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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  Everyone Should Drive a Hybrid - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By jean - October 21 - 7:23 pm

  I really love my Prius, Toyota. It rides smoothly, comfortable, roomy, and it is great on gas mileage - 42 mpg in the city - with gasoline averaging at $3.35 a gallon - I love it!

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  overdone and underdone - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Doug - October 21 - 4:30 pm

  Over all the RAV4 is a great choice. I love the way it looks and I dont get to a light and see 3 others sitting there with me. It is quiet and comfortable to drive. I have only owned it 1 month and this is what I have found. The tech guys that did the instruments over did the MPG and MPH choices, there are 3. I wish it had a tripometer but it doesnt have any only tells you miles till empty and I am doubting the accuracy of that. They could have had a electronic read out of current MPH. I have the SE and that trim level does not have a compass built in or automatic head lights. My old 2009 Escape had both plus 2 tripometers. I kind of expect that at that trim level and shouldnt have to pay $2500 to move to a Limited to get it. I am not an aggressive driver and am getting 27-28 MPG in the city which is great. I havent had it on the expressway long enough to get a highway number.

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  2012 Prius w/ Solar roof - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By kb4email@gmail.com - October 21 - 3:57 pm

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  Nice look - No power - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Alex - October 20 - 3:53 pm

  Great car over all. I have 4 cyl with manual transmission - lack of power but great fuel economy.

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  It is what it is - 2000 Toyota Corolla
  By Mark - October 20 - 5:36 am

  I have the stripped down VE model. Few bells or whistles. The interior is carefully laid out and only wish there was an arm rest. I agree with others that the 3 speed automatic is not the best choice, especially if you do a lot of hwy miles. Still, for reliable and basic transportation it shines.

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  Very satisfied with new Tacoma - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By CGLombard - October 19 - 3:13 pm

  The Tacoma is a very solid and well designed truck. I did exhaustive research (considered every truck available) for 1 full year prior to deciding to buy the Tacoma. I am very satisfied and certain I made the best choice. I needed a truck that was tough, reliable, economical (as reasonably possible), suitable for family transport (wife w/ 2 kids), with respectable load/towing specs. The sport-shift style transmission is great for towing as it (almost) allows the same level of control that a manual does. The Tacoma is a sensible, all- around great truck. It does everything well. It just looks solid/tough and actually is based upon my experience thus far.

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  I was very surprised!! - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By dvd0060 - October 19 - 2:40 pm

  the car arrive with a rear broken strut mount.After a little Drama in the beginning the car has been perfect! The engine is quite peppy and I average about 32 city/hwy. On my first drive home from the dealer I average 43.2 mpg on the highway. Once youre used to the electric steering its not a problem. I found the car to handle nicely(I enjoy the light feeling). I still zip on and on the highways and it never feels unstable.handling is quick and very accurate. The base 1.8 with auto has plenty of get up and go. Youd be surprised! No issues passing, the auto trans is smooth and responsive.Everybody stop trying to turn a corolla into a civic or mazda3. Ive had both. Love my Corolla!

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  2004 Prius after 2000 miles - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By MFritz2004 - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Well built, solid feel, quiet ride. Surprisingly peppy off the line acceleration. Fuel milage 20 percent poorer than advertized. Gas engine noisy under hard acceleration. Interior a bit too sterile looking, could use leather option. Needs better looking 16 inch wheels (as in Europe) In all a satisfing driving experience, but definately not as satisfing to drive as VW, Audi.

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  A great, fun car. But it does ratttle! - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Cchap - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Love the look, performance, feel, and gas mileage of the car. Very fun to drive (and Im coming from a recent model BMW). Only criticism is what others have mentioned: mysterious rattles that can be very annoying. Otherwise it is a great car.

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  Still lovin it!!! - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By rwcarr - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Since the first test drive, Ive been in love with this vehicle. I love the fact that it drives as easily as a car, but gives you the feel of total safety.