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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  Just bought a new 2016 Highlander - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Richard - January 7 - 4:28 am

  We just bought a new 2016 Toyota Highlander Limited. The design and technology of the 2016 Highlander are dramatically improved from the 2011 Highlander we traded in. We love the new look and significant improvements included with the new technology package. I was also surprised at the great trade in price we received for 2011 Highlander.

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  After 2 months - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By p50 - January 7 - 2:26 am

  The first several tanks average between 42~45 mpg for mostly city driving. I am pretty happy about that especially considering it is during Jan and Feb, the two worst fuel economy months. Didnt have any fuel gauge inaccuracy problem as stated by previous reviewers. The car produces several funny buzzing sounds when braking and after parked. It is not loud or annoying, but I was a bit worried initially until I realize it is normal (by observation and talking to the dealer). The acceleration is adequate but could use some boost. The car is otherwise great. A fully loaded car with a price comparable to a similarly equipped 4-cyl. Camry. I only waited for 3 weeks.

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  Great buy - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Chris - January 7 - 1:56 am

  Almost 100,000 miles with no problems other than a new battery and new tires. I love my Toyota. Great buy and I plan to hold on to my truck for a long time.

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  First Toyota Truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By MIkeF - January 7 - 12:20 am

  Wonderful truck. Have had all the others and no comparison. Rides well, handles well and smaller V8 handles my needs. Same story on gas mileage as everyone else, but the same or near all the others. Paint seems thin and scratches way to easy. Truck needs door mouldings and doors ding easily. Upgraded wheels are dull and lifeless.

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  2007 Toyota Prius - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Malaan - January 6 - 11:03 pm

  I have owned the 2007 Toyota Prius with package 6, for a week now. It is put quite simply a great experience. Fuel economy is good (avg 41 mpg) even though it is below freezing. The smart key system is an excellent idea, and the Navigation system is a real nice addition. Voice recognition is good with the Nav system. Stability control is also an excellent add-on... it really works. What a great car!!

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  Great TRUCK! - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By yangk - January 6 - 10:31 pm

  Bought this truck used with 14,000 miles in 2008. Now has 56,000 miles and needs its first pair of brakes. Its a V8 so gas/fuel consumption is not like a PRIUS so Im not whinning. I average 18 mpg mix hwy/city and about 19-20 hwy. Tows my 18 Lund fishing boat nicely. 6 bed is a must, I didnt buy a new Tundra because of the bed. The crew cab is great, handles 5 adult passenger w/ ease. Interior is ok, when its cold, it creeks when you go over bumps. Parking is a-ok, like any truck, it wont have turning radius like my wifes Lexus. Overall, I love it, and plan on keeping it for a LONG LONG LONG time! These trucks are also hard to come along. If I find another one, I might snatch er up

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  My first Toyota - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Smooth Riding - January 6 - 11:30 am

  My first experience with a Toyota. Purchased the Toyota Camry 3 mos. ago. Found the acceleration was excellent. Very comfortable driving. Appears to have good mileage. So far am pleased with the overall performance of this vehicle. Like the looks and styling, both interior and exterior.

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  Great car - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By leslie - January 6 - 4:23 am

  We just bought the Avalon XLS. I LOVE it. Our boys are over 6ft tall and they have so much legroom in the back seat its amazing. The ride is smooth. I highly recommend this car.

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  9/10 - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By Katrina - January 6 - 3:30 am

  I have had my prius for about 4 years now. When I bought it I had to fix a few problems with it but since the car has been wonderful. I read a lot of comments about catalytic converters and oxygen sensors. I am also having problems with that, but I am convinced that in the 2001 that is one of few problems with the vehicle. I now have 227,000 miles on my car and she is still runnning great! My advice is to take good car of your prius, fix the minor problems... DONT PAY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS to the dealer for parts, buy them online or from junk yards and the fix up wont be so pricey and your car will run for years!

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  2009 Corolla S - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By shehan23 - January 5 - 10:53 pm

  This car really blew my wife and me away. We were just about to buy a Mazda 3 when we tested this lil bugger. Everything about it is great... mileage, handling, acceleration, comfort (which is important because Im a big guy!). I even have plenty of room in the back. At first I had a gripe because my right leg rubbed the center console when driving, but after a couple of days I got used to it. Now I just want to drive it all the time... too bad its my wifes car!