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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  From Buick to Toyota - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Yolee - August 26 - 2:00 am

  My husband was tired of working on our GM vehicles so we decided to give Toyota a try (time will tell). So far I love it! He wanted an Accord, I didnt care for the bumpy ride. The Solara is beautifully smooth (like buttah). I love the car! The interior is classy, does look like a Lexus, love everything about it. Learning to use the navigation system, very cool. The exterior is nice, love the pearl white color. Were averaging over 29 MPG, not bad for a V6 (live out in the country). Will post another update in a few years, but hoping the constant "working on fixing something on the car days" are over.

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  2011 Tundra - 2011 Toyota Tundra
  By Bobby C - August 26 - 2:00 am

  First full size truck. Old car a Tacoma. Size difference is HUGE. Back seat in CrewMax limo like. Powerful engine with nice sound when worked. Rear window fold down nice feature. Stereo rocks big time. Quiet on road. Family loves the size for comfort. Mileage not good--lots of gas stops. Rear seat adjustment amazing. Great looking vehicle. TRD handles off road like a charm. Minimal back seat storage space with adjustable seat in CrewMax.

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  Replacement tundra - 2011 Toyota Tundra
  By jonyuma - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Replaced 2007 tundra limited with 2011 tundra limited 4x4 and if it is even half as reliable as the 07 was it will be another winner. new tundra rides a lot smoother than the last one, but then again, its a truck that tows a 7000# boat and it needs to be a little bit trucklike. 2007 tundra with 5.7 motor and tow package could always get 17mpg or better on average and for a 4x4 thats not bad. 2007 tundra was totaled in a three car wreck and I wanted to have the same safety factor once again. so hoping the 2011 will get the job done. More as we get some miles on it.

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  Nav lockout disappointing - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By jacksonholerski - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle after months of researching it and other vehicles. I cant believe I never came across anyone talking about the navigation system which does not allow you to use it when the vehicle is moving! I couldnt understand why the nav would only work sometimes and then on a road trip 2 days ago I finally stopped at an out of state dealer that told me why. It is so dangerous to stop to use the navigation system! I never would have bought either the car or the car with nav already in it. I feel cheated and betrayed and likely sell this car and demand a rebate from Toyota.

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  2004 Toyota Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By jcraigh - August 26 - 12:46 am

  Overall this is a marvelous automobile. Absolutely love it and will probably exchange my 2004 for a 2006 model, selling my 2004 for more than I paid for it!!

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  only owned it for a month - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By happy163 - August 25 - 11:05 pm

  I traded in my BMW for this truck and what a difference. I know I cant compare apples to oranges but basic things that were lacking in a 2013 model really irritated me. For instance I drove from California to the NW and on the way encountered cold weather, the side mirrors would fog up and there werent any defrosters to clear this up. Also, the gas mileage was awful. This truck doesnt have a very strong engine. The standard sound system was ok but could be improved. The gearing on the manual transmission was very hard to shift. i guess it would be good as a hauling vehicle for short trips but other than that definitely not a daily commuter.

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  An Outstanding Car - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Howard Hatoff - August 25 - 8:50 pm

  The car starts very easily altho there is no key. Holds the road very well.Good display panel. Excellent sound system. Seats are comfortable altho i have not taken any trips as yet longer than 2 hours. Car is very good looking. Has lots of extras. Very roomy front & back. Toyota is very consumer oriented with comfort and performance. This is first Toyota I owned or drove. Good pickup. Gas mileage is good but not great. ABS brakes are excellent.

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  05 Camry SE V6 a sweet Cruiser ... :-)~ - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Al C - August 25 - 6:36 pm

  Bang for the buck, the 05 Camry SE V6 is a real sweet deal of a cruiser! Considered and was open to all sorts of makes and models, but for the money this model Camry is really a no brainer. It is a great looking vehicle with good interior room, a nice smooth ride, and with the 3.3 V6 decent acceleration. At approx. 22K, it is both a reasonable/rational purchase that is an absolute pleasure to drive. For the $ - I love my CAMRY SE !

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  My Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Ann Dougherty - August 25 - 4:46 pm

  Comfortable car, many safety features that make me feel secure while driving. Excellent highway mileage. Disappointed in town mileage since they advertise 60 MPG. Im getting only about 46 MPG. Backup camera and high window visability is an excellent help. Headlights range is very good making night driving more comfortable. Backseat passengers have given positive feedback as far as comfort, some of whom have been large people.

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  Retired to Florida in comfort - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Jack - August 25 - 4:26 pm

  This is my second Avalon and was not sure at first that I liked the larger interior space. Now we consider the space wonderful, with luxurious features and more power under the hood in the 3.5 engine than I should be trusted with. My big complant is my wife wont drive her sports car, complaining it is not comfortable.