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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  Lexus Killer - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By hboggs - March 8 - 2:00 am

  What a vehicle! 20mpg in town in 2-3 mile trips and high 20s on the road. Comfort abounds, room room room. Looked at 2 series MB, but couldnt see the additional $. Drive a Lexus, just more wood & trim, basically the same car for far less $. Ive owned just about everything in my life and for the first 3000 miles its been equal to anything.

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  TRUST ME... THIS CAR IS AWESOME! - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By ToyotaChic - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought the 00 Camry a few years ago, and it hasnt EVER given me problems. The breaks get loose once in a blue moon, but ONLY when you abuse them. The camry is so much fun to drive, its safe, practicle, isnt a gas guzzler (which is GREAT to know now w/high gas prices) and its just AWESOME! really, GET THIS CAR!

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  Excellent, reliable, affordable - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Rxwoman - March 8 - 1:53 am

  I love my Toyota. I bought a corolla ce 2007, used a year ago, for $8800. My old 89 Camry had to be retired because at 230 thousand miles, it was rear ended. It ran to drive home minus a trunk ( it was a hard hit). So far my 07 Corolla has been trouble free, and gets excellent gas mileage ( average 35 mpg town and highway) . Its an economy car, and interior reflects it. Its small. But I have carried 5 people, and a baby in an infant car seat without problem. What more do you want for reliable, efficient, transportation?

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  More than I expected - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By toyotaJ - March 7 - 3:16 pm

  My Rav4 limited v6 is everything I had hoped for and more. Its a hoot to drive with all that smooth power; one has to be careful not to get carried away! No SUV out there can touch it, especially not from the stop light!

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  Love It! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Deborah - March 7 - 5:26 am

  This is the most fun car I have ever had. I love everything about it. True- it does not have all of the fancy bells and whistles, but that is where I save money. Now as we are looking to replace our second car, we coming back to how much we love our Yaris and are talking about getting another. The only way to improve it is to make it a hybrid.

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  04,05,06 Pruis - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Road Scholar - March 6 - 11:33 pm

  Toyota Pruis is best car in world. I have owned 3,presently have an 05 @06. Would not consider any other car. The car is fast,quiet,non polluting,great mileage,excellent trunk space, rear camera, drive by wire. It is a TOYOTA!

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  Owning the RAV4 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Mike Rhodes - March 6 - 11:23 pm

  I own the Limited 2wd version and am extremely happy with the vehicle. Mileage on first tank of gas was 28 mpg (half city & half highway miles). Acceleration and performance are suberb - drives like a 6 cylinder. Smooth handling and terrific turning radius make this vehicle a real pleasure to drive. Satellite radio is awesome and the JBL sound system is excellent. Road noise is almost non- existent (I bought the Toyoguard that most dealers in the Southeast put on their cars - includes soundproofing which works quite well). The cargo capacity is excellent - much better access and capacity than my 98 Pathfinder. I looked at RX 330s, and for the money the RAV4 is much better value.

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  Love my 4Runner ! - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By brian - March 6 - 7:30 pm

  If your looking for an SUV, Look no further. Toyota 4Runner is the way. Bought mine a few days ago. Used 2006, 25000 miles. This truck has everything and more a person can want. I checked out the Nissan Pathfinder and the Dodge NITRO. Was not impressed with either. The 4Runner Sport Edition has not only the looks, but the engine is smooth and the JBL sound system is awesome. Also came with a camera in the rear view mirror so when you back up, you can see if anyone is behind you. Will write another review in 6 months or so. Dont delay, get your 4Runner today!

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  Love it and almost 100k miles! - 2011 Toyota Venza
  By fasteddie11 - March 6 - 7:01 pm

  I bought a 2010 Venza V6 2wd with approximately 20k miles on it in the summer of 2010. It is now August 2013 and I have a little over 98k on the odometer. I love this car! I have had no problems and no issues at all. I am a car freak and typically trade every year. I traded a 2009 Lincoln MKX for this Toyota. I realized that trading so often was simply costing too much so I wanted a car that I could keep for at least 150k miles and looks good...I made the right choice. It has plenty of power and I am averaging approx 20 MPG between city and hwy. I did have a cosmetic issue with a wheel. If you scrape a curb, the wheel paint can start to peel off in large chunks. Besides that, very happy.

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  MY WIFES HIGHLANDER - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By richard - March 6 - 3:10 pm

  We were surprised to see how much comfort and room the Highlander has. This is a for sure winner for us as a family car and long trips. I feel we made a wise decision on being able to save gas over other SUVs. We were also surprised to find that we were able to get this mini-SUV with a lot of optional equipment, including a dvd/tv/game flip-down sys. And perma plate for a low price verses the others. Again this vehicle rides smooth, quiet and comfortable. Thanks Toyota. From now on youÂ’re our first choice. Thanks for all those air bags.