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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  Makes driving a dream - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Anne D. - February 26 - 12:23 am

  The Toyota Sienna is a wonderful vehicle to drive, and so comfortable. The telescope wheel, the sound system, the drop down table center front, and the ability to fold second row and stow the 3rd row makes it so handy when hauling needs. There are also so many "pockets" for a number of things to stow, like side arm rests that lift and are adjustable, map pockets, drink holders specially formed for soda or water bottles, I could go on and on. What a great vehicle. My husband is handicapped, and he is so comfortable in our new Sienna. Try it, youll love it!

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  Touring Avalon - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Steve B - February 25 - 1:40 pm

  This is the most comfortable vehicle I have ever driven. I can actually move the driver seat so far back it makes it difficult for my to reach the pedals and the sterring wheel. And, at 63" and 52 years old, that has not ever been the case in any car Ive driven before. Buy the Touring version, with its ultra-smooth road feel, and enjoy taking it out on the road. Also, I have been experiencing right around 33 MPG on the highway. Thats just what we needed in todays economy!

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  2007 toyota avalon xls - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By rowdy - February 25 - 5:56 am

  This auto was the best in the price range that we test drove. Great features including sunroof, leather, and reclining rear seats. Has great leg room in the rear passenger area.

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  Best hybrid on the market for the money - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By reddog lover - February 24 - 10:43 pm

  This is my first Camry and second Toyota. My wife and I are loving it. I travel apx 120 miles a day. I am currently avg 40 miles per gallon. This is great with the gas prices rising.

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  Saving on gas big-time! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Jon S. - February 24 - 7:06 pm

  Lets talk about gas savings first. If you trade your current car that gets 25 mpg overall, and you drive the Corolla at 35 mpg @20,000 miles a year, you will save $700 per year (based on $3 a gallon gas). Multiply that amount by the number of years you plan to keep the car, and its hard to say no. Second, compare roominess of the 2003 or newer Corolla to any mid-size vehicle, and youll be pleasantly surprised at the amount of available space (including the roomy trunk)! Next, look at a consumer reports buying guide for reliability, safety, and resale value. Still not convinced to dump your gas hog? Take a Corolla for a test drive, and see for yourself, before gas prices spike again.

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  Best car on the road - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By SER - February 24 - 10:46 am

  I am extremely upset they quit making these. If I could, I would never buy any other car forever. This is the best car I have ever owned by far. I am a mechanic and do all my own work on my cars. This car never needed anything other than routine maintenance until 167,000 miles when it needed a left front wheel bearing. It gets the best gas mileage of any car other than hybrids. We get 45 mpg hwy. It is actually fast too -- plenty of passing power. At first I did not like the tallish look of it, but it grew on me. The car is like a miracle, I dont know how they did it, but it pulls everything you ever wanted in a car, like tight steering radius, good handling, power, MPG together into one.

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  Luv It - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Cornhusker - February 24 - 7:43 am

  Bought it new. Used for lots of middle distance driving (100-200 miles). Best car Ive seen when considering comfort, mileage, and overall driving experience.

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  I love the 4Runner - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By Nicole Rodrigues - February 24 - 6:40 am

  First and only owner of my SR5 4WD 2000 4 Runner. This is the best car. Definitely planning on keeping it another 5 years. Never had any mechanical problems. I take it in for the routine 30, 60k tune ups and oil changes every 3-5k miles. It has nearly 88k milage and still is a solid drive. Very happy w/Toyota 4 Runner product. Convinced husband to buy Toyota. He now owns a 2000 Tundra V8 for 3 years now. LOVES IT.

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  Reliable Comfortable Good-looking Value - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By dapqam - February 23 - 11:26 pm

  I bought this car when 2 years old and with 30K miles. Now have 72K miles and only one significant problem. Driver side window motor quit. $500 dealer replacement. Otherwise great. Comfortable, good looking, reliable. In summer of 2008 I finally replaced the original battery! I take good care of my cars, synthetic oil, regular maintenance on coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, filters. Twice yearly oil application on underside of car and in doors and under hood to prevent rust. I plan on keeping this car indefinitely. Am always tempted to buy a new Camry but I keep this one because I am so happy with it.

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  This is a great Car - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By jhonsonjr - February 23 - 10:17 pm

  My wife bought our corolla with fourteen thousand miles on it. It was about eighty eight thousand now and it has been great. It has ran great it is safe ( proof from being in a hit and run at 55 mph) And it has been the car that saves us money on gas I would recommend this car to any one.