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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  Highway Mileage 43.5 - 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Slipshod - August 9 - 9:33 pm

  I drive 50 miles each way on 495 from MA into NH. Up and down highway. Im getting 43.5+ mpg so far.

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  How old am I again??? - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By 49YrOldKidAgain - August 9 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a car for ME. I got one. I have had so much fun driving my convertible and love to see heads turn to see what it is Im driving! To put the top down and just hit the trail is awesome. You definitely learn how to pack light and take your bare essentials, but I knew that when I bought it. I went, I saw, I bought, and Im still excited and having a blast.

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  4 years old and going strong - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By OTTR B - August 9 - 10:00 am

  Almost right away used it in place of broken down Plymouth minivan for a reenactment. Were able to haul everything we had in the minivan in the Echo--more careful packing. Drove it to Alaska over the Alaska Highway and back summer of 02. 10,748 miles. Averaged 38 mpg--best was 43 worst 32 (driving in Montana with A/C on and somewhat over speed limit if there was one). Only problem whole trip was the A/C condensor line came off because of washboard road--Alaska Hiway--Yukon Ty--reconnected it dried floor & kept going. Wife used it to commute to school and work--both long commutes. Never failed her. Work is closer now so well see how it does for shorter commutes.

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  Toyota - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By pduke - August 9 - 10:00 am

  The onboard computer GPS is fun and reliable. We were surprised that it showed so many small side roads. The cost for a vehicle with so many extras was more than reasonable. We looked at comparable cars like the Buick and they were so much more. What was an added bonus and selling point for us, is the better warranty than most American automobile.s

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  Great car - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Rose g - August 9 - 10:00 am

  The ride is great and the new motor is very smooth

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  Great4 seat ragtop! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Indasun - August 9 - 10:00 am

  I didnt want to give up my back seat and bought the Solara instead of a Nissan 350Z. Glad I did. I love using reg gas and having affordable tires.

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  I love this car! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By dr jim - August 9 - 10:00 am

  I have always expected Toyota reliability to be excellent while wrapped up in plain old vanilla package. However, the Solara convertible is a joy to drive, great to just look at, and is getting over 30 miles per gallon during a mostly interstate comute. LOVE the car.

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  What an Improvement! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Milwray - August 9 - 10:00 am

  Had a 2001 Solara Convertible that had so many problems with the roof (air/water leaks, creaks, severe shake, etc), that it was in the dealership more than I care to say. Even though Toyota said my complaints were "normal", I believed the car was doomed to be a problem. I had just filed the first step in the lemon law process, when the dealer called me to look at the new 2004 model. After much hesitation on my part, I decided to give Toyota another chance. They gave me a full days test drive before I purchased the car. AM I GLAD I DID! EVERYTHING I COMPLAINED ABOUT THE 2001 MODEL WAS ADDRESSED WITH THIS CAR. IT IS TRULY SUPERB!

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  MY 2001 TACOMA - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By LUCY - August 9 - 10:00 am

  I spoke to dealers and mechanics about this, and I all get is that they all do that, which I find that real b.s. Another thing, the rubber around my windows are much harder to keep clean for the first time in 30 years. I have been a Toyota owner since the 70s and never had that problem-ever.. I spoke to the dealers and the mechanics and all they tell me is that they have to be cleaned with soft scrub and use wax on it.... Since when was I told to use bathroom cleaner on my truck? I know that it is not under warranty-but I would love to hear from you-I can get that replaced for free....

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  The Cats Meow - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By LTD 4dr SUV 4WD w/V6 - August 8 - 9:46 pm

  Owned for 8months now and the Rav is everything and more than we expected it to be. We have all the bells and whistles with leather seats. The V6 has such quick acceleration, I can see why they used this car in the "24" series as a getaway car. The mileage on the highway is 29, around town 24. The Key is using cruise set at 65-70 on the highway. The upgraded stereo is like being at a concert. Driving the Rav is a pleasure and the tire on the back gives it a sporty accent. Love this SUV and so does my husband when I dont hide the keys!