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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  Love this car - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Vlinder - February 3 - 11:03 am

  What can I say, I just love this car. This is my first hybrid. Was interested in the 2009, but I am glad I waited for the 2010. It gets great gas millage. Average 53 mpg. This is a fun car to drive. My son says it looks like a peanut. But I love my peanut :-) What more can I say...Toyota kudos to you.

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  Solid As A Rock - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Ken - February 3 - 10:06 am

  Overall a good buy. No regrets. Well let me take that back. I probably should have gotten something better on gas!! Nevertheless the only mechanical issues Ive dealt with are the brakes and the gas tank door getting stuck. Like I said its a good solid buy. Like many other people, will have to decide whether to keep or find something with better gas mileage.

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  Great used car to purchase - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By LeX - February 3 - 9:40 am

  Great trucklet for anyone single and guys who likes sporty but moderately big. I bought this 98 Rav4 recently (4 Days ago) at 140,000 miles. So far its been great and smooth overall. I have checked everything (no leaks) and is standing tall and strong for a 7 year old car. Fuel economy would have been okay if it offered more power, but gas consumption is moderate-high for being underpowered. Its great for cruising but equipped with the ECT button that offers a higher rev for conditions demanding more power for speed. I hope it lasts for 100,000 or more with me, so I can come back here and give it more ratings.

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  It Just Wont Die - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By fifi_lemon - February 3 - 3:55 am

  This is a really good car. 12 years, its still going pretty great. My moms trying to get two more years out of it, which WILL happen, before she gets a new one. If youre looking for a reliable car for many years from now, this car is for you. No major breakdowns, except the "check engine" light has been going off. The mechanic says its because a wire keeps getting bumped. For the love of pete.

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  Fantastic Car - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By addiesue - February 2 - 11:41 am

  I bought my Solara in 2006 with 78,000 miles and it now has 242,000 miles on it. I have only replace the flex pipe on the exhuast,the driver side door window glide bar and the calipers on the front brakes total cost for parts so far is less than $500.00 it still runs great and get around 30-32 miles per gallon and burns no oil.I had a 1993 Lexus LS400 before I bought this car and it had 330,000 miles with no problems, so it also was a great also car.

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  RAV Raves - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Mare - February 2 - 11:40 am

  This 09 replaced our 2008 RAV. It is all it was billed to be. Love the nimbleness with the v6. With the addition of the K&N air filter we get 24.8 city and 26 on the highway.

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  Suitable Off-Road, Comfort on the Hwy - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By DB - February 2 - 11:36 am

  It has plenty of pep, car- like ride on the highway and handles the mud suprisingly well.

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  corolla dx-1994 - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By weis - February 2 - 10:00 am

  The car has been a trooper. Not in the least bit luxurious or fun to drive, but it gets you there.

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  wonderful , exciting but dangerous - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By dan l - February 2 - 10:00 am

  what a great car. the experinece from driving everday is not describable. but one major problem. this car should not have been allowed into production with the blind spot created by the roof on the passengers side. this car is in serious need of roll bars, and side air bags from the door. i suggest the potential buyer to buy one in yellow, so you can be seen by other traffic. safety is one major concern, and key safety features need to be included. buy a used one, because i got mine for $200 over invoice. they have a real hard time selling these cars. NO matter how they try to tell you otherwise.

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  Great Little Car - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By Pies De Plomo - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Very Good Car,You Can Depend On This Car Good Economy, Needs A Litle More Pep But Once You Are On Your Way It Goes Really Good, Brakes Are Not Very Good And They Lock easily, Air Condition You Cant Find A Better One.