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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  Raves for the Rav4 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Pam Tarpey - October 11 - 11:20 am

  My husband and I traded in our second mid-sized SUV for the Rav4 and are thrilled with the car. The 4 cylinder is peppy and the car looks and feels like a luxury automobile. The inside rear compartment is smartly layed out and easy to adjust with the touch of a button. The car was originally for my husband, but I like it so much that I am trading in my treasured convertible so that I can drive this gem. We tested all of the competition, but as far as value, looks and being fun to drive, none even came close. It is our first Toyota, but it wont be our last!

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  Fun to drive, cool to own - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Charles - October 11 - 10:30 am

  Since getting rid of my Wrangler (with the anticipation of a second child), I didnt have a great deal of choices for a good off-road SUV that would accommodate them. Enter the FJ and the 4- door Wrangler. I love the style of the Wrangler but thats where it ends. Safety #1, Power and Fuel Economy #2, Capabilites #3, and Amenities #4 all point toward the FJ. It wins in every category. The FJ is powerful, drives great, and is styled differently enough to stand out in a sea of 4-Runners and Xterras. I have two small girls and we get around in it great. True, it has less back seat room than my wifes RX 330 but it is adequate. What is given up in some area is more than made up for in others.

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  Prius Rules! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By AspenGirl - October 11 - 8:16 am

  My Prius is the best item I have ever purchased. Im getting an average 51 MPG and love driving it. Its really fun and responsive. The pick up is so much more than I expected. Stop considering it and just buy it! The next generation needs clean air! BTW...I gave up my loaded Sienna Van and have no regrets. The Prius is loaded with high tech fun and comfort!

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  my experience - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Jim - October 10 - 1:56 pm

  I get 35 mpg mixed driving and love the smooth handling and great quality and service. This is a great car and one of the best I have ever written a check for.

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  Judge Me By My Size, Do You? - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By Joshua - October 10 - 11:14 am

  Im a 20-something college graduate who works in the film industry and drives across the country regularly. My priorities are functionality and pragmatism. My 2014 Prius C (lovingly appended "-3P0") was the first *new* car I ever bought, and in the 12 months I owned it I had put 45,000 miles on it driving from Albuquerque to Los Angeles, Seattle to Oklahoma City, and more. Its not a luxurious cruise, but I always felt safe, and the vehicle consistently performed as expected (a massive boon to the long drives is the flawlessly integrated bluetooth system). If you take care of this car as instructed, and I dont mean hand-polishing your paint job once a week, but simply driving smart and providing regular maintenance, itll work very hard for you. Lets talk about size for a moment. Inside, the fold-down seats provide you with substantial storage space for a vehicle in the class. Transporting grip equipment like tripods and steadicams, is generally no problem as long as you organize your cases appropriately. And as for my *favorite* aspect of this car, PARKING, I am simply smitten with the profile of this vehicle. Maybe its because Im a European living in the states, but I cant imagine driving a car larger than this and still being able to find parking in downtown LA--or almost anywhere in LA--on short notice during any given day. Now for some exaggerated criticism. Ive had friends tell me that driving this car is not unlike riding a large turtle (I for one happen to respect the longest-living mammal on this planet). Merging onto the highway? Either slam on that gas pedal and listen to your engine scream as the acceleration meter runs red, or stay in the green and ignore the scowls of zooming passerbys blaring their horns. This isnt a threat. More of a warning. At the end of the day, I loved my little C-3P0 and dont for one second regret choosing him over the Yaris, Fiesta, Sonic, or Dart. But as it looks like Ill be driving a lot less in the days to come, I decided to trade him in for a fresh start, and after perusing all the new 2016 models of the aforementioned selections for which I am obviously a target consumer (including a very frisky crimson Scion iA whispering my name) I drove off the dealership with another Prius C. I have no regrets (I mean, just look at that gorgeous front bumper). Now I just have to find a good name...

• 

  Judge Me By My Size, Do You? - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By Joshua - October 10 - 11:14 am

  Im a 20-something college graduate who works in the film industry and drives across the country regularly. My priorities are functionality and pragmatism. My 2014 Prius C (lovingly appended "-3P0") was the first *new* car I ever bought, and in the 12 months I owned it I had put 45,000 miles on it driving from Albuquerque to Los Angeles, Seattle to Oklahoma City, and more. Its not a luxurious cruise, but I always felt safe, and the vehicle consistently performed as expected (a massive boon to the long drives is the flawlessly integrated bluetooth system). If you take care of this car as instructed, and I dont mean hand-polishing your paint job once a week, but simply driving smart and providing regular maintenance, itll work very hard for you. Lets talk about size for a moment. Inside, the fold-down seats provide you with substantial storage space for a vehicle in the class. Transporting grip equipment like tripods and steadicams, is generally no problem as long as you organize your cases appropriately. And as for my *favorite* aspect of this car, PARKING, I am simply smitten with the profile of this vehicle. Maybe its because Im a European living in the states, but I cant imagine driving a car larger than this and still being able to find parking in downtown LA--or almost anywhere in LA--on short notice during any given day. Now for some exaggerated criticism. Ive had friends tell me that driving this car is not unlike riding a large turtle (I for one happen to respect the longest-living mammal on this planet). Merging onto the highway? Either slam on that gas pedal and listen to your engine scream as the acceleration meter runs red, or stay in the green and ignore the scowls of zooming passerbys blaring their horns. This isnt a threat. More of a warning. At the end of the day, I loved my little C-3P0 and dont for one second regret choosing him over the Yaris, Fiesta, Sonic, or Dart. But as it looks like Ill be driving a lot less in the days to come, I decided to trade him in for a fresh start, and after perusing all the new 2016 models of the aforementioned selections for which I am obviously a target consumer (including a very frisky crimson Scion iA whispering my name) I drove off the dealership with another Prius C. I have no regrets (I mean, just look at that gorgeous front bumper). Now I just have to find a good name...

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  2003 Tundra - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Dan King - October 10 - 2:26 am

  I have driven my Tundra under a variety of conditions. For highway driving, the Tundra handles like a car and the V-8 engine gives you acceleration on request. In winter conditions, the Tundra is nimble when maneuvering through snow covered roads. Like any machine, the Tundra has a few weaknesses. The braking is good but you will encounter pulsation with a quick slow down. The vehicle is hard on fuel, particularly if driven fast or when towing. For the most part, I am pleased with the truck. Although full size, the Tundra is a little more compact than North American pick-up trucks. Combine this with car like handling, and it makes the Tundra an ease to drive.

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  Love this car - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Amy - October 9 - 8:30 pm

  I love this car. I traded my 06 Corolla S because I liked the body style and more interior room on the 09. Great car and I will probably always drive a Corolla.

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  Very good for the price - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Ron - October 9 - 7:00 pm

  I bought the car while Toyota had $2000 cash back deals. I got additional $400 military discount. The price was phenomenal. This is my second Corolla. I owned 1997 Corolla and it did not give me any problem. With the new one, I average about 27-30 mpg per tank (80% city & 20% hwy). I have standard stereo and the sound quality is very decent. Overall, Im very happy with the car.

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  Love my Prius! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Beth - October 9 - 1:43 pm

  Ive never been so happy with a purchase. Its exceeded my expectations in almost every way. Even the non-believers (i.e., the SUV and pickup drivers I know) who have test- driven mine admit that its a great car. Ive actually discovered that you get the best mileage when you use the cruise control on a highway as long as you dont go over 70 mph.