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:

• 

  What a great crossover vehicle !!!! - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By EWU - June 7 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Toyota and it is absolutey awesome. The quality of vehicle is superb. I still can not believe it is an AWD vehicle, because it does not drive like one. The brake is excellent with excellent fuel efficient. It is the best SUV I have ever bought. The push bottom and knobs of A/C are elegant. It "feels" great.

• 

  First Toyota - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By ERiddle - June 7 - 8:26 am

  Had a premium fueled premium Japanese car that I trade for this baby, but sure am glad I did. This car feels like it is bulletproof. I have driven it from Ft. Worth to Omaha in less than 12 hours with no "personal pain" other than a distended bladder since it goes 500+ miles on $30 of gas @ $3.00 a gallon. I had Katskins installed and seat heaters to finish the deal. Goes fast, looks good, and Im thrilled.

• 

  A few things that I would change... - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Cathy - June 6 - 8:03 pm

  Park far away because any door that hits into this car, you will get knicked. Gas mileage averages 20MPG and the best 25, not what its rated at. Inside compartments get stuck sometimes. Passenger seat doesnt have many options. Kids love the back seat (reclining), but when left reclined, its not comfortable getting into. Trunk space should be more. Im keeping my van for family trips longer then 3 hours. I love riding in it & navigation is pretty easy. I dont have a problem with voice commands, but system doesnt like my husbands voice for some reason. (He doesnt have an accent, just a lower voice then mine!) Sometimes it takes several attempts.

• 

  space port I have arrived - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Futuristic Style!! - June 5 - 7:16 pm

  Wow! What a great car! I got the #2pkg and added after market leather and sunroof. Got the new dark blue new for 2008 and boy do I turn heads on the road. It looks and feels great. Love the feeling of the cockpit. Backup camera is a must! I have also changed my style of driving to fully optimize the fuel. It is super smooth and incredibly quiet. I look forward to having to drive somewhere just so that I can drive my new space craft... ok car.

• 

  NICE LITTLE SUV IN EVERY WAY YOU CAN IMAGINE - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By GLENN FINCH - June 5 - 11:15 am

• 

  170000 and counting... - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By AKcamry - June 4 - 9:20 pm

  Has run like a dream through at least 7 interior alaska winters. Great sleeper car... with the stick shift have destroyed wrxs and many others off the line. Has nearly 170,000 miles and is still super smooth and oh so quiet and extremely reliable. Mine is kind of beat up, but I think the exterior design of this car is beautiful, and still holds up. Interior is nice and under stated. Love this car... want to keep it forever

• 

  Fine Van - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Tom - June 4 - 9:10 pm

  Bought used with 92,000 miles; now has 101,000 miles and have loved every mile. Replaced a 2006 le that gave excellent service but I wanted to own one with all of the extra button spaces used so this xle limited awd has it all! Run flat tires were replaced with regular tires so I had to buy a spare but found a new one at a salvage yard for 100.00. Gas mileage has been about 24 mpg but the awd grip makes up for the 2 mpg less that the le. Have had no problems with anything and have taken three 1000 mile trips this summer. The only minor problem was a frozen bolt when I had the timing belt changed but the cost was minimal. It drives and rides superbly and makes long trips a pleasure.

• 

  Commuter Car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By ec135 - June 4 - 8:36 pm

  The Prius is the best car I have owned. Purchased new, currently 145,000 miles, the finish looks new when waxed, quality of construction is like new, and it still gets 50+ miles per gallon on a talk of gas (89). Only replaced tires, lights, and a water pump at 115K. My complaint is the $300 headlights. If the car sets the wrong image for you, put an NRA sticker in the window and enjoy passing gas stations.

• 

  Two and a half years and still lovin it - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By TravelinginStyle - June 4 - 7:40 pm

  This minivan is all about quality and comfort. We have two friends that bought Hondas the same year we bought this van and they are having issues with rattles and noises in the cabin. We bought this van new and have put 30K on it but have not had any issues with this van, and am very happy we purchased it. It is an extremely smooth ride, and has plenty of power to boot. Short and long trips are a breeze. If there is any downfall to this van it would be road noise, everything in this van has the quality of a Lexus but the noise from the road could be better.

• 

  2008 Yaris hatchback review - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By spanyerd - June 4 - 3:06 pm

  Great car for the $$. Tons of great features with Toyotas rep for quality. Xlnt int and ext styling. Gets good mpg, but less than expected @ 35 avg (likely due to 75mph hwy speed- my fault, I know). But its "pep" means mpg are wasted with high rpm. A better 5th or added 6th gear would increase the mpg without killing the power. Lack of cruise control option stinks. I commute 150 miles/day @ 90% hwy. No CC means focus is on speedo not the road. Also drops mpg. Auto daytime dash & headlights without auto daytime tailights is dumb & dangerous. As day turns to night while driving, you have to "remember" to turn on the (tail)lights. Almost rear-ended. Also pulled over by CHP.