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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  Our first Toyota, but not our last - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By The Sone Family - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I have never purchased a minivan or a foreign made auto. We were considering the Honda and the salesman told us to check out the Sienna. We were blown away. Unlimited features and the performance and comfort of any luxury car on the market. We purchased the LE model and havent had one negative thing to sa about the van. To all the men out there who have wives who want a minivan and you are against it. Try the Sienna, it won me over instantly, and Im sure it will do the same for you.

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  Very pleased with my Prius V - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By peter_peter - November 14 - 3:44 am

  Overall, I am very pleased. Looked for months at many different cars (sedans) from BMWs to Acuras to MBZ but the Toyota Prius always stood on my list of options. Averaging between 48-51 mpg, half street and freeways. Perfect commuter car, I fill up my gas tank and spend almost half as compared to my wifes Civic. Nothing wrong with the Civic, but this Toyota has everything. Fully loaded with everything from navi, Bluetooth, leather, cold AC, 17 inch wheels, key-less go and the list goes on. The car does turn on and off when the engine is not needed,nothing major but not something I expected, no big deal. Highly recommend this car to someone who wants something different and gets great mpg.

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  Tire size for replacement HUGE problem - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Julie - November 14 - 3:20 am

  When considering this vehicle, dont overlook the cost of replacing the tires! The OEM tires do not hold up, even after proper rotation/balance care. At 33,000 I must replace the tires + there are only 3 tires that exist for this make/model! And two of those rated really low (poor handling, fast wear), which means the remaining choice is extremely hard to find + very expensive. Tires aside, my mileage is 17.5-22 (burbs vs. highway). ok, not great. Cabin noise is quiet, handle, fit + finish is a Toyota ... great! Next car purchase, I will always look at tire size + availability.

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  love it - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By s. munger - November 13 - 5:06 am

  We just got the 06 LE 8 passenger. Very functional for our family with 2 kids. Drives nice, lots of room, interior can be changed to fit our needs, good fuel economy (compared to my prior SUV). The ride could be a little quieter tho.

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  REDESIGNED 2006 RAV4 ROCKS - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By doodledn - November 12 - 11:36 pm

  Owned 99 4Runner which I loved - wanted something smaller that was roomy enough for surfboards that had better gas mileage. I COULDNT BE HAPPIER WITH MY PURCHASE!!! Better mileage, smoother ride (camry chasis), more HP... quality of vehicle is top shelf! Back seats come down easily, storage and access throughout vehicle grade A. Hats off to Toyota... I get compliments on the vehicle all the time...

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  Great for us seniors - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By larry - November 12 - 9:23 pm

  The auto is very easy to drive.Acceleration is more than adequate. Provides a quiet drive with few gas stops.

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  Glad I made the change - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Brad - November 12 - 9:13 pm

  I had an 02 Honda Accord, 4 cyl., and wanted better mileage. I did a lot of research, and didnt find a better price for the mileage. Ive only had it 3 days now, but I love the car. Small tweaks to the interior (longer arm rest/center console, and someplace to rest a cell phone) would be great. My only complaint in the rear view mirror. Im 59", and the mirror is right in my line of vision for intersection traffic. Im going to have my dealer move it up. Great ride, I have no problem with road noise.

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  Get your hands on a Toyota! - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By John - November 12 - 10:23 am

  Friends thought I was crazy selling my 07 Civic Si, and perhaps I was. Yet one month later I purchased the Yaris and dont miss the Si at all! Who needs 0-60 in 5.3 seconds? The Yaris is an economical, quality, and well thought out car by the Japanese automaker. I like the aerodynamics of the car, not to mention all the nooks and crannies. Fuel economy is on a par with the Prius, and the Prius costs about 10k more. Frankly, Ill take the Yaris at 15k and 10k of free gas. The hatchback is also fun to drive. I am 63" and have plenty of head and adequate legroom. The convenience pkg upgrade is worth the price.

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  Perfect Solution for a greeny w/ 3 kids! - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Julia - November 12 - 10:03 am

  We just had our 3rd child and this has been perfect for us! I was dreading getting a bigger vehicle but Ive fallen in love with this car! Such a smooth ride and we can fit an infant car seat, a 7 year old in a booster seat and a 9 year old all in the second row, but if they want more room one of the older kids can sit in the 3rd row! With the third row up its hard to fit other things in the back, but if we wanted more room we would have gotten a mini van! Its fun watching the gas mileage and I love when the engine shuts off because weve slowed down or stopped. Love how it charges the battery going down hill! I love the look of it. It would be nice if it was a little higher off the ground.

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  My review - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Jim - November 12 - 4:06 am

  Great reliable fun car to drive; excellent fuel economy. Nice look on the road, but nothing special, though the S and XLS models are more sporty than my CE. But, then I dont really go for all that sporty buff that just adds weight. I prefer a nice sporty design without the buff, like the Lexus sports car. Not the most comfortable car to drive; there just seems like there is no way to adjust the seat and tilt steering for a comfortable driving position; reaching the outdated-looking sound system controls are a stretch when reclining back in the drivers seat. The steering wheel doesnt have many tilt positions. Also, the dash and center console lighting are oddly different colors.