ice. Other than that this car is perfect for me, my husband and dog. It will hold all kinds of things in the cargo area with the back seat still up!! I purchased the dog gate and it works great. Everyone who has seen my car or rode in it love it. They rave about it. I might however buy a 4wdrive in the near future for safety reasons only.

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  Great car, but poor interior trim - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By toy4pat - March 19 - 1:50 am

  Love the car, love the mileage. Hate that little things are constantly happening with the interior paint. Chips on the garage door opener button on the mirror caused the entire mirror to have to be replaced. Poor fit of doors and dash board is causing paint to rub off both. Poor dealer prep.