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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  Well Rounded Sedan - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Ron Moore - September 6 - 12:46 am

  This is my first Toyota! Finally getting away from SUVs. It handles well, and surprised me with the quick acceleration. We bought it for its size, but it gets really good gas mileage! The CD changer is nice, but would have liked the option for the JBL system on the Touring edition. Overall, we are really satisified, lots of features and luxury ... This car is really a Lexus!!

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  former Ford owner - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Dan - September 5 - 9:40 pm

  engine is great, mpg is fantastic for an suv on the highway. Ride is better than any suv Ive been in. Plenty of storage for gear. Very quiet for an suv and scoots up steep hills as well as a sedan and small sports car. Will wait till winter to see what it does in snow. Only problem is that there is no satellite connectivity - have to wait for aftermarket dash fit kit to swap out for NAV/CD/SAT radio.

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  02 Sequoia - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By L.M. Smith - September 5 - 7:43 pm

  This is another outstanding vehicle from Toyota. Its great on the highway or off roading. Drive it to the symphony or take it into the mountain tops of New Mexico. The complete vehicle!

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  The best car I have owned in 25 years. - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Howard - September 5 - 7:06 pm

  I have owned both a new Acura TL & RL in the last 3 years. Both of which are nowhere near the value of this vehicle. I drove 3 other choices 1000 miles each before I purchased this vehicle.

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  Very impressive - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By matt - September 5 - 2:10 pm

  The car is a dream to drive. Just the right amount of luxury and power for the price. Its half the price of a Lexus sc430 but nearly as nice.

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  The best Tundra ever - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Iqbaldhillon2 - September 5 - 10:16 am

  I am a huge fan of Toyota trucks especially the Tundra. I bought a brand new 2007 Tundra recently and it is a great truck with space power and reliability. I love my TRD package it gives the truck a rugged , yet sporty look. The drive quality is also great, smooth and quiet just how I like it.

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  A Little Disappointed - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ray - September 5 - 5:46 am

  After having owned several toyotas in the past Im somewhat disappointed. 1) Idle indictates only around 600 rpm; however vehicle lunges and you find yourself "riding" the brakes. This is especially uneasy in stop and go traffic. 2) Brakes have a "spongy feel" and require a lot brake pedal force. 3) When driving with hand on the automatic transmission shift lever, centrifugal force when making a right turn will cause the shift lever to move from the "D" (drive) to "4" (gear) automatically. 4) Seat position is too low. No adjustment. 5) Steering wheel radio controls designed top/bottom (together) rather than left/right (separated). This causes you to take your eyes of road to use controls.

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  Keep it in your lineup - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By gotcha - September 5 - 1:53 am

  Having had 4 BMWs, 3 Porsches, and numerous other cars in my lifetime; I must say this Toyota is the best of them all. Build quality and dependability is unmatched, and the comfort and economy is excellent. Keep building it!

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  Changing driving habits - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By John Schneider - September 5 - 1:50 am

  The most rmearkable thing about the Prius is the changes it creates in my dirving habits. With the computer read out giving mpg and speed information, I am much more aware of driving at maximum efficiency, rather than focusing on getting someplace in a period of time. I arrive much more relaxed and satsfied that I have minimized my fuel consumption.

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  So far so good - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By lomspolo - September 4 - 9:10 pm

  Second time I have purchased a Toyota, other vehicle is an 03 Avalon. Ride is smooth as silk. A/C blows ice cold. This car is geared towards comfort. Transmission shifts smoothly. Gas mileage is great have just under 1,000 miles and so far averaging 23-25 mpg with more city than highway usage.