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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  Sporty feel, great gas mileage - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Jennifer Latin - September 5 - 10:57 pm

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  Cool Car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Brett - September 5 - 6:43 pm

  We bought the Prius about 6 week ago and could not be happier. I am 64" and about 370lb. Its a tight squeeze to get in but once you are there, there is plenty of room. I drove 8hrs to las Vegas the first week we had the car and trip went by in a flash. they skimped on some of the "comfort" features but all in all its a GREAT car. We are getting about 46-49 miles per gallon on the adverage with my wife driving 110 miles a day to and from work.I wish they would offer the premimun sound system in package 7 the stock system sound is pretty poor but is not worth the extra 3500 for package 9.bottom line is WE LOVE OUR PRIUS.Buy one today you will love it.Brett

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  Some complaints but still quite happy - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Frank Germann - September 5 - 7:46 am

  I got Package 5. This is actually my wifes car but I drive it about half the time and probably over half the miles. We really like it especially the mileage. We have been getting over 50 MPG lately but as low as 36 in winter with minus 20 temperatures and short trips of 6 miles to work and back. The back bumper cover didnt fit well both sides and glove box had to be replaced twice because of non uniform gap. Also one of my Goodyear tires had to be replaced at my expense. They said we abused the tire which was false. We have had this car a year now and we use it whenever we can and the Camry, which only gets 31, sits in the garage. The 15,000 mile service cost almost $200 which is a rip off

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  love it - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By siennalover - September 4 - 11:50 am

  Ive spent at least a month between Toyota, Honda and Nissan dealership looking for the best minivan (price, feel, reliability, confort, drive, power, looks....). Weve always been Honda or Toyata owners (accord and camry) so when we decided we needed a minivan we only consider toyota/honda or nissan...too bad that our american brands (GM,Ford etc) are NO match for nissan/honda/toyota....although cheap at first, always a GREAT deal, their quality and reliability reminds me of Yugo cars of the 1980s (also terrible customer service). too bad, they lost us and many others. i love my toyota, drives like a dream, handles great, good milage.

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  Great Avalon - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By bigrighter - September 4 - 6:20 am

  I own a 2003 XLS with navigation system. I drive over 30,000 miles per year. Very comfortable car and extremly reliable. I would purchase another one.

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  Buy this one! - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Chris - September 3 - 10:40 pm

  This minivan is fantastic! It gives a great ride and it is amazing in the snow. I took a 2 hr trip in the heart of a blizzard that left us w/17 inches of snow and the Sienna never even slipped. I didnt get many options as most things I wanted came standard w/ the AWD package (4 wheel disk brakes, ABS, folding 3rd row seat, etc) Ive only had it a couple weeks but I couldnt be happier w/ it so far.

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  Prius great car! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Laura - September 3 - 2:23 am

  I am in this car sometimes 8 hrs a day two to three days a week. Gave up my Passat W8 for this car ( didnt have to, I chose to) & I do miss my sun roof & power heated leather seats, but this car does have a lot going for it. It has good pick up & is great on curves. saves $ as uses reg gas. Sure wish it had a sunroof & a power driver seat but it is comfortable.

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  My Wifes Car - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By Edward Sander - September 2 - 11:41 pm

  The two features that I find most disappointing is the interior noise level. With the radio on at a conservatiive volume it is difficult to carry on a conversation. Second is the navigation system. This is simply an embarrassment. The category search feature is next to useless. I use my dashboard Garmin, my reliable Garmin, my feature rich Garmin.

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  Most quiet car Ive ever owned - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Love_My_Prius - September 2 - 4:40 pm

  The Prius is a well thought out vehicle. Im on my second take in 6 weeks. First two tanks averaged 43.5 MPG. This is low due to the fact that I make very short 1-2 mile trips and its cold in Ohio. Summer should bring the mileage up in the 50s. The car rides very nice and is extremely quiet. It truely is a techie car with the on-board display screen and optional navigation. Im thrilled with my purchase and would recommend the car to anyone!

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  So far so good - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Bonnie - September 2 - 3:00 pm

  Fun to drive, great pick up and is not as tippy as other SUVs. I can carry lots of kids and gear in a car that gets nearly 27 mpg (still not the epa 31 though) and Im emitting less carbon. Liked how it has "smart" air bags for passenger side. For a limited edition, it lacks amenities: seat warmers have only one temp; cooling system has only one zone vs. driver/passenger dual temp zone; sun visors seem plasticy; lack of AC outlets in 2nd row; doors dont auto lock. Also, the third row is really meant for small kids. Although I am glad it doesnt scream enviro-weenie, wish there was more "green" signage on car to help lessen the stares from non-SUV drivers - perhaps a small window decal?