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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  White03 Rolla - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Rolla - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Just bout da car a week ago; got one with everything except moonroof for $16,200 before taxes (with $400 college grad discout). Great price for car with new sporty looks and reliability.

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  Great design but minor rattles - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Keithn2 - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car for 11,000 miles and find it to be a great car. The only concern Ive had are the small rattles coming from doors. Ive also noticed the engine idles rough when coming to a stop. Ive never had much success with dealers fixing rattles and noises. Hope they dont get worse with age.

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  Oh, what a feeling - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By kc - January 18 - 3:26 am

  My first Rav4 was a 99 - a fun, economical, dependable car. Was considering a Highlander until the 06 V6 Rav4 came out. Im so glad I waited. Ive only had the vehicle a few weeks, but I love it. The powered drivers seat is outstanding- its so comfortable. It rides like an Avalon. Sound system is excellent. Its so spacious and classy thats its like driving a much more expensive vehicle. The color is Everglade and its gorgeous!

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  Love my Yaris - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By loretta - January 17 - 4:43 pm

  Nice low price, drives great holds the road and plenty of room. Easy to park. Good on gas. Very cute!

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  Just buy it - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By newmonk - January 17 - 2:33 pm

  Just bought it 4 days ago, driven for around 250 miles..What can i say. Just buy it. Great fun car, very quite, very smooth and best of all MPG of 48+. Just love it.

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  Everything - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By clee - January 17 - 11:50 am

  Ive wanted an AWD car that can pull my boat but be a hybrid. Finally it arrived and my expectations have been exceeded. Such comfort, quiet, smoothness, and luxury were not expected and definitely welcome. My other car is a 2003 Forester XS, and it seems like a different era compared to the Highlander.

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  TRD Off-Road - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By Richard - January 17 - 8:26 am

  Best bang for your buck in the truck world. The 6-speed transmission is pretty much flawless. TRD Suspension is very compliant for a daily driver. Tires arent the best but that is personal preference. There is a reason the taco is the best selling truck.

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  Love my Corolla - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Dan - January 17 - 12:06 am

  The Corolla XLE is a great car. I have been getting 36 mpg in stop and go traffic. Highway mileage as been 47 mpg with the AC off and driving between 55-60 mph.

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  Great Car! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Leon M - January 16 - 10:40 pm

  First Toyota Ive owned, and its a beauty! Researched a great deal on this purchase and it came down to Ford Fusion, Honda Insight, and this Prius. Prius won hands-down after the test drive. Fit and Finish is excellent. JBL sound system is tops. Interior is roomy and comfortable. Exterior styling is unique.

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  Dont know how they did it - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Lee Mariano - January 16 - 10:10 pm

  I wish I knew how they got 60mpg. We drove from South Florida to central New Hampshire and back up and down the Smoky Mountains, on freeways, small towns, fully loaded (by the way this car holds tons of stuff) in cool-cold weather, in high heat, with and w/o a/c during the gas shortage. travelled 3100 mi---paid $210 for gas the entire month we were gone! Still, mph for the month was 44.6 We use cruise control as much as possible, everything we can think of--still cant get to the 60 they claim. Great comfort, great bells and whistles. Love the car.