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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  2006 Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By r.n.brown - July 1 - 3:13 pm

  I recently purchased a 2006 Toyota Prius. I am very impressed so far. I am getting over 50 MPG in combined highway and city driving. The car has enough power to get up to speed quickly. Its lots of fun to watch the energy use display and to try to optimize fuel consumption. So far this car has exceeded my expectations.

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  Boring, quiet, but great resale - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Geek with cars - July 1 - 9:40 am

  This is my second Camry and I certainly like the feel and look of it, however, there are some mechanical flaws with the tranny that have made me question the purchase. It rides quietly but is so vanilla that handling wise I find myself bored. Some may find that good, but the car cannot be pushed on ramps or tight turns. In the end it will be a great car for 16 year old daughter to drive. For me, I think I am going to need something else soon

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  Pleasantly Surprised... - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By 06princes - July 1 - 5:58 am

  I drive and still own my Dodge Charger, but the V8 with a Hemi, sucks the gas down..So,We bought this car to help with the rising prices of gas, and to save some money in the long run, and we love it, This car has a lot of get up and go, we have no trouble pulling out or picking up speed, It is so quiet, that sometimes you wonder if it is running, my three daughters fit in the back seat with no problem and one is in a car seat..We have a couple of hills that we have to go over everyday and the Prius has no problem going over them..So far we are well pleased with this little car, its doing everything it says it can...

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  Powerful little car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By AOW - June 30 - 7:46 pm

  Its my mothers car but I drive it every now and then to make sure all is fine. It has been very dependable, never in the shop for anything except brake pads, battery and regular maintenance. Did have problem with weather strip around the front doors. The dealer replaced them under warranty and the whistling noise went away. Every time I drive it, Im amazed by the power it gives. Merging onto freeway is a breeze and the pick up from stop is also great for 1.8L. This is the 3rd Corolla in the family. Cant beat the overall value.

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  Does everything with poise - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By bruns - June 30 - 9:56 am

  This car has been as reliable as everyone says Toyotas are. Now at 214,000 miles. Maintenance includes: 5k mile oil changes. A tranny flush and timing belt change every 80k or so. The only items Ive had to replace other than maintenance was the interior clock (replaced for free by toyota) and the inner tie rods up front. Very solid and high quality.

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  Corolla S 2009 - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By 747mech - June 29 - 1:57 pm

  I purchased my S in Aug. 2008 and put 25,250 trouble free miles never went back to the dealer except for the recalls which I felt was nothing wrong with the car except for those who want to complain about Toyota I have owned Toyotas since 1973 havent had a bad one yet. I just three weeks ago traded my S for a 2010 XRS because I wanted a few more options and got one of the last ones in my area same color black I also love this car I am now retired and milage is not I problem so those who love Hondas and Mazdas go buyone and have your troubles with them.

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  Very reliable vehicle - 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By curtis in richmond - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought a used 1998 cruiser in 2001 and have not had one problem with the vehicle driving 14k per year. I am 6 2" and I love the comfort. Its like driving while sitting in a lazy boy. Previously drove a camry (also an excellent vehicle), this drives just as well.

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  CorollaLover - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By ToyotaLover - June 29 - 2:00 am

  My Corolla has had little to no mechanical problems at all (180k miles now) other than a few exhaust leaks which is gonna happen.

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  Think long and hard before you purchase - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Mellie - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Check the re-sale value before you purchase...you may think twice! I have the SE model and wish I would have waited longer before purchasing this vehicle. Its been in the shop 3 times (within 1 year) for a knocking sound under the hood. The dealership told me that it was loose strut caps, and now they dont know what the problem is (they say they dont hear anything now...hmmm) and the problem is still not fixed. It does not do well in snow - slides all over the road. Although this car is very roomy, I wouldnt purchase another.

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  Impressive! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By sbbinau - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Drive this thing long enough and you will swear you are in a sedan. Quiet, smooth, powerful, tight. No road noise...just the low hum of a wonderful V-6. Space is ample, driving comfortable. Classy feel on interior, even in non-limited package. Mileage so far has been so-so...but should improve as vehicle gets broken in. You will like this SUV...trust me.