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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  2007 V6 Camry XLE - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By djm2 - August 19 - 8:19 pm

  I own a 2007 V6 Camry XLE purchased new from a dealer in New Jersey. The vehicle currently has 87,000 + miles and it has been completely trouble free. The only warranty service that I had done to the vehicle under the extended warranty was the oil line for the VVT. (This was done prior to it leaking when I read about the possibility of it failing on the "net!") The vehicle is only serviced by the selling dealer and I change the engine oil and filter at 2,500 miles. (My choice!) ---- (I DO NOT believe in extended oil / filter change intervals!) I do not have any "sludge" in my engine. At every fuel "fill up" I use an upper cylinder lubricant. (Four ounces to every ten gallons.)

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  Fun and reliable vehicle - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Art Haendel - August 19 - 5:53 pm

  My 2005 Toyota Prius is the most fun to drive, best fuel economy (45-50 mpg) of real world driving that I have ever owned. The vehicle has a 1.5L gasoline engine along with 2 electric motors. This combination provides smooth rapid acceleration. The engines are quiet and vibration free. Controls are conveniently placed, most being duplicated with push buttons on the steering wheel. The interior is suprisingly large. With the rear seats folded down cargo hauling capability is like a small SUV. If you buy the Prius please carefully read the owners manual as the vehicle has some distinctive features different from other cars. The smart key sysem is very convenient. Test drive first.

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  318,000 and still going - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By Laurea McLeon - August 19 - 6:40 am

  My Rav has been in 4 major accidents and has over 318,000 miles on it and it is still going stong. I wouldnt part with this car unless you gave me another one...well maybe if you gave me a Highlander.. :-}

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  Cant beat it - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By goinpstl - August 19 - 1:32 am

  Simply amazing automobile. Ride is quiet and smooth, engine quieter amd more powerful than 03 Camry, much improved interior over last generation. I think Ill take boring quality over exciting driver any day.

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  Great Little Vehicle - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By C Lemons - August 18 - 10:40 pm

  I was always a big SUV driver but, with gas going up almost everyday....I needed a SUV that wasnt a gas hog so, I did my homework on value and cost to own and found the Rav-4. I am so glad I did. Great little SUV, handles good, scoots in and out of traffic, cute as a button and I am getting at least 29 miles to the gallon. Way to Go Toyota.

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  Corolla is still a leader - 2012 Toyota Corolla
  By kenw7 - August 18 - 6:55 pm

  The Corolla still beats the competition. Quality is superb; reliability is well documented. At 34 MPG on the road, figuring $4.25 per gallon, the loss of savings in gas compared to a 40 MPG car is $1,200 over 100,000 miles. The competition is charging thousands more than the Corolla; you will never really save money! The brakes work great, the ride is great; the performance with the automatic transmission is fully acceptable. My Ford and Chrysler cars failed me miserably. I will stay with Toyota. Join me and 100,000 miles from now you will be glad you did too. The "bells and whistles" the competition have will not be much comfort when their car breaks down. Toyota still rules.

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  2000 LTD 4WD 4Runner - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By gknuck - August 18 - 3:46 pm

  This is our second 4Runner. The first was a 1990 SR5 with 167,000 miles on it. We sold it when we moved to Florida. Kept the 2000 model and its got 90,000 miles on it now and still runs like new. We bought it used with 21,000 miles on it in 2002. Its been a great vehicle just like the 90 was. Wished we hadnt sold the 90 4Runner now. We bought it with 70,000 miles on it (90 4Runner). Were currently looking to buy another one for a second car. Most likely another 2000 or 2001.

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  The best car I ever had. - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Patrik Fanning - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I feel bad for anyone who doesnt own a Prius! Im a big guy...and my previous vehicle was a Grand Cheerokee, the Prius has more leg room in the back set with the front seats pushed back than the Jeep. If I could get in and out easily then that was just one more plus. I drive in city traffic the most and my mileage is about 35mpg with start and stop traffic on the road I get up to 48mpg. In the past I havent been a crusader on gas and emission issues, I am now and proud. The price rocks too. Its excellent...age is 52.

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  We love our HIS AND HER TOY - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Kay Aprill - August 18 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I both own a 2004 toyota prius. HIS TOY AND HER TOY both get top ratings from us. We love being GREEN and we love the quiet ride. We both are on the road daily and he is getting 54 miles and I am getting around 50. The secret is to go 55 on highway and drive like a grandma in town!

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  2004 Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Richard Campbell - August 18 - 10:00 am

  All I need to say is test drive one, that is all it took for me. Luckly I ordered mine before the real hit took place, I only had to wait two months for delivery. We drove the car from Washington state to California and only stopped for gas once. It went through the Siskiyou mountain range as if it were flat, plenty of power and handled the curves with ease. The car gets an A+ from me!