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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  Saved my life - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Yaris - June 27 - 10:40 pm

  Two days ago I blacked out while driving in my 2008 Yaris and rolled it twice, landing on the roof. The jaws of life were used to cut me out. I walked out without a bruise. This car body may be small but it is sound. True, it may have some tendency to roll, that could have been part of it, but in the end the car served me.

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  Reliable, safe AWD Vehicle - 2012 Toyota Venza
  By value4money - June 27 - 8:28 pm

  This is an extremely comfortable, reliable, safe AWD SUV that handles well in snow and on the highway. Shopped against two upscale models (Lexus RX350 and Audi Q7) but I didnt feel that the price differential ($10,000 to $15,000 or more) justified the "prestige" of these brands. Closest competitor in price is the Ford Edge, but fit and finish of the Venza seemed better as did the handling and acceleration based upon test drives (admittedly not a full test of driving dynamics).

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  Love My Sienna! - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By love my sienna - June 27 - 1:40 pm

  I love my sienna. Its roomy, drives very smooth, very little road noise, controls are built with quality, user friendly. I approximate about 24 mpg around town. I have had some problems with the airbag light on dash staying lit. Its been checked out and reset, but then lights up again for no apparent reason a few weeks later. I love the 8th seat. Lots of cubbies, and kids ride very comfortable out of arms reach of each other... LOL. All the power features are fantastic. Very well built and constructed car.

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  6 Year / 100K Mile Update - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By fido1 - June 27 - 10:22 am

  A quick update... The car is still running great after almost 100K miles. Items replaced - tires, wipers, front light bulbs (I drive with them on all the time), water pump (covered by my 100K extended warranty), and a recall for the hybrid coolant system tank, air filters, plugs, and serpentine belt, and full coolant change out (I do everything early). Live in New England - get 47 mpg in spring, summer, fall, and 44.5 mpg in winter driving. Based on last oil change, estimate that I still have 35% of brake pads left. Will be replacing my floormats soon, driver side wore out.

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  Upgraded my Corolla to a Camry - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By DJ - June 27 - 10:13 am

  This car has been great, on my 5th month of driving it. Literally twice the horsepower of my 97 Corolla, very smooth ride, super quiet, Fantastic! sound system. Tons of room in the back for kids or adults. Huge trunk. Gas mileage is a bit less than I would like, but I sacrificed on purpose to get the V6 power. Still giving me 20+ mpg on my commute.

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  Highlander Rocks! - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By metuka22 - June 27 - 4:30 am

  This was my first new car that I purchased. I absolutely love it! I have never taken it to the dealership (other than service of course) and I do not have one complaint. I recommend this vehicle to anyone looking to purchase a new or used car. Enjoy it as much as I have so far.

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  Im happy with my Tacoma - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dave - June 26 - 10:03 pm

  Ive had this truck for about 4 months and Im very satisfied with my purchase. I was a little concerned that the engine might be a bit wimpy but I find it can hold its own in traffic with no problems. Everything seems to be working well. No unexpected wind noise or squeaks, and my radio works great.

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  So far so great - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By Retired & carefree - June 26 - 8:40 pm

  Very pleased with the car. It has met or exceeded my expectations. Did a lot of research before buying. This is my 1st full size/luxury car. Its a lot of money but its a heck of a lot of car! With the problems Toyotas reputation is facing today incredible discounts are out there on even new 2011s. But even their MSRP prices beat the snot out of the competition. Tremendous engine, transmission, ride & comfort. Quick as this car is it gets phenomenal mileage. Once youve driven one, you will want it!

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  Economical for rising gas prices - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Mel - June 26 - 7:56 pm

  I purchased the Yaris for my daughter attending a near by University, pay her car, gas. etc. Its a great first car OR a great fuel economy car. As long as you take care of the maintenance with dlr, drive easy youll love the Yaris. Its easy to park, easy to maintain, maintenance is minimal (if you take care of it) and with rising gas prices how can you not want a great economical car. I love everything about it, Im sure as newer models come out the Yaris will only improve and become a strong Toyota car. I love the options and yes, there are somethings that need to change or ad (cup holds not in good locations and would like keyless entry) other than that its a great car.

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Sandee - June 26 - 5:13 pm

  Big but small I dont ever think I will buy a sports car again. Nice car lots of windows and no blind spots.