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 Car - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By bbrown - February 7 - 12:40 am

  Have only had this for about a month. The ride is great, the pickup is terrific, loads of features. Am still not sure of the point of the middle seat in the second row. It isnt really a seat so practically speaking you can have 4 in the car unless you use the third row. No big deal since there are only 2 of us. Love the power cargo gate, ability to play Ipod, backup camera, many standard features. Gas mileage is not quite what is stated - got 21 tops on the turnpike, 16 around town. Not a lot of cargo space unless second row folded down. Its like an overgrown station wagon. But I love the car! Salsa Red Pearl color is gorgeous.

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  Everglade Metallic RAV4 - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By crue - February 6 - 10:33 pm

  I upgraded from a well-loved Matrix, mainly because I needed the extra space for dogs and teenage nieces/nephews. Ive only had the car 2 weeks but so far it is wonderful! Aside from mpg, it definitely is living up to expectations! The vehicle stability control makes it more controllable in a crosswind than my Matrix.

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  Save your money. Own an Avalon - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By Keith - February 6 - 6:06 pm

  I just recently sold a 1994 Toyota Camry with 364,000 miles on it. My wife has a 2004 Corolla with 143,000. I love Toyotas so much, that I wanted the top of the line Toyota with all the buttons without buying a new one. I found a 2001 Toyota Avalon XLS with 122,000 miles on it. I changed the oil and thats it so far. The car has excellent acceleration, braking, and the ride is luxury car smooth. The interior was well thought out with all the storage compartments. It has all the features of any luxury car like heated seats, mirrors, leather, power seats, climate control; front and rear 6 cd changer, power sunroof, etc.

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  Everyone should have one. GREAT MPG - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By harrispotter - February 6 - 6:03 pm

  recently purchased it at 0% special. Already saved tons of money. Used to get $400 worth of gas a month on my 4runner. Now I pay no more than $50 a month. Its fun to drive. MPG gets better and better. Battery charges when you apply breaks. Interior looks very nice. High tech functions. It has a built in phone. It uses Bluetooth. I keep my phone in my pocket just use the car. No more keys. Keys are for old school cars. I bought it a grossinger in downtown Chicago. Purchase was quick and simple. I priced the car from the dealer over texting. I got there straight to finance and done. 0%.

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  Love it! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Saba Bob - February 6 - 3:30 pm

  Waited 8 months for deliver - bought it with all the options. Never fell in love with a car before & Ive always owned good running cars (Acura Legend, Toyota Avalon XLS, etc.). Only item I dont know yet is how long the batteries will last - theyre warranteed for 80,000 - hope they last longer. I keep my cars well over 200,000 miles. I own it almost 18 months now & have over 33000 miles on it. Averaging 48 mpg city & highway combined.

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  1996 Corolla That Gave Its Life for Me - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By DMM - February 6 - 10:00 am

  This was the best car Ive had in quote a while. It ran better at 60K miles than my Ford Escort did brand new. I bought it at 60K miles, put 40K miles on it in a little over a year, and after the 100K service at the Toyota Dealership, it ran better than it ever had. I was run off the highway by a semi into the center divide - the Corolla was totaled, but I was able to walk away. I highly recommend the Toyota Corolla.

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  excellent - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By jester - February 6 - 10:00 am

  excellent car.. and very fun to drive

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  Great Car - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By dfgausa - February 6 - 10:00 am

  I had a Corolla 94 before which was a good car with more than a 120K miles. Thats why I decided to go with the new corolla S on 2001. I think they have improved their suspension and with the new technology on the engine going anywhere makes any trip comfortable. Although I should say I regret I didnt wait until 2002 to get the new Corolla 2003

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  wonderful car - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By matt trapeni - February 6 - 10:00 am

  i love this car

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  CORONAS IN THE COROLLA - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By tim morton - February 6 - 10:00 am

  WHEN I FIRST SAW THE NEW COROLLA..I JUST HAD TO HAVE ONE..IT IS A SWEET LOOKING CAR AND EVERYWHERE I DRIVE PEOPLE ARE LOOKING AT IT..THEY CANNOT BELIEVE IT IS A COROLLA AND THEY CANNOT BELIEVE THE PRICE. I DO WISH IT HAD MORE HORSEPOWER..I HAVE THE S MODEL AND I LOVE IT..WOULD NOT TRADE IT FOR THE WORLD, WELL MAYBE A NEW 350Z..