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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  Rav 4 owner for two months - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By cas of ct. - March 20 - 2:43 am

  Have enjoyed owning and driving the RAV 4. Interior road noise is difficult to get used to and radio sound system is not as good as I had hoped it would be. Also the first time I went through a car wash (touchless) the tire cover came completely off and was damaged (scratched). This cover had never been removed for any reason during my ownership--According to dealer this has happened to ONE other RAV 4. Also tire cover not covered under warranty according to dealer!

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  One of the Great Sports Cars - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By bmil - March 19 - 11:56 pm

  I have driven most of the great sports cars: Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini, Lotus etc... and have been a long time fan of sports cars. This car ranks as one of the all time greats in my book. Reliability, great fuel economy and fun fun fun to drive. By definition a sports car needs to do the following: accelerate, brake and handle. The MR2 does all of this and more. It gives you a feeling of being in a go cart. Pure driving feel. The cars feedback is great. It communicates so well to the driver. The ride is a bit stiff, but hey you give to get. More horsepower would be nice, but on public roads this car allows you to tap into the fun zone even at lower speeds. Exotic sports car feel at bargain $

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  Most economical hybrid, just dont expect ZOOM - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By Danny L - March 19 - 9:16 pm

  Upgraded interior from the year before, definitely was a plus. Navigation and push start is standard at Three trim and above. LED headlights and tail lights are standard on all Prius Cs. The car has a smaller engine than the regular liftback, but at the same time more efficient on gas. Easy to park, being about 155" long. We did a lot of research on compact cars before settling on this one, a close second was the Versa Note and the third car, the Honda Fit. Dont expect to take road trips without letting others behind you pass because you cant make it up the hill at the same speed as they are keeping. 10% inclines had us pushing the engine. The range that this car was most comfortable in is: 5 mph parking lot - 55 mph hwy. Overall, if I had to buy a car again, I would still go with this car because of the gas savings per month, I drive 2,800 mi per month, and I spend about $135 versus a gas-only car where Id be spending $250.

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  Most economical hybrid, just dont expect ZOOM - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By Danny L - March 19 - 9:16 pm

  Upgraded interior from the year before, definitely was a plus. Navigation and push start is standard at Three trim and above. LED headlights and tail lights are standard on all Prius Cs. The car has a smaller engine than the regular liftback, but at the same time more efficient on gas. Easy to park, being about 155" long. We did a lot of research on compact cars before settling on this one, a close second was the Versa Note and the third car, the Honda Fit. Dont expect to take road trips without letting others behind you pass because you cant make it up the hill at the same speed as they are keeping. 10% inclines had us pushing the engine. The range that this car was most comfortable in is: 5 mph parking lot - 55 mph hwy. Overall, if I had to buy a car again, I would still go with this car because of the gas savings per month, I drive 2,800 mi per month, and I spend about $135 versus a gas-only car where Id be spending $250.

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  Loved it till it snowed... - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Karen - March 18 - 4:06 am

  I love the Venza and drive it 100 miles a day back and forth to work. I loved it til the snow came.....it cannot handle hills of any kind with the Bridgestone tires it was sold to me with. The car stopped, slid, fishtailed everywhere. I consider myself a very good driver (never had an accident or ticket for that matter!). I was very disappointed not to mention lost confidence in driving the car in the snow. Thank God I have a Suburban too. I will try again but I need to purchase snow tires instead of the all- season i bought it with. Be careful in the snow...especially if your driving up/down mountains!

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  The Class of the Class - 1994 Toyota 4Runner
  By Tob - March 17 - 2:00 am

  I was the third owner of this well- maintained 4runner. As soon as I brought it home, my neighbors immediately came over and complimented it. This was just the start. Complete strangers would rave over it at gas stations. After driving a few bombs the last few years, this was quite a change. This was a seven year old vehicle! It had the coldest air conditioning . Unreal.. Rock-solid build. Everything worked as new and the paint was still in great shape. Even my inlaws said I made a good choice! It was slightly underpowered in the mountains and fuel economy was not great. The positives definately outweigh the negatives on this vehicle

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  A good commuter ride - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Kargle - March 17 - 2:00 am

  This car is solidly built for cars in its class. Road noise is average. The fit and finish is excellent. Despite its small size, the interior feels roomy for passenger and driver. Seating for four is adequete, for five is uncomfortable. The audio and heater controls could be better located for the driver. The acceleration is surprising considering the 1.4L motor. There is plenty of power to deal with quick jumps into the flow of traffic. The brakes are a little grabby, but I got used to it. The biggest drawback is the low friction tires: the car tends to roll over the sidewall a bit during cornering.

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  A+++++ - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By ricke50 - March 17 - 2:00 am

  This has been the best car I have ever owned.

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  True Luxury SUV - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By thea - March 17 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love everything about the Sequoia except the fuel economy. It rides better than my E-320 Mercedes and I just love its plush leather seats and quiet interior. Its so roomy that even the third row occupant dont feel like third class citizens.

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  Very Good Truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Kevin - March 16 - 9:50 pm

  I have had my Crewmax for 2.5 years and 66K. It has been very reliable. Just oil changes and tire rotation. As others have mentioned the body panels and paint are thin and will dent and chip easily. I have used my tundra for towing a 6K to 8K trailer with no issues and taken the family on several vacations. It has really been a do it all vehicle. My fuel mileage after 66k is averaged 16.8 mpg.