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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  SE perform different from other Camry - 2014 Toyota Camry
  By chad_sh - December 24 - 10:16 pm

  Test drove the LE and SE, I actually liked the steering feel of the SE, but the LE ride much better. We settled on the SE since the wife like the trim. I will say, the SE steering is a bit too sensitive. I tend to drift on highway, and it jerks when I make adjustment. It maybe my driving pattern.

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  Love the Yaris Liftback - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By bws2 - December 24 - 9:50 pm

  This is a terrific small car that is fuel efficient and easy to handle... great for parking in snug spots. Has lots of hidden storage and is very roomy for its size. This car turns heads and is fun to drive. The negative to this car is the engine runs loud, especially at about 45-60 mph ~ but then at higher or lower speeds it has a nice comfortably low engine sound... it just takes getting used to. The seats are very comfortable and made to be supportive. I love the instrument panel being in the center and often wonder why it being behind the steering wheel never bothered me all those years ~ it is actually very user friendly. This is a great affordable car IF you can find one on a lot!

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  Very happy with our purchase - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By BKNY - December 24 - 1:50 pm

  Enjoying this van even more than we expected. Just completed road trip halfway across USA (2700mi round trip) with our infant and preschooler and the van was quieter and more comfortable than many of the hotels we stayed in. Very smooth, versatile, comfortable and dependable, avgd 25+mpg loaded down with AC full on - even over the mountains & back. Drives great, power is there when needed. Highly recommended for families with small children & all the associated stuff. Smart layout, fold- down front console is simply brilliant. No more diving for the pacifier. Cant say enough about how impressed I am with this van. Feels & drives like a Lexus made for baby seats & strollers.

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  Toyotas Buick - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Great long distance vehicle. We have put 15,000 miles in a little over a year and this vehicle is flawless.. This is the one for road trips.

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  Happy - 1994 Toyota 4Runner
  By Fred145 - December 24 - 10:00 am

  No problems to date. Extremely happy with the reliability. General maintenance only performed.

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  Step Up - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By Cosmic - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Did a lot of research to replace our 92 Caravan - lots of good vehicles out there - this is the best for us in terms of size and standard features. A definite step up from our previous car - 4 speed auto, dual side doors, rear ventilation system, and folding seats. Expect that this will be with us for a long time.

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  1st 6 months - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Lenny P - December 24 - 10:00 am

  This is one great car. I highly recommend. All minor details are thought through carefully. Only gripe is no power antenna unless Limited edition. Drives very much like a car but can handle off road bumps pretty well. Interior is quiet and comfortable. No defects at all to date and I have about 17K already. I had 4Runner before and Highlander actually has more usable room. Probably because it is a little wider. Acceleration is very good. Much better than 4Runner. A Great all-round vehicle as it was designed to be.

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  PRIUS -- THE ONLY HYBRID - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By daveb - December 24 - 9:36 am

  I have logged 140K miles in five years, averaging 45+ mpg. The greatest feature of the car is its rock solid reliability - it still has the original brakes. I like the car so much I just purchased a new 2009. This car may not be everyones cup of tea, but it fits my lifestyle - plenty of room for my family of 4 and the hatchback makes it useful for those occasional runs to Lowes or Home Depot. It is a well engineered vehicle that has retained it rock solid feel over the many miles that it has traveled.

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  Great Car - Very Happy Big Guy - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Steve - December 24 - 4:46 am

  Ive put over 12,000 miles on my new 06 XLS since Feb 1, and I couldnt be happier. Great ride, performance and mileage have made this the BEST car Ive ever owned. I believe this car is the best value on the road. Luxury amenities and ride for a modest price. Im 63", and can sit comfortably in rear seats with the front seats fully back. Short drives around town or long road trips, my Avalon makes driving a pleasure. One warning! It drives so well and cruises so smoothly, I got the first speeding ticket Ive had in 26 years (72 in a 55). It felt like I was going 60. The policeman, while giving me the ticket, commented on how much he liked my ride! Buy this car & enjoy!

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  80,000 miles and counting - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Professor Fred - December 23 - 11:20 pm

  We have over 80,000 miles on our Prius and only bought new tires and oil/filter changes.We have owned over a dozen new vehicles from Ford, Chevy, Pontiac, Dodge and Chrysler and this is the BEST vehicle weve owned. Read more comments on the interior room (my son-in-law is 64" and has more than enough room in the back seat. I have six houses and have hauled 8 foot 2x4s in it and even stoves and clothes dryers. I was in a national test in the "early years" and the mpg was 50.9 for the first two years of driving. It is doing well and I smile each time we fill it up. Cant wait for the 2010 to get 60+ mpg.