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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  Excellent choice - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Blaze - August 2 - 8:03 am

  I love this car, both inside and out. I am getting 35 mpg on average and I think this number will go up after the winter is over. This car has everything I need and is a great commuter vehicle. It is roomy inside, I had two snowboards and some other equipment in the back with the back seats folded down and another person on the passenger side, no problem at all.

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  Love this truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Ethylene - August 2 - 7:50 am

  The Tundra has plenty of power and drives very smoothly. It can readily handle the twisty roads and hills of WV. The handling is responsive and its easy to park. It rides high enough to see ahead. I havent towed with it yet, but the power is evident and I dont expect any problem at all. I really love this truck. A lot of computerized stuff like all vehicles, but all works as advertised and no glitches. Lots of gauges so I know whats going on, including a tire pressure warning light. I liked that air and the 6 speed auto trans are standard features. And Toyota adds enough nice touches that it doesnt look like a basic "work" truck.

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  Just what I was looking for my next car - 2015 Toyota Venza
  By Smokie - August 2 - 2:18 am

  You will not be disappointed with this vehicle. First of all, Its a smooth quiet vehicle, the seats are very comfortable for long trips. I was looking for a wagon type vehicle since I take my mom to doctors etc. This vehicle makes it easy for her to enter in and out of vehicle with no problem. Cargo room is ample. I transported 4 women and all their luggage to Las Vegas. I couldnt believe we all felt comfortable and still had room for additional stuff if needed to take. I received so many complements after returning from our trip. I just love my car, its so enjoyable to drive, love the surround sound, back up camera , and quiet air conditioner. Yes, mileage could be better, but I purchase the V6 for zoom!

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  Very Cool Car! - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By JBL8686 - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I felt good buying this car because of all of the environmental stuff but I really just wanted something that was reliable and had good gas mileage. What I got was much much more. Thanks Toyota for such a great experiance.

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  3 years and still running strong - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dydrmr01 - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Tacoma for 3 1/2 years and I love this truck! I am a first- time Toyota and truck owner, but I am sold. I just rolled 124,000 miles, and besides a timing belt change, I have no major mechanical work needed on this vehicle. They are great trucks, and if you take care of them, theyll take care of you. Not to mention that I live in Hawaii, do a lot of off-roading, and this little stock Toyota keeps pace with the jacked up Chevys and Fords with no problem at all.

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  Enjoyable! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By kitti - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I love it! Smooth ride...quiet...good pickup...easy to handle...easy to park...fun to drive. I love all the options...I have everything except the navigational system. Ive had it for almost 3 months and havent regreted my purchace and wouldnt change my decision to buy it if I could! Ive owned several new cars in my life, and this has got to be one of my favorites...without a doubt!

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  Toyota Matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Robin20 - August 2 - 2:00 am

  This little car has been wonderful for me. I am an outside salesperson. I love the room. I love the mileage. And we have ffound it great for camping. Not real crazy about the plastic deck in the bck. We added padding so that cargo wouldnt slide so much. Other wise, I really like my Matrix.

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  Prius Satisfaction - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Bud Johns - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I was optimistic when I bought this car, but I could not have know how much my family and I would love it. Simply put, I never recall being 100% satisfied with anything, but I cant think of one reasonable improvement for the car. An automotive grand slam.

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  An excellent car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By jjflowers - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Great preformance and punch, especially up hills and on to freeways. VERY powerful.

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  Most fun car ever made. - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Darrin Silverman - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I got my Toyota Prius when I traded in my for Expolrer SuV which I hated. I traded in a $35000 Eddie Bauer Ford for a $20,000 Toyota, took a huge loss and have never been happier. After one 10 minute test drive I bought the Prius. Mine came with the package 8 that has the DVD navigation and 6cd player. I have been averaging about 52mph and at $2.00 a gallon I save $50 a month on gas