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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  I also hate this car - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By mr_bender - October 18 - 3:23 am

  Leased it. It gets 45 MPG from the day One. As an EE I tell you there is no point in those batteries on this car. Any diesel engine can get you 45 MPG. Like VW Jetta does it or Civic. And the price is the same. I am glad I leased it. Just one more year... Quality is better than Camry 09 I use to have and only because my Prius made in Japan not in Kentucky. Bottom line: any car with 1.5L-1.8 L engine is better AND cheaper than Prius. The money you think youve saved is the money you paid for this car.

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  Great Car...Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By new prius owner - October 17 - 11:53 pm

  Have had my Prius for a month and a half. Great ride after the learning curve. This has got to be the wave of the future. Right around 47-48 miles per gallon so far (new car and winter driving).

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  great car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By owned several - October 17 - 11:43 pm

  Just bought my new 05 corolla LE. I absolutely love it. I have owned several Toyotas in the past and know how reliable they are. The wood grain interior gives the car a classy feel and I love being able to raise the height of the seat as well as the distance to and from the steering wheel. You really sit high in this car. Its the best looking car on the road right now. They have added anti-theft, tire gage, and other goodies to give this car a luxury feel. The doors feel thick and safe.

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  Tight Handling + Quiet - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By AIRFORCEDINSTAAR - October 17 - 11:13 pm

  I am hoping the 09 has all the transmission bugs of the previous two years worked out! I would have to say that this car is a excellent vehicle for family it has five star crash testings all the way around except rollover which is a 4! My first Toyota almost 1000 miles and glitch free!! Great ride.

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  Dependable Vehicle - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By mooneyt - October 17 - 10:00 am

  This car may not be sexy, but it is very dependable. I have never regretted this purchase. I have to do normal service on it and have parts replaced, but this is a great car. My mechanic has told me so even. People have told me that it will last forever. 125,000 miles and still going strong!

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  Excellent - 1995 Toyota Corolla
  By jian - October 17 - 10:00 am

  it never give you a problem after putting over 100,000 miles

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  impressive vehicle - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By erie - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I’ve owned this Camry since 1996 and it has been extremely reliable. I love this car.

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  It does what I want. - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By buzz006 - October 17 - 10:00 am

  It is nice to be further off the ground when I step out of the car. I have folded down the back seats moving many things from a snow blower to a tree, to small furniture. It is really nice how flat it does get. I have never really used the tie downs that come with it. I have never come close to the mileage for the city/highway that it is supposed to get. I am at best 4 mpg less than what they say. During the winter around 28 mpg, during the summer around 32 mpg. I drive 1/2 hour to work every day mostly highway. Around 25 miles each way.

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  Best light truck available today! - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Steve_in_Colorado - October 17 - 10:00 am

  The best ride and gas mileage of all the "full size" trucks I tested. Manages to have a full size bed and an excellent backseat for my kids. Car like handling with the ability to haul the small loads I use for work. Nice build quality and a good stereo system. We love the rear sliding window, no buffeting even at speed. The sunroof is huge, and there enough drink holders for 6 people.

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  Great car with persistent problems - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Paseo was Best - October 17 - 10:00 am

  This car was purchased as an upgrade to a well loved and much abused Toyota Paseo in December 2003. For the first 4 months it was a dream car. Lots of pep, Lexus-like interior, and an attention grabbing exterior. But then the problems started. So far the traction control system has failed twice, the sun roof has recently stopped working properly, and a component in the rear suspension has come loose and is rattling around like a ping pong ball. This is definitely not the quality I expect from Toyota!