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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  Yaris - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Toyota - October 5 - 6:06 pm

  Ive had my Yaris for 20,000 miles and love it. I do highway driving and have never gotten below 37 mpg, with a personal best of 45 mpg. I travel on the highway at 75-80 mph with no issues or fears. Im 61" and am very comfortable in the vehicle. No issues at all.

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  love my Echo - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Marika - October 5 - 3:13 pm

  There is no getting around it, I just love this car - and expect a lot of attention when you drive it. Other owners will wave furiously, and whenever I come out of the mall, there will be someone looking at it and wanting to ask questions

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  Great little car!! - 2008 Toyota Matrix
  By JRhockey - October 5 - 2:23 pm

  I bought this car to replace my Corolla. Its not only a replacement, but a major step up! It handles great, has good fuel economy, and to top it off, is really cute!

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  after a 2000 mile test drive...well... - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Dave Stein - October 5 - 9:23 am

  I took it down to Santa Barbara from Newport, Or. Finally, I started getting the good gas mileage at about 1400 miles, averaging about 70 mph with a stiff headwind. I think this is a great car! Love it, from the power to the JBL stereo, etc.

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  Does what it supposed to do - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By Nate - October 5 - 12:46 am

  The Corolla is essentially a commuters car for one or two passengers. Commuters want reliability, economy and a comfortable ride. The Corolla delivers in spades. Looks and rear seat knee room are not as important to us commuters. The only weakness is roominess for drivers who are taller that 510". Otherwise, you cant go wrong with a Corolla. The ride and handling dramatically improved when I installed Yokohama TRZ tires.

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  The best car that I have ever owned! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Frank W. Nagorka - October 4 - 4:36 pm

  If you purchase this car you will be the envy of your neighbors. I have now had it for two months and enjoy driving it every day. I particularly enjoy driving past the gas station. The fit and finish are superb. The quiet of the car is something to be experienced. I just wish that it had a tad more trunk space and thus nirvana.

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  great car - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By jdmwiseau - October 4 - 10:00 am

  Great car, I have an automatic and average 43 MPG on the HWY. I must say, Im pleasantly surprised by the power of the 1.5 liter power plant. Wish I had cruise control with all the driving I do but I am not fatigued at all with the 200 plus miles I drive daily. I highly recommend this car for the daily commuter. My other car is a Lexus LS400. I know quality when I drive it.

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  Second Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Herbdelis - October 4 - 10:00 am

  Just call us Priusian~bought the 1st model in 01, had to get this one! DH commutes 90 miles roundtrip and loves it. Only drawback was the dealer, ordered the wrong car (we were 1st in line for the car in the city) and since we are in Fl, had no choice but to accept or wait an unknown time. Other than that, love passing the gas stations and getting over 500 miles per tank.

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  Solara Review - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By kalia - October 4 - 10:00 am

  I fell in love with this car the moment I sat in it. It has a beautiful interior. I love the sportyiness of the car itself. I was looking for a sportier car away from a Camry and the Solara hit the spot.

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  First Toyota truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mastermason - October 4 - 10:00 am

  Great looks and power. A very smooth ride that sets up high. No complaints.