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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  great - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By Big Ballar - July 16 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car that i have driven in my whole life. The feel when i speed up and drive is amazing. I love this car.

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  This is a great car! - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Mark Buchholz - July 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 1995 Camry Wagon with high milage banking on its reliability and Toyota name. I was not let down. Other than regular maintainace I have had no problems with the car and I now have 200K on it! It handles just like a car even though it is a wagon and the 3rd seat in the back comes in handy when you have a few more kids to take with you. The engine and transmission are still running great with no issues. There is some rust around the back wheel wells which is a problem here in the NE. This car is a keeper!

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  Excellent Choice - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By ShadowRunner - July 16 - 2:00 am

  After the last gas price spike I knew my gas guzzeling days were numbered. When I saw this car being unloaded off the delivery truck I knew I had to have it and was estatic to see it was a Prius. It handles just as well as my 02 Camry - very smooth, nimble & quiet. I find myself watching the energy monitor a lot (perhaps I need to keep my eyes more on the road) but its facinating to watch the goings on in the car. Inside is very comfy. My tall husband has plenty of head room and its sure a head turner.

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  Great car and reasonably prices - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By ah7771 - July 16 - 2:00 am

  All that youd expect from Toyota in terms of quality. You feel like youre in a Lexus when you deck this thing out with all the options like navigation, etc. V-6 is strong through most used RPM ranges

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  4 Runner Limited - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By George F. Bova Jr. - July 16 - 2:00 am

  Just Purchased 2004 4Runner and it is my first Toyota and it was by far my best investment. The ride and reliability in a SUV cannot be beat.

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  04 SR5 4runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By keitho - July 16 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased the 05 SR5 4WD with the V8 and absolutely love it. Definitely better since the redesign in 03. Finally offered the 3rd seat option which is a definite plus. However, the 3rd seat eliminated the option for the sunroof(which I still dont understand) and any possibility to upgrade the stereo system! Ive also noticed that w/3rd seat, the middle row seat is definitely not as comfortable but certainly worth the trade-off. V8 is definitely the way to go versus the V6 with only a minimal decrease in gas mileage......Styling is awesome!

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  Great car - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By JUpasosi - July 16 - 2:00 am

  I love this car and got it for a great price

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  2011 Cocoa Bean Limited - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By John - July 15 - 3:30 pm

  Just purchased my first Avalon. Ive been looking at them for a couple of years. The 2011 has everything I wanted and then some. Smooth and quite ride, with the best sound system on the market. Ive owned a Sienna and a Prius and am now trading in a Honda CR-V. Look forward to enjoying many comfortable miles on the highway.

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  Uncomfortable Drivers Seat - 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By Kadena - July 15 - 2:59 pm

  I have a 2014 Avalon Hybrid XLE Touring. The drivers seat is too firm and not enough padding for me. I took the car to a reputible upholstery shop and had additional foam padding added to the drivers seat. It is very comfortable now. I have had no problems with this car at all. The ride is very smooth and quiet. It handles good. I intend to keep it for a long time.

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  Great Choice - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Bob S - July 15 - 9:43 am

  Had a 96 4Runner and decided to get another, the 2008 Limited 4WD. The only Japanese SUV with a solid axle - I tow a 3000 lb boat. The 6 has lots of pep for towing on the weekends. I dont feel like Ive given up any towing by not getting the 8 (but I bet the 8 can really tow) and benefit from good mileage during the week. The car is solid, nav and Bluetooth are excellent. Backup camera allows me to line up the tow hitch, a valuable option for me. I did remove all the 4Runner badging - one of the only Toyotas to have the badging on the sides of the car. AC controls are Gameboyish, but I keep the Auto climate control on all the time (even when towing), so dont use them.