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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  2007 Toyota Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Mr driver - November 7 - 9:50 am

  Performance: The Yaris gives you the feeling that you are in a golf cart and keeping up with normal/slow traffic is tough, with 106 hp, you will not pass anyone who dosent slow down for you! Comfort: Compromised by the fact that seating 5 people will make it all but impossible to get up to the speed limit before the next stop. Ride: Smooth but the drivers seat sits awkward if youre tall because of where the steering wheel is mounted due to the cramped interior. Fuel: I havent been able to get more than 389 miles out of a full tank which is 34.5 miles a gallon when averaging between city and highway. Good fuel economy but the 1998 Corolla got almost as good about 2 miles less a gallon + 140hp.

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  my little prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By gerald shook - November 7 - 2:06 am

  My only complaint is the touch screen.. when it is cold, it is nearly black when it is bright outside the message is almost wiped out. I made a cardboard shield, painted flat black(inside), taped it to the border, and could then see the message in bright sunlight. You should offer this!! I love this car!!

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  best car ever - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By eric mulford - November 6 - 7:50 pm

  the car is great but the gas mileage could be better. other than that it is fun to drive and is a big truck. I would recomend this truck for anyone that wants a good reliable car that wont quit on you

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  160k and still going - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4 runner - November 6 - 7:36 pm

  Great vehicle. I have driven 160k on 2 sets of tires, original battery and original timing belt.

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  great car to own - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By downey owner - November 6 - 10:03 am

  We really love this car. Its great on gas, its fun to drive, it looks small but its roomy inside and comfortable.

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  Pretty Freakin Sweet - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Mattp2425 - November 6 - 9:00 am

  The 1.5 4 speed engine in this lightweight, low-to-the-ground package has all the get-up n go youd ever need for safe driving on a fast highway. Picks up from 75 to 110 w/no problem. Good performance in 3rd & 4th gear. Very little low end (duh). Nice tight turning radius, which is quite a compliment since my other car is a Wrangler. Ergonomics: cozy but Im baffled by the cup holder behind my steering wheel. I guess I could keep my phone & wallet in there. The flint mica S trim looks tight & will look better with a few inexpensive tricks. 18" chrome rims, 35% window tint & Im in the air about the bra. That almost-vertical front end is distinctive but it could eat some stones on the hwy.

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  2008 Toyota Prius - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By CAS - November 6 - 8:06 am

  Owned Honda 2000, very disappointed in fuel economy. Researched hybrid, even though honda had a hybrid didnt like the fact back seat did not go down. Toyota prius has it, 3 weeks so far great, 50+ mpg even with the mountains we have around here, wish it had lumbar support, other than that needs no improvement.

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  Love it but improve all fabric & carpet - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By nanat94 - November 6 - 5:26 am

  Please note that the interior is black... not first, but only choice in the metroplex. I love driving the car and the design is great. Importantly, the one-inch difference between this updated model and the Highlander (previously owned the 2002) means a $10,000 savings. I can live easier with the lesser standard interior fabrics!).

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  LOVIN THE RAV 4 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Jim - November 6 - 4:43 am

  I bought the 2006 Toyota Rav 4 Sport and I love it. This is my first SUV. The Rav is spacious and very agile. It has a BMW X3 look to it and I get alot of compliments on it. The ride is smooth and off road it handles like a charm. The 2.4 liter is pretty good on gas on my stop and go commute to work.

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  Meryl Streep is right! - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By donallen - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Meryl Streep (who owns a one) asks "why doesnt everyone drive a Prius?" Toyota engineering brilliance has seen to it that theres no sacrifice to getting 50 mpg. This is a solid, comfortable, roomy, powerful, well-made sedan that delivers the mileage Toyota says it will.