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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  Nothing fancy just works - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Robbty - August 6 - 1:06 am

  Nothing fancy just works. I have owned this truck for 6+ years and have nothing but great experiences with it. The thing just starts and runs every day without exception.

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  hooray for the automotive future - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By HYTECHLVR - August 5 - 10:30 pm

  Love this car. Mileage was a little shaky back in February of 04 at purchase but once I completed the learning curve on this car I was able to attain 54.4 mpg by summer and maintain a great mpg through the brutal winter months. Ive learned cold temps and hilly terrain has a dramatic effect on mpg but as long as one has an understanding of that fact the Prius is a car that more than meets expectations in daily driving.The Prius is its own car and not an existing car on the market that just happens to get better gas mileage.That fact alone makes the price I paid valid and fullfilling on a personal level to know im on the cusp of automotive progression.Toyota hit an unexpected homerun!!!

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  Holy Crap! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Sapper - August 5 - 11:36 am

  I just moved to El Paso. My work commute is about 60 miles round trip daily. Needless to say my old car was killing me. I read up on the Prius. I have read comments that they do not live up to the EPA standards of 51 and 60 mpg. I can tell you this, part of that is based on the type of area you drive and how you drive. Most people who are complaining about bad mileage numbers are not driving the prius to maximise the fuel economy. You need to use cruise control as much as possible. Set it for 55 mph to get the most mileage and still get where your going. Use "pulse and glide" in the city!

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  Read Reviews-Bought Car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By NSparks - August 5 - 11:23 am

  After reading all the reviews for the Prius, I finally test drove it. Did I mention I loved it? I had to go 1 hour out of my way to get the car I wanted (right away) but it was well worth it. Interior is roomy for its size, and I feel comfortable, which is saying a lot since I just downgraded from a minivan. It seats two full carseats comfortably and rides smoothly. It works great for my commute to work, and is fun to drive (I got the BC-pkg 6).

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  Love it! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Caryn - August 5 - 4:26 am

  I have loved every minute driving my Prius. It looks great, handles great, is fun to drive. It took no time at all to get used to the controls. Getting used to driving it in snow took a bit longer - have to be very gentle with the gas pedal, but once I got the hang of it, I have no complaints, especially at the gas pump. The technicians when I had my first oil change were enchanted with it!

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  Fun to drive - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By widow25 - August 5 - 1:10 am

  I love this vehicle - its reliable, both maintenance and durability wise. They could have done a little bit better with mpg and the horsepower. I think those are really the two major areas it was lacking in, but other than that I think its a great car just like the rest of the models Toyota makes. Now the interior... I accept its a little outdated but its not that bad; they should had put a better stereo system on it. Exterior wise I think Toyota did a great job.

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  Love my Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By BCN - August 4 - 6:36 pm

  I purchased my Yaris last year for a number of reasons, one of the main ones being gas prices. The 4-door sedan I chose can seat 4 adults more comfortably than some larger cars Ive had, and Im averaging 44-45 mpg highway. Its a great little car for the money. I looked at several other cars of other makes, but the Yaris had everything I wanted. With my commute being mostly highway, a hybrid wasnt necessarily the best answer for me.

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  small car, but so roomy inside. - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By i like driving now - August 4 - 5:23 pm

  I just got my Yaris and I couldnt be happier! My explorer was only 2 years old, but the gas prices were killing me and it was just too big. I enjoy driving now. I never have any backseat passengers anyway, so i put the backseats down and its like a mini-suv. I even fit a desk and chair back there. I love all the cubby and stash places. I dont like things loose in my car. The doors are big its alot easier to get in and out than I thought it would be. Didnt realize it tells you what gear you are in on the computer screen. Mom drove it in 3rd. Now we got it figured out. It has a great turn radius so 3 point turns are a cinchOutside. They put a lot of thought into this little car!

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  First Sedan - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Christine - August 4 - 4:50 pm

  I decided to buy a new reliable car. I test drove the civic and corolla. I loved the look of the new corolla. Ive always owned coupes so buying a sedan was a hard choice for me but, buying a Toyota was an easy decision based on family, friends, and this website. I have owned it for 3 months now and have about 3500 miles on it. I was really worried about the steering everyone complains about but, I dont notice it in my car. I agree the clock should be in a different spot. The seats need more support. My back hurt for the first few days but now Im used to it. The interior plastic scratches really easily. 35MPG & price!

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  Great car to own - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By Rima - August 4 - 10:00 am

  The car is very reliable. I bought it new and in the 7 years I owned it, it only broke once (minor repair - starter cable wore off). It gets great mileage, both in the city and on the highway. It is comfortable to drive, and spacious enough for 5 people. Good investment if you ask me.