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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  Great Vehicle - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By MSB - June 2 - 12:56 pm

  Absolutely great vehicle. Bought with 112,000 miles- have driven for 1 1/2 years with no problems. Runs like a champ. Plan on giving to daughter to drive 5 years from now. Should easily get another 150,000 on this vehicle.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By Chatomorgan - June 2 - 9:43 am

  My third Toyota after a Camry and Celica. True to Toyota this 4Runner, as well as my other 2, have never been in the shop in 7 years for anything other than elective maintence. My experience with my 4Runner has been noting ore than pleasure. I still get the same gas mileage as when she came off the floor. She is still all stock. Just reccently replaced original tires at 52000 miles that did not even reach the tread indicators. Every summer and winter I check all my systems. She still has original brakes, engine coolant and shocks. Refrigerant has never been recharged and works great. Excellent vehicle.

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  Fuel-efficient, comfortable and fun!! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By RichardT - June 2 - 6:50 am

  With Hondas decision to scrap the Insight, this is now the most fuel-efficient car, bar none, in the U.S. Its also well designed, comfortable (Im 61") and, although it might take a bit of time to get used to the very different display and transmission, a blast to drive. Four adults can sit in the car with plenty of leg room, although the roof can be a bit low in the back for taller passengers, and it handles freeway speeds as well as any car Ive ever driven. Note: If you have a lead-foot, are an aggressive driver, or expect sports-car performance, the Prius is not for you. If you enjoy 45-50 mpg overall, and can change some driving habits, I can think of no better vehicle - period.

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  The future is here - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Alan Lippy - June 2 - 5:36 am

  Hard to imagine the interior room and comfort when looking from the outside. Average gas mileage since owning is 48 miles to gallon. That is 65% highway and 35% local driving with 15 mile daily commute in suburban Phila. The handling is great on curves and ramps. Overall, while driving down the road, called the dealer and ordered another vehicle from him...if that tells you anything.

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  386 thousand miles and still running - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Novalee - June 2 - 3:41 am

  My husband and I bought this car last year with 350 thousand miles on it. For $1500 He drives it 5 days a week about 90 miles a day. Now its up to 386 thousand, its by far the best car weve every owned.

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  Better -Second time around.... - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By star2359 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Enjoyed my Diamond White 1999 Avalon for the past four years. Never had to excersize Toyota Warranty, not even once in 26000 miles. Always trouble- free, quiet, smooth and great mileage. So, last week I traded, for a new 2003 Avalon Lunar Mist. I bought the "Luxury Package" which gives me all the goodies I want, without paying for the XLS. My new 03 feels even better.

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  Awesome - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jeffster - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Love the TRD/ I am off road / dirt roads more than anything and this truck rides like a dream - the suspension is getting loose - but hey - toyota should pay me to test the TRD suspension!

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  Oh what a feeling, Toyota! - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Horse country - June 1 - 9:13 pm

  We have truly enjoyed the short time we’ve driven the hybrid. Hard to get used to the lack of engine noise when at idle. Surprising performance when needed and the ride is as good or better than any sedan. Even though it is a five year lease, you can not use the tax advantage. An IRS limitation, not Toyota.

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  THE BEST - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By MILLIE - June 1 - 4:16 am

  YOU CANNOT FEEL THIS CAR. IT RIDES VERY SMOOTH. IT IS THE BEST. THE AC CRANKS TO THE POINT THAT I HAVE TO SHUT IT OFF. ON FUEL ECONOMY IT IS GREAT. I LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT.

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  Great car - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Suzane W - June 1 - 2:27 am

  Gas mileage is down about 10 mpg in the winter, but overall it is a great car. Does great in the snow, roomy inside and comfortable.