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:

• 

  Base V6 - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By BMac - July 13 - 11:03 pm

  Base V6 is nice, have Value Pack 2, but for the money would have liked rearview to have auto dim and compass, read hatch to open glass, include fuel computer. Bottom line would like some more standard options included for the price, but looks nice and very functional.

• 

  weird smell - 2011 Toyota Yaris
  By giulia2 - July 13 - 2:01 pm

  Interior smell is awful! People say that it is mold issue but it is not! It seems that dashboard, rubbers, etc. made of crappy materials and driver undergoes chemicals exposure. We bought this car in Toyota Ancaster Canada dealership and paid all together CA 22K . We hoped that that smell will be gone in awhile but it is not! When its hot outside the cabin smells like hell. Another issue is the radio. The audio system is just horrible! Never buy this car , folks, even its a fuel efficient car. In a long term you may get seriously sick.

• 

  Outstanding automobile value - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By JDA - July 13 - 9:50 am

  Car is great to drive. Very comfortable, lots of leg room (even in the back seat), plenty of power, extremely quiet (almost eerily so). Even at speeds above 70 mph on the highway, it delivers nearly 32 mpg. I think that is outstanding. I would like to have a 6 or 8 way power passenger seat (instead of the 4 way - I want more adjustment), and the radio should have automatic volume adjustment as the noise in the car increases.

• 

  second to none - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By exNYer - July 13 - 9:23 am

  By far the best car Ive ever owned. The spaciousness of the car, both seating and the ability to carry large of boxes, packages, is oustanding. With the back seats down and the front passenger seat down, I was able to carry an 8 foot ladder entirely with the car. I drive the car between S.F. and Las Vegas monthly, on each trip I stop once for refueling and arrive at my destination without feeling either tired or cramped (and I am no small guy). Servicing the car is easy, every 5000 miles I bring it to my local dealership... No problems, great service. I can not wait for my wife to start looking for a new car.... the choice will be easy... it will be another Prius.

• 

  04 Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Ned Martin - July 13 - 3:56 am

  We have owned this car for exactly one year and have no problems or complaints. We have taken the car on a 3000+ mile trip (CT to Fla) as well as a daily driver, and its been comfortable and reliable as well as a lot of fun to drive. Our current mileage (winter, combined) is about 45 mpg; on the highway if we keep it around 60 mph is 58. Combine this with the fun factor and reasonable price and we are extremely satisfied.

• 

  Get an FJ TODAY! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By misstella - July 12 - 9:20 pm

  It had been a long time since I purchased a new car. I was scared. Firstly, prices, car and gas, all the makes and models. Yuck! But alas, I walked in to Toyota, my first car was a 1982 Cressida, cautiously. To my surprise, I did not have to look any further. There she was! My next new car, well actually SUV, a 2007 FJ Cruiser. It was mine if she rode half as cool as she looked, and she did. I felt so safe. I felt so powerful. I felt so cool. Her engine growled, she sat up high, was easily manuverable, and built like a tank. Her gas mileage wasnt awful, her price was almost palpable, $35,000 after all the bells and whistles. So, caution to the wind, I really loved this SUV, so I bought it!

• 

  The best SUV on the market - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By vacommish - July 12 - 10:00 am

  This was my dream car. In purchasing it this past spring, it has proven to be everything Id hoped for. Fun to drive, reliable, and much cheaper to maintain than its Lexus cousin, this timeless SUV is impressive at every turn.

• 

  Celica - 2005 Toyota Celica
  By greg3mp5 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I liked the toyota celica because it physically looks great and it runs very well. I paid 15000 for mine and it was worth every bit of money i paid for it. My friends envy tha very car that sits in my driveway and i love it.

• 

  Great Car - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By gatech fan - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Rides quitely. Very reliable. This is my wifes car and it has served us well

• 

  good buy - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By harshad - July 12 - 10:00 am

  today is 2nd anniversary of our 03 sienna. I never imagined to be really competing with my wife to drive this..Just plain good ride. Quiet, smooth ride. Feels powerful, good gas milege. The only problem with it is had a squeaking power stearing gear had to replace power steering pump under warranty. No fatigue on a few trip from St. Paul to Chicago. My 3 yr old prefers this car over my 1999 altima whenver we got out and ask her choice..