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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  Best highway mpg - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By J - March 4 - 6:06 pm

  We purchased this car to park the silverado in hopes to achieve 37 mpg from everyone elses reviews. keeping the car at 70 mph or less we maintain 35-36 which is very impressive. took a highway trip and set it on cruise which was added, at 65 mph and at 280 miles we did get 46 mpg. i have no complaints for the compromise of mileage. if I did not have cruise control added i would not enjoy highway trips. overall if driven with a light foot and 70 or less mph good result await you. enjoy

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  Driven Cool - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By Prime - March 4 - 10:00 am

  It is fun to drive, sporty, and quick! Looks great too!

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  GREAT - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By P - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Love the car. handles like a sm car but has the storage of a suv

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  We love our Solara SE - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Shu - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Its the best car we ever have and we like it so much. I believe its the best buy for the money.

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  WINDOWS AND GAS PIPE - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By BETONGSKI - March 4 - 10:00 am

  THE WINDOWS WHEN I ROLLED IT DOWN TO THE MIDDLE IT HAS A VERY LOOSE CLEARANCE BETWEEN SIDES, THIS IS WHEN YOU HOLD THE TOP OF THE GLASS AND MOVE IT SIDEWAYS, THE CLEARANCE IS ENORMOUSLY BIG LIKE 3/8 OF AN INCH 4 WINDOWS AS IF THE CHANNELINGS WERE LOOSE OR MIGHT BE SOMETHING ELSE....THE FUEL PIPE WHICH IS UNDER THE REAR LEFT FENDER IS ONLY PROTECTED BY A SMALL PIECE IF PLASTIC COVER, WHICH MIGHT HAVE A POTENTIALLY SERIOUS PROBLEM, COZ IF THE TIRE BURST (STEEL BELTED TIRES) AND HIT THE PLASTIC COVER THEN GAS PIPES GET CRACKED AND SOME FRICTION FROM THE STEEL BELTED TIRES, PRETTY SURE IT MAY BURST INTO FLAMES....

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  Camry - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Georgia - March 4 - 10:00 am

  First Toyota I ever had. Very Impressed with the vehicle. Top notch

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  Great car! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Tracey - March 4 - 5:53 am

  The power is great! The car is very roomy, with great features, with the back seat able to be turned in to bucket seats. Great visibility all around the car, feels very safe. The car is very stable, with the increased size of the car this year!

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  2010 FJ Trail Team - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Rick - March 3 - 9:16 am

  This is a head turning vehicle with lots of performance. The Special Edition TT is only available in Sandtone and it is sharp. The wheels really make it. Roof rack going on next week. It feels like its very well constructed. Its not about luxury, it is about off road. I think its got plenty of power. I have to admit, I do miss the heated seats.

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  Great truck... Fun! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By ev611 - March 3 - 3:23 am

  We recently leased one. We call it Toyotas Hummer but much better, roomier and a great ride! Good fuel economy. Easy to park and great acceleration, off the road capabilities. Great choice!!

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  Great Toy - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By surpasd - March 2 - 11:23 pm

  This the 4th Toyota truck I have owned, great SUV! Comfortable to drive, especially on those long trips, more comfortable than the ML 350 or the X5 or other over-priced SUVs. Can load up everything I need in this one. As always a very reliable vehicle.