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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  Prius replaced Ford Ranger - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By MSDickerson - July 9 - 2:33 am

  slight instability at high speeds. Noticed that it accelerated much better than my Ford Ranger. Extremely quite car. Interior misdesigned piece center arm rest is too low. Gear shift hides some controls. Snow driving was fine being front wheel drive. Used tire chains and still achieved about 40 mpg while chains on car. Plenty of power - CVT is unique in that there is no shifting . It is actually nice though in that as soon as you let off the gas, then engine goes away)..

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  Exellent car - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Jim - July 7 - 11:26 pm

  Best luxury car Ive ever driven. I got ventilated seats in the front that is air conditioned and heated. I also love my mirrors which are self adjusting so if someone puts on their blinders my mirrors adjust to keep the lights out of my eyes at night.

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  Love my V6 SE - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Joanne - July 7 - 4:26 pm

  I purchased this car used from a reputable dealer in my area. It was a repossession with 10,000 miles on it. It is loaded with everything imaginable. Leather, sunroof, V6 3.5L, 6 speed trans, and a rare body ground effects kit w/spoiler & skirt. Chrome everything, bluetooth, remote start, fog lights. I absolutely love it. Talk about fast, 0-60 mph in about 5 seconds, and the gas mileage is amazing. The heated leather seats are the best, and the many seat adjustments make my driving experience a pleasure. If I had to buy this car again, I would never go back to a four cyl. car or a car with cloth seats. I am very satisfied with my purchase and would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Good Value For The Price - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By bgbowers - July 7 - 12:40 pm

  I have owned this car for 2.3 years putting approximately 23,000 miles per year on it. I bought the Base model. Wanted to get the Limited but my head would hit the roof line occasionally when going over bumps because of the sun roof intrusion into the cabin. The car has given me no mechanical problems and Ive never taken it back to the dealer for any issue. I wanted a vehicle with both all wheel drive and 4 wheel drive capability. However, recognize that this vehicle is not designed for off-road use. No rattles or squeaks have developed. Car handles very well, but OEM tires wear out quickly, lasted 1 year. Actually this is good so you can replace them with ones of good quality.

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  Sport Sedan With Power !!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By casey - July 7 - 5:46 am

  After looking for many months I decided to go with a Barcelona Red SE V6 Camry. So far I have loved the car. It has room of a sedan and the sportyness of a coupe.The ride is smooth and does not feel like you are driving a big boat.The car in the SE version handles very well and is quite at the same time. And when needed the car has plenty of power while shifting very smooth.

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  Love it!!! - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By susan - July 7 - 4:40 am

  Ive owned Ford Explorer, Jeep Cherokee, Dodge Durango - this is my SECOND Sequoia, what does that say about the car? Ultimate in comfort; Ive got two 65" family members, and the four of us (plus 2 large Rottweilers) are comfortable in this great car on a weekly 3-hour drive to New England ski areas! The power folding exterior mirrors are a godsend when getting on and off the ferry. . . if this car could get great gas mileage, it would be perfect (we get 17 city and 20 highway).

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  Great Purchase - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By Jen - July 7 - 2:30 am

  Bought mine new in late 2003. Have not been sorry except for when I have people or luggage to haul, and even the luggage can be worked around. This car gets great gas mileage and I have never gotten more compliments on a vehicle than this. I always have people telling me how "cool" my car is and it is now approaching 5 years old. The only thing, other than a little more backseat space that I would like is a few more "electronic" features loike sterring wheel stereo controls, etc, but for the money, it is a great car and who cares about the stereo when you cant drive the car because of mechanical issues? Reliable and a lifesaver right now because of gas prices, I STILL love my Celica.

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  Love my car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Knight - July 6 - 9:00 pm

  Love the color sand mica, drives very nice, turns around on a dime. Seats are very comfortable, and really like the heated seat feature. I didnt care about getting the sun roof but now I like it. Hope this one lasts me a long time, thats why I bought a Toyota.

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  Goodbye Suburban - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By Figure8 - July 6 - 8:20 pm

  Since picking up our new Sequoia last week, weve driven 900 miles and this is my initial reaction. WOW! Traded 08 suburban and no regrets. At 61", more comfortable seating, tighter turning radius, smoother trans. and quiet like a Lexus. Sound system w/JBL & NAV is easy with IPOD integration. Passing and maintaining 80 on the HWY is now easy and less stressful than our LTZ Sub. Nimble in town, second row space and leg room cannot be beat. No more kicking dads seat from the teenagers.

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  Not Quite Ready for Prime Time - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Terry - July 6 - 8:50 am

  My 2006 Avalon XLS is overall a great car. It has major drawbacks in the "drive by wire" trans; it cant seem to find its gear when your slowing down. If you speed up, it revs and then lunges, meanwhile nothing is happening to move you forward. This is a safety and fuel economy issue. The in-town, surface street mileage is awful, about 12-14 mpg, as is the stop and go driving and in-traffic mileage. On the open road, it gets great mileage, and has the power needed to get up and go. Ive had some bad fit and finish experiences: side turn signal mirrors were distorted after 2 tries to replace; still working on wind noise from side windows, way too loud. Magnetic signs damage the paint.