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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  the best in the west - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Armen - May 12 - 2:00 am

  I think its a great car, it performes, its nice, its a chick magnat.

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  Theirs a reason they are expensive! - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By jc9995 - May 12 - 2:00 am

  Please, if you are buying on price alone, dont buy! I started down this road (no pun intended) of purchasing a new truck with the mindset of lowering my monthly payment. Well, I did that, and I didnt have to settle for a Ranger either. Toyota offers an amazing number of creative finance options, all designed to get you into the truck of your dreams, at a payment you can afford. Yes, they are expensive, but then again, the manufacturer should know what their product is worth. The fact that this is the ONLY four wheel drive truck recommended by Consumer Reports to purchased as used says enough to me.

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  The best van on the planet... - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By UCB - May 12 - 12:03 am

  I reluctantly entered the mini-van world last year. I thought that my life had lost all meaning. However, the Toyota quickly restored my faith. I have always had Hondas and Toyotas and the Sienna is by far the nicest riding vehicle that I have ever owned. Most comforting, given this difficult transition from car to van, was that the Sienna is also the fastest minivan on the planet by a long shot - 0-60 mph in a little over 7 seconds is not too shabby-leave Honda and Nissan owners in the dust. Surprisingly good fuel economy for a vehicle this size (25mpg average). Toyota build quality is the best. Only service problem we have had was that the digital clock.

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  The Best Buick that Buick never made - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Russ Day - May 11 - 10:00 pm

  The 2007 Cassis Pearl Avalon purchased in September, 06 is wonderful car to drive. Highway fuel economy regularly exceeds 28 MPG with overall fuel economy always better than 24 MPG. The Touring edition has a suspension suited to my driving style. I have had no problems to date with just over 5,000 miles. I replaced a 2000 Avalon XLS and the 2007 Touring model is larger, more powerful, and gets better fuel economy.

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  Cant buy a better truck - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mark - May 11 - 4:20 pm

  One solid reliable truck. I had an 89 2dr toyota truck with 180K and only changed a fuel pump. When I upgraded to the 2001 I couldnt be happier. I could use a little more leg room. Ive take it out in some heavy snows and tried to get it stuck, cant do it!

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  brakes? - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By edbear - May 10 - 8:43 pm

  ended up with leather for the first time, not sure how that will work in the south texas sun!~!

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  Great car - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By scottp999 - May 10 - 9:50 am

  So far, I love this car. I got tired of getting an avg 17 miles per gal in a 2003 4runner, so I traded it on this S corolla. In MD you pay 42 cents per gal in taxes. I just cut down the number of gal I consume by 50%. The car rides great, build is amazing. Interior and exterior design of the car is nice. There is a decent size trunk and I am 64" and there seems to be more headroom than the 4runner. I could not be happier.

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  The best Crossover vehicle on market - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Jackson - May 10 - 4:36 am

  Bought my Venza V6 FWD at the end of the year to take advantage of the new car sales tax incentive. Only if I had known Toyota would be in such trouble + incentive of $1500 cash, I would have waited. Felt like I was short changed by Toyota. Other than that, the Venza is great! I was drawn to the styling inside and out since day 1 of introduction. Took me a year to take ownership. Love the 20" wheels and aggressive styling. The interior is spacious and center console well designed.

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  Love my Toyota - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Elaina - May 10 - 4:13 am

  My friends thought me a bit dowdy when they learned I was purchasing a van. But I love my Sienna! The handling is car-like, and the AWD performance is better than with my Infinity SUV 4WD, all with Toyota dependability! I wish their were a bit more legroom in the drivers seat, otherwise I have no complaints.

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  great car - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Myra Garvansites - May 10 - 2:33 am

  This is my third Camry I love it so far. The sales person Jim OBrien was helpful in getting a good deal. Basically all the people on staff were pleasant. The only minor issue I have was the low level of color selection of car. Wanted something that popped but settled for white (maybe it will be cooler w/ all this heat). Still a smart car. Gets me from point A to point B. Breaks worked good as well as the A/C. Really liked the new design.