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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  Reflects the Driver... - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Jack Rabbit - December 24 - 12:13 pm

  Being an Admirer of the Prius and the fact that theres a waiting list for one, I browsed the lot at the dealership I went to and I could not get over the awesome body style and "unusual" paint job (sunburst metallic). The thought of another six year car payment was dreaded but Id moved from a 30 minute commute to and from work a day to a 65 minute one and I needed better gas mileage and a warranty so I decided to "bite the bullet" and managed to leave with a manual 09 Matrix S. Not for one moment do I regret it!!! The gas mileage is incredible (compared to my 01 Chevy Cavalier), Its very "giddy" in the speed department, Very maneuverable on the road and comfortable to drive...

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  2008 Toyota Prius - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Abe - December 24 - 3:33 am

  Toyota has made it very easy to make choices with the package numbers on their Prius model. I gave up room space, horsepower, luxury and performance and it was all worth it. My wife is getting one as soon as the lease on her car is up. Its quite an experience that has gotten my friends and my co-workers excited also.

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  Best car Ive driven, ever! - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By murty - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car a couple of months ago with nearly 150k miles on it, & I love driving it. My mechanic was impressed with its condition; he told me it will go another 100k! I have owned cars with 150k miles, always as a 2nd owner, & I always found them fairly uncomfortable. Ive owned a 76 Honda Civic, an 86 Toyota Tercel (which still runs), an 85 GM Oldsmobile, & a 94 Ford Taurus. The feel of the Avalon is not sporty, but it is wonderfully smooth and powerful. Suddenly I want to go for long drives again, like when I first began driving at 16. Ive only owned it for a couple of months, but already I am hoping to sell another of my cars to buy a 2nd Avalon (a newer XLS or Ltd).

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  2010 highlander-one year later - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By colorado - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Weve had our 2010 Highlander-Limited for one year. After 17,000 miles of mountain driving it rides the same as it did on day one. No squeaks. Eerily quiet ride. V6 has plenty of power. Top-quality build. Completely happy with purchase.

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  So far so good - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By Cinnamonstik - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I only mine yesterday however I did months of research before deciding on this one. It was a close race between this and the Chevy Equinox. I bought the RAV4 for a couple reasons over the Chevy: 1. The Equinox wasnt available in the V-6 unless I ordered one. Being a bigger SUV, I felt I would need the 6 vs the 4. 2. Although a little smaller than the Equinox, the RAV4 is the perfect size for me. Pros: 1. I love the individually heated seats. Very cool. 2. The built in Nav is great. No more hassling with my Garmin. 3. The fog lights made it even cooler. 4. Turns on a dime. Cons: 1. The dealer told me it was bluetooth equipped. It wasnt but Im making them install it.

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  Extremely Fun to Drive! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Tyree326 - December 23 - 4:23 am

  Love the utility of this vehicle. Was not looking for a luxury car with electric seats, heated seats, moonroof, etc. Toyota has done a great job with this one. Lots of head room and great for either city driving or off-roading. Averaging around 20 MPG between city and highway driving. Smoothest automatic transmission Ive ever driven! Anxiously awaiting a diesel option so I decided to lease. I chose the the Black Cherry FJ.

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  Just bought another one!!!! - 2013 Toyota Prius
  By nosaints - December 22 - 8:44 pm

  I purchased my first Prius in 2010 and have recently traded it in on a new 2013 Prius. This car is actually fun to drive and comfortable. my wife and I took 2 extended vacations to the mid-west traveling a total of over 15,000 miles. A lot of people refer to the Prius as a compact car. I assure you that this car is a midsize. I have nothing but praise for the auto. A 5 star rating should be a 6 or 7. We see the hybrids out there have really not caught on, Why, because on the charging of the hybrid has to be done with an additional exterior 240 volt power receptacle. The difference between the charging receptacle needed is that the Pruis uses kenetick energy to charge itself, no plugging in.

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  Great Convertible for Friends & Family - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Dr Peter Baldwin - December 22 - 7:13 am

  The Solara is a fantastic convertible that comfortably seats 4 passengers. I routinely take my colleagues out on golfing trips. Theres plenty of room for everyone and their clubs. Im always getting compliments. Sure I could afford a BMW or a Lexus, but it seems foolish in this economy to overspend on a car. This car has everything I need and more. I love the built-in satellite radio. Sure, the blind spots are bigger than on a standard car, but thats a trade-off of having a convertible. Its not a mini-van. I would recommend this car to anyone who is looking for a reliable, performance driven, roomy convertible. Its like a Lexus without the price tag.

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  2017 Camry - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Christopher Poh - December 22 - 3:15 am

  Get a decent price to buy it.

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  Why bother with a Lexus? - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Don - December 22 - 1:46 am

  My Avalon is as well built, comfortable and reliable as my friends Lexus but about $15000 less. Acceleration is a bit less and cornering is not as sharp but it takes regular gas and I run out of courage long before I get near the cornering limits.