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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  Wow - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By vanagain - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Toyota is famous for quality and the Sienna is no let down. They did an excellent job re-engineering the outstanding Honda Oddessy and making it better. Things like split 3rd row folding seats, simple and intuitive controls on the dash make the Sienna a pleasure to own. With supply begining to catch up to demand, I found several dealers willing to come down between $1,500 - $2,400 from MSRP...OH WHAT A FEELING!!

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  I Love This Car! - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By kimsthe1 - June 15 - 11:00 pm

  I bought this car after visiting the dealership 3 times. After test driving the Nissan Rogue, Honda CVR, Mazda3 & 2008 Highlander, I decided this was the best choice for me, my 1st Toyota! Ive owned 3 Mazdas, 1 Nissan, 1 BMW, 1 MBZ, 1 Subaru (I know, Im a car junkie!). I am also very impressed with Toyotas track record & the fact that my car is 100% Japanese. I have owned it all of 24 hrs and have no regrets. The gas mileage seems ok so far, the car is cute as a button. Drives with a touch of sport suspension. Seats are fine with me so far, no long distance drives yet. I am very happy with my purchase!

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  Everything we wanted and more - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By KY-rak - June 15 - 7:36 pm

  We were interested in a hybrid but did not want to give up performance. A test drive sold us and subsequent use convinced us the Highlander was the correct choice. My wife drives short slow miles to work and marvels when the silent battery is in use. Even open road miles get good mileage for the weight and size of this vehicle. The ride is as excellent and better than the upscale sedan we traded in. I can’t think of a feature I would change or anything that needs improvement.

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  Luv it more every day - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By jhub - June 15 - 6:33 pm

  Only owned car for 3 months. The more I drive it the more I love it. Have had to replace a couple of engine mounts to take care of vibrations. Has 105000 miles so we have alot of life. The clear coat is coming off some parts but its a 97. Gas mileage is consistantly 31 mpg (auto trans). That is great with gas at $4.10 per gallon. My kids find the back seat very comfortable. Only complaint is it needs usable cup holders front and back. Over all great little car. But it is little. Trunk is large for such a small car. We installed window tint on back windows which really helps keep heat down inside car. A/C works great, very cold. Handles very well in all conditions. Love it.

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  The New 2016 Toyota Prius - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Frank Schwakhofer - June 15 - 12:11 pm

  This is the first car that I have owned that exceeds the mileage that is expected by what is on the window sticker. First two fill ups, 58.4 miles per gallon. A very nice surprise.

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  awesome car, glad I got v6 and 4x4 - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By jtreeclimber - June 15 - 11:05 am

  We are a toyota family, going back to 1966 and my dads 67 Corona. I couldnt decide between the forester, rav4 and the honda crv. What convinced me to get my rav4 was that it was the only one with a v6. We just drove our rav4 to Palm Springs, California and back, from Tacoma. We had 4 people and at least 500 pounds of climbing gear both inside the car, and on top of the rack. We averaged around 21 to 23 miles a gallon to LA and back. The car has a ton of power, and can cruise at 80 all day, even uphill and loaded down. With nokian happelita studded tires it is a tiger in the snow. 6000 on the odometer and perfect so far. You can sleep stretched out in the back. Best car Ive ever had.

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  2011 Camry Questions - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By s4short - June 15 - 10:24 am

  I like my new car but have only had it less than a week. I was very unhappy to learn that the key/fob I have would cost $400 to get a duplicate. I would have asked for that amount off the purchase price. Also, the manual recommends folding the side mirrors in before going through a car wash, but it doesnt say how. If anyone knows where I could get a key/fob cheaper and how to fold the side mirrors in, I would appreciate the information. Also the car is red and everybody knows red cars go faster than other colors so I have to be careful.

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  Dominos Prius Update! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By alexx52093 - June 15 - 9:34 am

  Wrote a review about my Dominos stores Prius! Updating it! We now have 3 Priuss! Two 04s and an 05! The one I wrote about before is an 04 which now has 220k mi on it and still no problems! It never breaks down or gives up! And it gets driven HARD by many different drivers! The battery still holds charge pretty well, not quite as well as our other Priuss but still returns over 50mpg if driven frugally. Our other 04 Prius has 160k mi and runs great! Same with our 05 that has 120k mi! These vehicles are workhorses! You want a reliable, affordable commuter or work car! This is the one! If it can deliver pizzas, it can do anything!

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  Rav4 - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By sam - June 15 - 7:30 am

  This car will never break down. Extremely reliable. Its a fun car with nice exterior stylings. Decent capacity inside for cargo or passengers.

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  Bad quality - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By amarka01 - June 15 - 4:18 am

  Bought Toyota Camry based on quality reputation. We have 2001 Highlander also. Begining there were recalls (leak above driver side visor let water in, gas pedal/accelerator/floor mat issue, VVT (sp?) hose, transmission slippage). At 89K miles water pump broke. Dealer said its $1,400 to replace as V6 models have major labor to remove engine parts to get at pump. I had replaced Ols Intrigue that had same issue at 105K miles and was much cheaper to replace. Will not buy Toyota again...will go with Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, or Hundai Sonata.