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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  Best car for the money! - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By bubba - March 20 - 6:16 pm

  Bought this car after having an 04 Camry LE 4 cyl. And was crashed into and totaled. Drove the 06 V-6 and fell in love with the Electroluminescent Gauges and the refined power of the 6 cyl. Paid 10k for the car with 70k and it was a one owner. Drive the car 25 miles a day back and forth to work. And Im getting 26-27.5 mpg with mid grade fuel. I dont have any doubt that this car will run another 200k. I cant waitt o see how many miles I will actually make this one go.

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  Love my 4Runner! - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Mike in Ohio - March 20 - 4:20 pm

  This is a great SUV! I had researched SUVs for 2 years and decided on the 4Runner. Great ride. Build quality is execptional. This vehicle is solid yet very comfortable. The V6 has plenty of power and gas milage is not bad for a mid-sized SUV - about 18.5 around town so far.

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  One of the best cars Ive ever owned - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Driver in Texas - March 20 - 10:30 am

  I love my 06 Camry. I bought it new, and now have over 91,000 miles on it. Gas mileage is terrific (I have the 4 cyl), so not sure what some of the other reviewers are saying (its not a hybrid, folks). Commuting (stop-and-go highway driving) 450 miles/week (one tank) I get 28-29 mpg. On a Dallas-San Antonio trek last year on I-35 I averaged 35 mpg, cruising at 80 mph most of the way. Trips to Okla. to visit family net 34-36 mpg. As for maint: Ive religiously followed the mfr sched. Only real problem was replacing the intermediate shaft at 80k ($500+ at dealer). OEM tires were junk, but replacements from Costco have been great. I love my Camry and would buy another one in a heartbeat.

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  1st time toyota owner - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By swordmaster - March 20 - 8:50 am

  I traded in my Mercedes-Benz E320 on the Toyota Limited. The Limited has almost all the features that the Benz had. The seats are more comfortable, & the added air conditioner along with the heated seats are better than the Benz (which had only heat). Of course there is the price. ($30000+ cheaper than the Benz) It has more horsepower than the Benz, & the comfort & roominess of the rear seats far surpass the Benz. I opted to buy a Tom Tom portable nav system. All in all, I am very satisfied with the Limited. The fuel mileage meter is a waste. By the time it figures out your actual mileage, youre on empty.

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  Better than expected - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By CJM - March 20 - 6:33 am

  This truck is very nice. There are no rattles, this is a very SOLID truck, lots of power and torque. Sound system is crisp road noise is minimal. Plenty of room in the back of the double cab for two full sized adults (on short trips) to sit comfortably. Lots of storage compartments in the drivers compartment for stuff. I traded a 2005 Infiniti QX 56 for my Tundra, the ride is just as nice!

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  Nothing better for the money! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Russell - March 20 - 5:10 am

  We researched and test drove many cars trying to decide what to buy. The 2007 Camry stood out and we are Chevy people.The XLE has more features for the money than any car we looked at. The new styling is awesome. Gas mileage for us will be what it is rated, maybe a little better on highway on the flat open roads of West Texas if you dont put your foot in it all the time. The V6 can really move you down the road. Can blow by big trucks for passing with plenty of power to spare. Im 61" and have plenty of room. Interior is extremely quiet on the hiway. We are extremly happy to date with our 2007 XLE Camry!

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  Great mileage for a big car - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By TOYOTA BUYER - March 19 - 6:46 pm

  Great car except for the springs and struts. At 25k miles the ride started to become very hard. Felt every bump. Complained to dealer and toyota. Their solution was too much air in tires. This while under warranty. Having springs and struts replaced at 55k miles. This should solve problem. Toyota will not be my choice to do the work. Taking to independent garage. Really believe the spring problem was known and ignored by toyota, since it only affected ride comfort, not handling. Also bought 2004 Avalon XL and the ride quality between the two is laughable. 2004 rides on air, 1999 inspects all defects in the road.

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  My Baby - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Drea - March 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought his car at 5 years old with only 29,000 miles on it. I have been very happy with it in the 7 months I have owned it. True, it can be a little noisy but that has never bothered any of my conversations. I love driving a hybrid and how smooth and quiet it is on the battery. The gas is good, we get about 45 MPG. It is very roomy, my 66" brother can sit comfortably in the back seat while the people in the front have leg room too! The digital speedometer right in the drivers line of sight helps me keep my speed under control and I feel so safe in a car with side curtain airbags. Seats are fine, read some negative reviews about them but I have napped just fine on them. LOVE TOYOTA!

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  Great Value Performance Comfort - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Oscar - March 19 - 10:00 am

  We researched the purchase of our next car for 7 months. Choice was narrowed down to the Honda Crosstour, Ford Edge, Murano, Lexus RX350 and the Venza. The Venza won out for performance,Design,Comfort, and Toyota Quality. The V6 has more power than anyone would need in normal driving. I have a bad back and getting in and out of Venza by far was the most comfort. Looks ahead of it time with 20 inch tires. All in all just a great car for the $$$$$

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  Now has Steering Fixed - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Vic Scales - March 19 - 10:00 am

  I HAD the steering problem many complain about. There is a TSB where they fix it by swapping out the steering computer and now the car is GREAT. Before that I thought I had to get rid of it. Now I LOVE the car and have about 17,000 miles on it.