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:

• 

  Big Ed from Plymouth - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By BigEd - July 24 - 12:06 am

  A pleasure to drive. Handles very well with plenty of power. Get the GPS navigation system. Its a must!

• 

  My 2nd 4 Runner - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4Runner Mama - July 23 - 1:33 am

  Traded my 04 for the 2010 in December. I live in the country with lots of blowing drifting snow so I knew it would be another 4 Runner for me. Love the styling and going with the full leather package was a wonderful upgrade for me. I have found nothing lacking in comfort and styling in this model. I was very disappointed that running boards were not standard as they were in previous 4 Runners, had to have my dealer retrofit them as I was having difficulty getting in and it was expensive. Also all weather floor mats should have been available! Preferred the tailgate assist too. Dont think it has as much pick up as my 04 until you hit the passing gear!! Overall satisfied with purchase!

• 

  Outstanding - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Chuckm - July 22 - 12:03 pm

  Owned for two weeks now. Fast, tight, excellent off road in first off road excursion. In town mileage first two tanks avg 19 mpg. Handles well in town and on the highway. You will get looks and kudos where ever you go.

• 

  A Feel Good Car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By mjvphx - July 21 - 7:36 pm

  I traded in my 2003 Mercedes Benz ML500 and I have no regrets. I was getting 13 mpg with the Benz and it cost me $60 to fill up using premium fuel. Great ride, good performance and the technology is wonderful. Great gas mileage about 48 mpg.

• 

  Owner profile LIMITED EDITION with Nav. - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Mike O - July 21 - 6:06 am

  Unable to obtain the 31 mpg unless driving on an un-impeded highway. Low speed (up to 15 m.p.h.) engine noise, high speed--excessive tire noise. Lighting on some controls not adequate or not available on some of the controls at all. Learning the navigation system is extremely difficult. My prior car was an Acura TL-S type with NAV. It was much easier to learn and operate. Side door and panels have no ding protection.

• 

  Good no Great Car and Fun - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Joseph Campa - July 21 - 5:26 am

  I read several reviews before I bought my Yaris and I feel that Toyota has a winner. I also have a civic and the Yaris is a better car in quality and reliability. I am considering buying another one. I only wish that you could get a split rear seat and center console on the base model. Small car with a big interior is the Yaris with exceptional gas mileage. I got a little over 38 mpg with mine and that is great when you have two active girls that need to go places. Smooth ride and exceptional comfort.

• 

  The Beast - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Toni MB - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This car is so huge it took me a month to be able to park it! :) But it was all worth it. My whole family loves it, its the most flexible car weve ever owned, it meets all our needs.

• 

  Its a good car - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By dickie - July 21 - 2:00 am

  The car is cute on the outside, maybe moreso for girls, and the inside is very comfortable. I like the way the guages are set off to the side. After a couple days driving it, it actually becomes easier to glance sideways to see the speedomoter and the gas mileage is great. My only problem is on the interstate the wind from a semi will blow it sideways. Other than that, I love my echo.

• 

  LOVE THE PRIUS! - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By chustad2 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  BUY IT, DRIVE IT, LOVE IT AND DONT LOOK BACK (to see the polluting SUVs)! THIS SULEV IS THE BEST! 2004 LOOKS EVEN BETTER!

• 

  The Best Automobile on the Road - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Dan Baietto - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, comfortable too-took it on 2- 2000 mile road trips. Great performance, seats 5 comfortably, excl. mpg. Toyota Has another great product.