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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  A must in todays gas prices! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Shelbybelly - January 7 - 4:43 am

  GREAT on gas, I get an average of 37 mpg thats mixed driving. Best I get is 43 mpg, lowest I get is 34 mpg. Good pickup and stopping. I feel very safe on highways with this car. A real eye catcher. Over all, I love the car and would not have or drive anything else. Highly recommend this car to anyone.

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  Just bought a new 2016 Highlander - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Richard - January 7 - 4:28 am

  We just bought a new 2016 Toyota Highlander Limited. The design and technology of the 2016 Highlander are dramatically improved from the 2011 Highlander we traded in. We love the new look and significant improvements included with the new technology package. I was also surprised at the great trade in price we received for 2011 Highlander.

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  After 2 months - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By p50 - January 7 - 2:26 am

  The first several tanks average between 42~45 mpg for mostly city driving. I am pretty happy about that especially considering it is during Jan and Feb, the two worst fuel economy months. Didnt have any fuel gauge inaccuracy problem as stated by previous reviewers. The car produces several funny buzzing sounds when braking and after parked. It is not loud or annoying, but I was a bit worried initially until I realize it is normal (by observation and talking to the dealer). The acceleration is adequate but could use some boost. The car is otherwise great. A fully loaded car with a price comparable to a similarly equipped 4-cyl. Camry. I only waited for 3 weeks.

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  Great buy - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Chris - January 7 - 1:56 am

  Almost 100,000 miles with no problems other than a new battery and new tires. I love my Toyota. Great buy and I plan to hold on to my truck for a long time.

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  2007 Toyota Prius - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Malaan - January 6 - 11:03 pm

  I have owned the 2007 Toyota Prius with package 6, for a week now. It is put quite simply a great experience. Fuel economy is good (avg 41 mpg) even though it is below freezing. The smart key system is an excellent idea, and the Navigation system is a real nice addition. Voice recognition is good with the Nav system. Stability control is also an excellent add-on... it really works. What a great car!!

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  Great car - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By leslie - January 6 - 4:23 am

  We just bought the Avalon XLS. I LOVE it. Our boys are over 6ft tall and they have so much legroom in the back seat its amazing. The ride is smooth. I highly recommend this car.

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  9/10 - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By Katrina - January 6 - 3:30 am

  I have had my prius for about 4 years now. When I bought it I had to fix a few problems with it but since the car has been wonderful. I read a lot of comments about catalytic converters and oxygen sensors. I am also having problems with that, but I am convinced that in the 2001 that is one of few problems with the vehicle. I now have 227,000 miles on my car and she is still runnning great! My advice is to take good car of your prius, fix the minor problems... DONT PAY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS to the dealer for parts, buy them online or from junk yards and the fix up wont be so pricey and your car will run for years!

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  2009 Corolla S - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By shehan23 - January 5 - 10:53 pm

  This car really blew my wife and me away. We were just about to buy a Mazda 3 when we tested this lil bugger. Everything about it is great... mileage, handling, acceleration, comfort (which is important because Im a big guy!). I even have plenty of room in the back. At first I had a gripe because my right leg rubbed the center console when driving, but after a couple of days I got used to it. Now I just want to drive it all the time... too bad its my wifes car!

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  Super Duper - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By hayler osborn - January 5 - 10:19 pm

  We replaced our 2006 Highlander about a month ago. Actually we kept it also we liked it so much. The new Highlander is fabulous. Super comfortable. Great acceleration. Very solid tight ride. Spacious interior. Great for long trips which we take often. CR gives it its highest rating for a reason. Some of the items above were given an ok or N/A rating because we havent had the car long enough, except the navigation which actually is just OK. This seems to be the case on many of the built in systems.

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  Great Reliable Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jaime - January 5 - 5:50 pm

  I got an Ext. Cab with TRD-Off Road Package. The truck is excellent in everyday driving. I drive through country roads with only 1 lane(in each direction) and find myself passing other trucks and vehicles all the time. Very dangerous but I have enough power to do it quickly! Very reliable truck, already have 50K in it and the engine and paint are as good as new. I drive fast and only get 17.5 MPG, but when I slow down I reach up to 19.5 MPG.