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 SUV - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By 6paul11 - December 5 - 2:02 am

  The 2001 4Runner is an outstanding SUV. Reliable, excellent in bad weather, and built to last through the apocalypse. Ever seen the Top Gear episode with the indestructable Toyota? This is the cousin of the Hilux, the car featured in that show. Nothing can take this beast down. Problems are few and far between. 140,000 miles of service life and many more to go.

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  Definitely improved and worth it. - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By Ty - December 4 - 6:13 pm

  We looked at minivans for years before finally buying this. It was not so much the soccer-mom stigma but also the price as you get into the more loaded models. We did not want a stripped down model since this was also for the long trips and outings. The Honda was ok but uncomfortable, lacked the refinement and was too rough-riding for the family. This new Sienna is not spongy but not harsh either. The interior is astonishing and the bells and whistles make a 10 min show-off session to neighbors and relatives. The kids love it and just want to hang out in it all day and my wife proudly calls it the Swagger Wagon. LTD is expensive but compares very well to what 40k buys these days.

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  charlielishas Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By charlielisha - December 4 - 4:06 pm

  I love the car! Very fun to drive. We used to drive a Chevy Aveo, since I test drove a Yaris I traded in the Aveo right away. The Yaris is more stable, quiet, more hp and very fun to drive. The best is its fuel efficiency (40MPG).

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  The Devil Is In the Details - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Savannah Cook - December 4 - 3:40 pm

  I had done so much research on the Prius that I was totally confident in my purchase. I have been so disappointed in some of the design features. The rear window is difficult to see out of because of a bar running horizontally across ... the dash dims when the headlights are turned on, making it difficult to see how fast you are going, and the dash is difficult to see in bright sunlight. The car salesman raved about the new seat fabric, but it is already stained. I would have preferred leather, but was talked out of it. Of course, the gas mileage cant be beat, but its a shame the other elements dont measure up.

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  traditional truck-like SUV - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Minh - December 4 - 2:16 pm

  The front discs on the brake system keeps on getting warped. Some engine parts are noisy for a brand new car.

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  Exceptional value in its class. - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By edward09 - December 4 - 1:50 pm

  2011 Avalon XLS (Canada) has the competiton beat! Excellent front seat comfort with full power lumbar for driver / passenger. More room than Mercedes E350. Lexus features without the price. This car is quite fast and has a controlled stable ride, and uses regular gas, unlike the competiton. Gas mileage has been 7.5l / 100 km - highway (38 MPG - imperial) and 10.5l / 100 km city. The voice reconition is very good, controls well laid-out and nice NAVI system. Lots of room in the back seat with comfortable seating and tilting seatback is functional. Very good trunk space. Both interior and exterior fit and finish are tight with good alignment. Great car for long trips in varied terrain.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Raleigh Neal - December 4 - 1:06 pm

  I have only owned the vehicle for a few weeks, but I can already tell that I made a smart decision in buying this SUV. It is a well made vehicle (no rattles, quiet, excellent interior materials, etc.). I am also suprised at the gas mileage, it is better than I expected at 23-24 mpg on recent trip. I previously owned a Ford Escape, which was also a fine SUV, but the 4Runner is better in every way.

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  Love it!!!! - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By fatvette - December 4 - 10:23 am

  This has been an awesome truck for what I use it for. I bought it new in 2008 and it currently has 31000 mile on it. Although the miles are relativity low I have not had any failures of any type. The truck has been flawless. The truck is very comfortable considering the bench seat but I did add an aftermarket center console/armrest. Having a place to rest your arm made a big improvement over holding it in your lap or resting on the seat. Engine power in more then adequate. Brakes are a little spongy and road noise on this base model is noticeable.

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  Not so much - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Don - December 4 - 9:43 am

  Well what can you say. The seats are not comfortable, the ride is numb and disconnected from the road, wind/road noise is at a premium, very jittery over any type of non-smooth pavement. However, going green is the way to go. We need more of these types of cars only with better execution...

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  I LOVE THIS CAR - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By bob - December 4 - 4:53 am

  The car has been a joy to own. I intend to purchase a new one at the beginning of the new model year. Gas, oil, lube and tires have been the only expense in operating the vehicle.