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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  Couldnt be happier - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Jenkins - May 1 - 6:36 am

  If youre looking for a big, fast pickup, get this truck!! 5.7 cant be beat, except in MPG, but who buys a truck for mileage. Super roomy, and Im 6 200, friends are all bigger than me and we all spread out when Im driving. Only way Id be happier is in a $100k luxury sedan, and Im not rich, so this truck definitely has it all for the working man! Top ends are nice, but way too much for not that much. Grade model has everything you need, unless you cant read a map and dont know how to back up!

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  Happy to have a decent car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By yohan - May 1 - 5:56 am

  I bought my corolla in 04 it had 6 miles on it, I love this little car - the only problems I have had with it are a blown tail light, 1 flat tire and a blown fuse. Compared to caR I had before, a 91 Dodge Caravan, which turned into a 13 year nightmare this little car is a dream. My next car will be another Toyota.

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  Love my new Prius 3 - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Sue Harris - April 30 - 9:13 pm

  I am averaging almost 60 mpg!! Love the information available at your fingertips. Comfortable and more sporty than my previous Prius.

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  Greatest Car Ever Driven - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Tim - April 29 - 2:00 am

  Off all the reviews I have read they just dont hit the experience of owning the Toyota FJ. Every time I drive my FJ I fall in love with it more and more. Im 40 this month and driving it makes me feel 21 again. Sure the blind spot everyone talks about exist, but it is not hard to get used to. As for the gas mileage complaints, I am running regular unleaded in my FJ. It runs perfect and Im getting a combined 19 miles to a gallon right now. That is great for this type of vehicle. Really great leg room in the front. I purchased the sandstorm color, and love the color more every time I look at it.

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  This car rocks - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By jkbub - April 28 - 7:23 pm

  I drive 400 miles a week and needed a car that was more economical with these increasing gas rates, I was spending over $450 a month on gas alone. It was time for a change even if it ended with a small payment for some time. The first thing I did was an internet search - autos with high gas mileage, 35 miles per gallon and cheap. Guess what popped up on every web site and forum, Yes Corolla. So my only option at this point was to buy one. Yes, now I made the correct choice. I used to fill my tank 3 times a week. Now I only need to fill up once a week. That is a money saver. Thank you Toyota for making my life more reliable and practical.

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  BUY ONE - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Doug in Milford - April 28 - 8:13 am

  I have owned somewhere around 100 cars in my life and this Corolla is on the top for reliability and gas milage. I got the Sport or S model loaded to the gills and still had money left over. It is the end of the 2005 line but I saved a bundle. I drive 100 miles a day for work and so far this little car is comfortable, economical, and a pleasure to drive. I am also 61" 230Lbs. and fir in the car with ease. I would only say it would be nice to have a telescoping steering wheel and I wish I had gotten the highest upgraded stereo. I would also like to see a one touch open for the sunroof like the power windows. All in all, it is early but I am very impressed with this great little car!

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  1ST Hybrid - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By dale - April 27 - 11:40 pm

  We have only driven 800 miles so it is very early to write a report. We are enjoying the adventure of driving a car that gets 50mpg, every trip we have enjoyed the car more. The sound system with JPL speakers is excellent the storage with Hatchback is good but backing up there are blindspots. Overall we are very happy

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  really satisifed with 2014 Pruis II Sea Green Pearl - 2014 Toyota Prius
  By 58stevo - April 27 - 8:07 pm

  my first new car in about 25 years, very impressed with 51mpg

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  Quietest car I have ever owned - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Easy Ed - April 27 - 7:00 pm

  I came from a Lexus ES 300 and I very seriously looked at the ES 350. The ES 350 was $8,000 more and was not as smooth or quiet as the Camry Hybrid. The ES has 90 more HP, but the Hybrid accelerates smoother and almost as strongly as did the ES. It is much quieter. I of course love the 36+ MPG that Im getting on regular gas. The big short fall is the lack of memory seating and trunk size. The Bluetooth phone works great.

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  Travelling salesman sold on Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By danbarnardjr - April 27 - 6:46 pm

  In 18 months I have put on 54,000+ miles on my Toyota Prius. Small problems with some defective sensing units were identified by my dealer and corrected (at no cost to me) by Toyota. The car drives like a real car: I can accelerate and pass when necessary; I can drive all day long at highway speeds. I can carry a full load of samples and catalogs and still average 52-55 mpg. In the winter (I live in NH) the mileage drops to between 48-52 mpg. I spend 3-4 hours a day in the car. My back feels as good as my wallet.