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:

• 

  I purchased it and I love it - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Rena - September 10 - 9:40 pm

  I just bought this car, and Im totally happy with it. Comfortable, very nice interior. I just have one thing is the commuter, its not like what I expected from a Toyota, I expected more miles/gal. Other than that... its awesome.

• 

  Our first Hybrid - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By tdb - September 10 - 7:23 pm

  We purchased the car at the end of March. Most of our driving is in the Minneapolis metro area. No trips over 100 miles one way. We like the car a lot and are happy with the purchase. Its an enjoyable car to drive if you like quiet and good handling. Were averaging 38-40 mpg per tank. We too have had the Check Engine light issue concerning the gas cap. (4 times in 7400 miles.) This past Wednesday night our dealership told us that Toyota will be coming out soon with a Tech Service Bulletin. The gas tank neck is faulty and has to be replaced. Ours is scheduled for next week. Supposedly with a new, improved one.

• 

  Yee Hawww - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Arizona - September 10 - 8:06 am

  Great gas mileage and excellant track record. Big trunk. Good stereo. Plenty of compartments for storage. Very well design.

• 

  Great Family Vehicle - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By klborg72 - September 10 - 6:36 am

  This is an awesome family vehicle. The only downside is it consumes A LOT of gas, hard on the wallet when gas prices are so high. We LOVE it though.

• 

  Love my new Highlander Limited - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Barry - September 10 - 3:10 am

  I finally turned in my gas guzzler Lexus LX 470 SUV. This Highlander has all of the features I required except the nav. (I did not get the nav as I plan on buying my own to share in my household). The gas mileage is great at 20 MPG for my use (half city, half highway). Very smooth ride, JBL sounds great. Like the "smart key" push button start, homelink, heated seats, power rear door, lots of room. I highly recommend this vehicle.

• 

  A great car - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By Jimvan - September 10 - 1:26 am

  I own one of the first Priuses delivered in the USA, and at 178,000 miles it is still a joy to drive. I am continually amazed at its reliability, gas mileage, emissions control, regenerative braking, power, and handling. Toyota "hit a home run" with this model. I do keep up the maintenance with 7,500 mile synthetic oil changes, and parts replacements when necessary. I expect 300,000 miles from this car.

• 

  best mid-size SUV ever owned! - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By shawn podraza - September 9 - 1:56 pm

  Had limited 01 explorer v6 under powered and gas hungry.Test drove v6 and v8 toyota 4runner, v8 won my heart! Smooth and quick acceleration, love the JBL 10 speaker sound system,heated leather seats and mirrors.Had record snow this Dec. over 24 inches the 4 runner V8 AWD performed flawlessly,drove through snow drifts 4ft high with little loss of traction, it powered through like a true awd gladiator.The 4runner has had no problems in the 3 yrs that I have owned it. I have co-workers that are american suv guys they have commented on how sharp looking my 4runner is.The interior is exceptional sharp and exterior turns many heads.But it drives like a dream and am very satisfied with reliability

• 

  All I could ask for - 1997 Toyota Celica
  By Alan - September 9 - 2:06 am

  My daughter has been driving this vehicle for over 5 years and it has been the best vehicle Ive ever owned. The performance has been excellent, the maintenance very low and the overall cost of driving exceptional. The styling of the 97 Celica is classic and even after 9 years the body and paint are in excellent condition. It runs like a jewel and I believe it will continue to give us great service well beyond 150,000 miles. A great car!

• 

  Earn (er, save) $$$ while you drive - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By z2im - September 8 - 5:26 pm

  After approximately 10k miles, I am still as impressed with the Prius as when I first test drove the vehicle. Though my highway mileage doesnt quite reach the ratings (Im getting upper 40s highway, low 60s city), the savings in gas over my prior vehicle are noticeable. The ride for a mid-size car is very comfortable. The rear passenger area is spacious even for my 6+ 17-year old son. No knees under the chin for any passengers in this car! With the tax breaks, the fuel economy, and the fine vehicle build and performance, the Prius will not disappoint

• 

  A good SUV - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By yoursand - September 8 - 10:00 am

  a solid vechicle, one of the best mid- size out there. had it for a year and half now, no problem at all.