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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  More Than Expected - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Freemarket2010 - July 20 - 4:23 am

  Picked this up last month. Got it at invoice since the car market is slow and 2009 models are coming. VERY impressed with the car. Drove every hybrid out there and thought the RX400h would be the one but there is really no comparison between the two. The RX is an older, noisier, less luxurious ride than the Highlander and, interestingly, very few people realize that. That may change in 2010 with the new RXh. This Highlander really excels in many areas. Mileage around town has been 26.5 mpg-better than we read here. It is very quiet and the intelligence of the interior layout is impressive. This is my wifes car and shes coming from a Lexus LS430 Ultra and she is more than satisfied.

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  You Wont Believe My Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Gerard Chapin - July 20 - 2:20 am

  Do you live in New Jersey? Well I do. Do you know its the most densely populated state? Well, I do. There are cars everywhere because we lack the mass transportation network needed and we want the freedom of the automobile offers us. Therefore there are frequent traffic jams. When Im driving my 2004 Toyota Prius I get better mileage when the speeds are slower. So at least if Im not saving time Im at least saving money. The Prius has suprising pickup for highway merging since both the elctical system and the combustion system kick in. Air conditioning runs on the battery which in turn is charged by driving and braking. Mileage has been consistently at 50 mpg in the warm weather. Prius

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  Candy Red - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By cfc - July 19 - 9:43 pm

  Purchased this car for daughter and not only does she love driving it but her mother and I do also. Very quiet, little road noise, excellent steering and also solid riding vehicle. Sharp looking and love the trunk lots of space even without the added advantage of the back seat laying down. Would definitely purchase another Camry.

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  2004 Prius an excellent performer - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Joseph R. Pulley - July 19 - 6:10 pm

  Handles well, 50+ mpg, good for hauling large items. Body integrity excellent. Auto headlight dimmers, automatic door locking and auto brake release

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  Almost perfect - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By steve - July 19 - 7:10 am

  I test drove the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima . The Camry had a more pleasant ride and thats a difficult chore in the streets of NYC . Quiet and responsive was the Camry , with excellent fuel economy. Me being quite tall at 6 4 inches I felt very comfortable but the only drawback Ive experienced is on long drives. I find myself making a few adjustments to the drivers seat to get comfortable. Other than that the car is a perfect buy for a family of 4. Trunk space fits 2 large suitcases with no problem and the gas mileage on the highway at 55 is 34. Very happy with the purchase and looking forward to many years of reliability. After all its a Toyota.

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  Fantastic Car in todays economy - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Scott - July 19 - 7:00 am

  Ive had this car since 2/08, and its quickly become the car most driven in our family. True MPG of 47-48 mph. Note -- Mileage poor for first 5 minutes of driving, while engine charges battery, and fluids are heated. After that, mileage superlative. For 30 minute work commutes, it is unbeatable. I have gotten over 50 mpg for a tankful before, and never below 46 mpg. Pickup is not great, but is adequate. Comfort level is outstanding; radio sound quality superb; seating very comfortable; easily fits 4 adults. This is an outstanding vehicle.

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  Excellent small SUV with Mid Size room - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By bholabhala - July 19 - 6:56 am

  I have a V6 with beige interior black exterior. The vehicle is unbeleivebly fast and fuel efficient. I am clocking 24MPG (Combined HWY & City) and 29 MPG highway mileage. This is real good for a V6 SUV.

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  Cruising Smoothly!! - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Dee - July 19 - 6:26 am

  My Spider belonged to a family member who could not let go! I took over the hot rod and love every single minute with it. It looks and rides like a Porsche just less expensive. It rides like new. I absolutely love it and would love another one. My only complaint is the top. Wished it was automatic and hands free. Other than that I would get another one. Sharp Smart and great on the road! I always get asked what kind of car is that it is HOT!!! I have a midnight blue with black interior. Its a hottie...

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  sienna - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By Carol Burhenn - July 19 - 6:23 am

  I love this car. Mileage is about 27 miles /gal. highway. The ride is great and I love the spaciousness. I can drive long distances without tiring. The only things that I would change are some of the things that Toyota has done with the new ones - 2nd seat side windows should move, back seats should drop into the floor. I do wish that they would have put an outdoor thermometer on it.

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  97 T-100 - 1997 Toyota T100
  By DC Mike - July 19 - 2:00 am

  My T-100 has been amazing!! Ive had it since it was a baby at only 15,000 miles, and it now has 122,000 miles. It runs like a swiss watch, the only thing I have done to it is replace the front brakes, and change the oil, tune up is coming soon. Ive beaten the crap out of it off road, and driven it a TON on the highway, rides like a Cadillac.