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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  Its like heaven - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By GreyGoose9631 - April 23 - 1:43 pm

  In one word, Awesome. This is by far the best car I have ever owned. This is my first Toyota, and unless things take a turn for the rest, I will definitely be back to buy another. I have just over 4k miles, so far no rattles or any complaints or problems. If there was one thing I could change, it would be the stereo. I cannot play MP3 formatted cds and I think the sound quality could be improved. I am hesitant about making any investments because I did lease this car, but it is still a thought. For the price, this is the perfect coupe.

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  As Much Fun As My College Convertible - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By ByeByeHonda - April 23 - 12:20 pm

  I havent had so much fun in a car since I owned a cheap European convertible in college. But this car in no way feels cheap. My seats are fabulously comfortable, I love the interior (fantastic fabric & spacious for 5!!), it handles like the little convertible I so dearly loved, and its as quiet and smooth as any car Ive ever owned, including the $27k gas-guzzler its replacing. Ive put 265 city & highway miles on it in 2 days and the tank is half full! Love it, love it, love it!! I call it my little red "Toy"!! It is everything I was looking for. It is the perfect commuter car!

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  Love Our Sienna! - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Dave - April 23 - 8:50 am

  I had to turn in my company vehicle which was a Ford Freestar and couldnt get another one so we needed a van. Once you have one you cant live without it, I found, very much to my surprise. So we traded my wifes Camry Solara for a Toyota Sienna (her idea!). We tried out a Honda EX-L (Very close competitor, better back seat, but bumpier ride.) and the Hyundai Entourage (Watch out Toyota and Honda, these guys mean business, great van at a great price, better ride than the Honda). It rides like a luxury car. The interior is extremely comfortable. Heated seats, MP3 capable stereo, aux jack, power doors, storage, reconfig options, all great. We bought it to last 10 years and I bet it does.

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  Great little car - 2012 Toyota Prius c
  By main1462 - April 23 - 6:35 am

  I bought a red Prius C Two a week ago, and its as good as advertised. I live in a small town, so most of my trips are no more than 4 miles one way. Im averaging 57 mpg right now. I owned a Prius sedan before this, and the Prius C hybrid system seems to warm up faster, which translates to better mileage on shorter trips. The ride is smooth. It really is a fun car to drive. Im very happy with this car so far.

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  My 2nd Sienna - Great but nav is awful - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By New England Family - April 23 - 4:53 am

  This is my second Sienna (the first was a 2004 and was great). We bought this with the package #4 (rear DVD, navigation, leather) and like the comfort a lot. What is clear at this point though is that our $799 Garmin 760 add-on for our other car is MUCH better for navigation. On a recent trip from between New England and DC, the Toyota system kept trying to take us off the obvious main interstates onto other interstates and side highways and some local roads - even with interstates allowed in the options - it did this again and again and has left us VERY disappointed in what is supposed to be a high end feature. The van itself is wonderful - best for comfort / quiet / ride.

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  I Love it ! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Eby - April 22 - 4:50 am

  this is my first Tacoma truck, and second toyota vehicle after my 2004 Sienna. Im getting 19-20 mileage (Hwy) on my truck which i expect from a toyota.Exterior and Interior designs are really fantastic. High ride, really good control and fast pick up. My wife who hates trucks loves this, that says all.

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  179,476 miles and still going strong - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By ehaw - April 21 - 9:08 pm

  LOVE my Prius! We are high mileage commuters, perfect car for the miles we drive. Purchased for $15,200 in 2009 used with mid 20k miles. Use Michelins for a better ride and gas mileage. We are getting 44-56 mpg depending on how much we run A/C (Hey its Texas, so most of the time) Early morning when it is still cool can easily hit 52-56 since most are highway miles. Expenses occurred so far: Use a K&N engine air filter which saves on air filter expense - not that hard to clean and recharge. Oil changes at 5000k, wiper blades, and I change cabin air filter myself to save service charge. Biggest expense - replacing a part that controls the changeover between electric and gas. $500

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  Toy equals Joy - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By BIGRED - April 21 - 10:00 am

  Great all around vehicle, never had a single problem mechanically and absolutely wonderful to drive.

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  IM IN LOVE - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By RIC - April 21 - 10:00 am

  IVE OWNED OVER 20 VEHICLES IN THE LAST DECADE AND A HALF. NEVER HAVE I HAD AS MUCH FUN AS I DO WITH THIS CAR. IT IS RESPONSIVE AND POWERFUL WITH EXCELLENT ROAD MANNERS. I HAVE NO COMPLAINTS !!

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  The best midsize suv - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By kenneth 2 - April 21 - 10:00 am

  Pleasure to drive, excellent fuel economy, toyota reliability, toyota quality,inside and out.