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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  I love the new Corolla! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By soccergurl - May 27 - 10:00 am

  I never liked Corollas until I saw the new 2003 models. I love my sporty S model and often think it resembles a Lexus when I see it in a parking lot! Oh... and it practically has the same engine as a Celica GT...but at a much lower price.

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  Fun but not really a family vehicle - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By agrizzaffi - May 27 - 1:40 am

  We purchased the FJ in April after husband fell in love with it. I too really like the vehicle but have found that the "suicide" type doors do not function well with a family. Getting in and out (especially in tight parking spaces) can be a real nuisance with kids. Also found that the sun visors are of little use because of the interior design. One other flaw that we have found is that the windshield is a rock magnet!! The straight up and down offers no deflection of rocks. Let me say again, we really love this vehicle, but are trading it in on a 4Runner simply because of the door issue which we thought would not be as big a problem as it was. If it came in a true 4 door wed keep it!

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  First Toyota - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By Robert T. Paige - May 26 - 2:36 pm

  This is my first Toyota. The decision was based on a rental car - we liked it so well that we bought the Corolla instead of the Ford Fusion we had been considering. The interior seems much more of an upgrade from the previously owned Mercury Sable, also more room , especially legroom. Wife and daughter rate the cloth seating much more comfortable than the leather in the Sable. The instrument panel is the thing which I look at most of the time (LOL)and that is one of the features I like best. In town gas mileage has been consistent at 30-to-31 miles per gallon and on a trip Texas-to California, cruising 65 MPH from 39-to-41 MPG. Styling sort of grows on you.

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  Stop your shopping!!!! - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Joe Budget - May 26 - 8:26 am

  I have owned two Altimas and a Mazda 6 in the last 22 months and put over 52,000 miles on them. The Camry rides better than any of those hands down! Smoother, quieter, better fuel economy for comparable dollars. I have averaged 30 mpg and really enjoy driving this car. The 4 banger has plenty of power and you can go over 500 miles on a tank of gas. Great fit and finish and very quiet. The trunk is much bigger than the Altima and the rear end does not sag down when you load it up.(like the Altima) The Altima averaged only 26 miles per gallon and had much more road noise. Toyota has done a GREAT JOB with this car and I Highly recommend it. Smooth, quiet and great economy. I love it!!!

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  I love this car! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By maltesemommy - May 25 - 11:40 am

  I really love this car. Consistently 50 mpg (75% highway driving). More when I stick around town. The smart key feature is wonderful!!! When I get into my husbands car, I forget that I need to use a key! The ride is great for a lightweight car and I feel very secure with all of the airbags. I would recommend this car to anyone who wants great MPG and something fun to drive!

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  Great Car for 7 yrs - a/c not so great - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By Monique - May 24 - 9:06 pm

  Only serious probs Ive had with Black Beauty are with the a/c. I live in Phx, so you know it gets hot as hell outside. Once the temps hit about 110, the air stops cooling. Dealership said it was the compressor, so fixed that 8 months ago for just over 1K. Now another summer hits and same problem. They now say its the evap valve.. another 1K. Ive been told it has a really "small system" for the coolant, so doesnt hold much. Id recommend the car if you dont have kids (very small back seat) and dont live in very hot climates requiring A/C for a good part of the year. Most importantly though, it is very reliable and a fun little ride and its a beautiful car.

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  An excellent ride - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Tim - May 24 - 4:23 pm

  Havent had our 3rd Prius a full year yet, so Im not really sure how many miles Ill drive it / year. (My wife has one, and we had a 2001 1st gen. model.) Excellent gas mileage (this tank: 55), although is lower in winter (low-mid 40s). I always marvel at the tight turning radius. The backup camera makes parking so much more easy. Plenty of room - 5 adults PLUS a good amount of cargo room in the hatchback area. Once, I-66 was stopped. I get in the HOV lane, floor it, drop 0.1MPG, get to 60 in about 10sec. Ive gotten it to 85 before I realized how fast I was going - gotta watch it, the Prius is too smooth. Most fillups are about 7.5gal. Not bad at all.

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  First Time Avalon Owner - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Bassplayer - May 24 - 1:53 pm

  I am impressed with my 2006 Limited. I especially like the effortless ride, bright lights, and power that the car delivers while getting 30 miles to a gallon on the highway.

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  Better every day - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By 2whl - May 23 - 9:30 am

  I love this truck - and the more I drive it the more I like it. The nav system is great. Bluetooth for cell phone is nice. Powertrain is amazing - smooth and strong. My kids love the back seat room. Get a tube step, its a big step up without one if youre less than 6ft. MPG is poor & getting worse(13-14 mixed driving), & my friends DC 4x2 5.7 is beating me by 4mpg, which is a big mpg hit for the CM 4x4. Reading dash gauges is like looking at them thru a tube-these could be better. Gas gauge is VERY pessimistic, says Im empty when I still have 5 gal. Reflection of clock on windshield at night. I get lots of positive comments on the truck. I dont miss my F250 Crew diesel at all.

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  Smooth, Solid Ride - 2007 Highlander - 2007 Toyota Highlander
  By Jon - May 23 - 5:33 am

  Weve only owned our 2007 Toyota Highlander for about 10 days but we love it. We ordered a Limited RAV4 months ago and got tired of waiting for that to arrive. We waited about 100 days after ordering, and were told that it might be 100 more days. We saw the Highlander -- hadnt really considered it because we drew the line on price and fuel efficiency previously in going with the RAV, but the price came down to the point we could afford it, and the gas mileage is acceptable, and the comfort is excellent. Im a Toyota fan -- I drove a T-100 pickup to 230K miles with minimal expense. Although were dissappointed with the non-availabiliy of the Limited RAV, it was a blessing in disguise --