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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  Gas over $2.00/gal? No problem! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By nancela - October 27 - 10:00 am

  While I had to wait for my new Prius for 2 months, I have only owned my Prius for about a month. I am really loving it so far. I took it for a road trip of 400 miles each way and averaged 47.5 miles to the gallon on the highway. No complaints there!!! And the hatchback style is very convenient. I waited for several years for someone to come out with a convenient 4-door hatch.

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  want more - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By spike8 - October 27 - 10:00 am

  We are shopping for a vehicle. The prius is high on our list. We are waiting for 2005 to purchase but would like to see additional features on this car. would like to see a bit of a size increase, not much but a little. We hear Honda is making a hybrid accord which may be the biggest compitition.

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  Couldnt be happier - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Big_Port - October 27 - 2:16 am

  Aside from Fuel mileage, I couldnt be happier with my Tacoma. The build quality is great, creature comforts are minimal but its a truck, has everything you need. The exterior styling is second to none. The TRD package probably isnt necissary unless yoru a real off-roader but its nice to have for resale value. All in all, I wouldnt conscider any other 4 door truck for my needs. A+ for this Truck.

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  knock knock - 2011 Toyota Venza
  By detta - October 27 - 2:01 am

  Bought 2011 Venza w/49 miles on it new. From the start complained of knocking noise from suspension when 1st starting out after car sits for awhile. Toyota says its common in all Venzas. Also slow shifting in am when car cold. Takes three blocks to shift to 3rd gear. Toyota also said is common. Cannot see myself driving this car long. Must trade soon. Toyota dealership Royal Palm Toyota in Royal Palm Beach Fl. gave me my worst experience buying a new car. Very disappointed in vehicle.

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  Cute Car with Fantastic Mileage!! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Stephanie - October 25 - 4:53 pm

  At first, I wasnt keen about losing my sporty convertible and exchanging it for the Yaris; but gas was a major problem and the Yaris mileage was the most influential factor for choosing it. However, I love my Yaris! Although its an economy, four door, I think its bubble look is cute along with the metallic red color I chose. Mileage is amazing! I commute 80 miles every day and find Im averaging around 40 mpg while dirving 80 mph! I think the stereo is great and highly recommend the power package option. The Yaris responds well for a 1.5L and definitely keeps up with the other cars on speed - it just needs a little oomph at first to pick up speed. This is the best economy car for 2008!

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  Great convertible - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Jerrys Solara - October 25 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Solara convertible for 1 year. It is a beautiful convertible with all the Toyota quality and reliability. Excellent on the highway at 70+ mph, very quiet. People stop to tell me what a pretty car it is. Large trunk, spacious rear seat. It is an unexciting car to drive. The rear window visibility is below average.

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  Luxury meets function in 4x4 - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By greg eddinger - October 25 - 2:58 am

  This new generation truck makes some great advancements in ride, comfort and power. The power is a bit stealthy. It comes on smoothly and if your looking for more snap without losing too much fuel economy, just click the ETC button for a more agressive shifting pattern. My wish list for improvements would be for a better speaker system, adjustable seat height and rear seat USB access port. Low beam visabilty is poor. Outside mirrors create huge blind spots.

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  Better than my 2004 Highlander - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Zak - October 25 - 1:23 am

  Bigger than my 2004 Highlander, & more room. Engine is more powerful but have noticed worse fuel economy than my 2004. Very quiet easy driving, but view out the back is much worse than my 2004. See comment below about the miserable head rests.

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  The car, but not the dealer - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By smin - October 21 - 5:06 pm

  I bought my 4Runner new in mid 1999. Love the car! Its sturdy construction gives a sense of security. PLENTY of power.

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  Just the car I needed - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By donpar - October 21 - 10:00 am

  I mostly do relatively (less than 10 mile) commutes which involves a lot of city street driving. Under these conditions, the mileage is excellent, never less than 40 mpg. Dont do a whole lot of highway and hill driving so cant comment on that. For what I need the car has exceeded my expectations.