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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  Proud Owner - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Dick Trout - February 6 - 11:26 am

  There is an occasional transmission "clunk" when coasting at about 35 mph. Other than that, this is the best truck I have ever owned. We haul an 8,000 pound trailer about 15,000 miles per year, often in mountains. Plenty of power! Often have 2,000 pounds in bed. truck doesnt even "squat". Truck has temperature gauge. Would also like a standard compass. Repair service of any kind has never been necessary

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  Best Mid-Size Truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By BLUEDRAGON - February 6 - 9:40 am

  Love the aggressive looks. Very comfortable and it has spacious rear seating. One of the best as far as gas mileage for trucks.

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  Auto Hall of Fame! - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Barbara - February 6 - 6:03 am

  This is the BEST car I have ever owned. Purchased it new in 1999. Never had any problem with the engine or transmission. I change the oil approximately every 10,000 to 20,000. I use synthetic Castrol, since day one. Replaced timing belt around 200,000. Almost time for another one. Ive owned many cars through the years but this one is outstanding!

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  Now this is an Avalon - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By dshann - February 6 - 3:28 am

  I fell in love with the 2013 Avalon after my first test drive. My dealer did everything they could to sell me one. When my wife and I got a chance to test drive the Hybrid, we were Prius people, and the Hybrid Avalon fixed everything that we wanted improved. You would never believe you were driving a hybrid until you use the brakes and you hear that hybrid whine. The mileage so far exceeds EPA numbers (GM, Ford ??). The ride is very solid and quiet but you can feel rough pavement. You can select the instruments and features that you want displayed. The seats are very firm, but you can drive for hours in perfect comfort. This car is 4 grand less than a Lexus and it looks and works way better.

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  After 20 years of driving, Im in love! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Rocky - February 6 - 3:13 am

  Ive been driving for 20 years. I never thought Id say this, but I LOVE my car! To me, cars get you from point A to B, thats it. But this car is not just a vehicle, its an experience! Watching the fuel consumption graph as you go makes driving feel almost like a game. Im always striving to get the mpg as high as possible, just because its fun. The thing feels like the deck of the Starship Enterprise. Its not overwhelming by any means, but you feel like you are sitting in a car from the future. The seats and cloth upholstery are so-so, nothing close the amazing seats in my Volvo. But the rear legroom is astounding. And my head is nowhere near hitting the roof, and Im 61.YES!

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  Great Car - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By Larry Wicks - February 6 - 1:15 am

  This is my 4th Camry. Toyota sure knows how to build them.

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  Love my 07 Crewmax - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By 07CrewMax - February 5 - 2:00 pm

  What can I say about this fantastic truck. Its been 3 months since I took delivery and Ive not had a single problem. I love the 5.7L V8. Its got lots of power and my fuel economy has now reached 18.7 MPG. Not bad for a full size truck with the biggest and fastest motor in the 1/2 ton market.

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  Fantastic On & Off Road - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Eagle1 - February 5 - 10:00 am

  I have driven this SUV in deep silt and mud and on steep 4x4 trails and have found it to be very stable and lots of fun. I think that this is the best offroad perfomance I have ever seen in a production SUV. It is even better than my customized Ford truck. I also use my Sequoia to drive clients and most of them remark about how smooth the ride is and how quiet the Sequoia is on the highway. I love my Sequoia and I love driving it even on long trips. The cargo room and versitility of seating arrangments comes in very handy. The Sequoia is my favorite drive of all time.

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  Love my Avalon - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By Manny Ribeiro - February 5 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle as a used demo off the lot with no intentions of buying it in the first place. Shortly after I had finished the test drive, I realize that this was truly the car for me. I am a big man with history or various arthritic pains and let me tell you that this Avalon was extremely easy to get in and out of and the ride was excellent.

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  awsome cae - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By viperkid314 - February 5 - 10:00 am

  I have 190,000 miles on my 1993 camry V6 SE and it still looks great and has enough power to waste a Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6