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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  corolla - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By amndancer - January 31 - 10:00 am

  So far my car has been wonderful, as was my last Corolla. The Corollas are very reliable and economical cars. I would reccomend this car to anyone.

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  I AM IMPRESSED - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By IMPRESSED - January 31 - 10:00 am

  I owned various vehicles in my life from Mercedes to GMC to Honda, but when I test drove the Toyota Camry, I was impressed by how quiet it was. The engine sounded smooth and the ride was just right. The interior of the leather covered XLE with wood trim definitely looked better than my 99 E430. I loved the sound system, the heated seats, the VSC and the eight airbags that came with the car that I was riding in. There were many other gadgets and cool things to explore in the Camry. I truly believe that if you want to get the bang for your buck and treat yourself to some affordable luxury then you should definitely consider looking at a Camry.

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  Solid - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By JP - January 31 - 4:36 am

  Very reliable, good-looking, solid car. V6 is quick (havent driven the 8), and it is a fairly comfortable car, even on long drives. After looking at a new 05 Explorer, chose the used 4Runner (w/13k), and have never looked back. This car runs the same as the day I first drove it. Mechanically and interior-wise everything is solid. Even the way the doors close - THUMP! - solid. Very smooth and confident drive. If you are looking for an all around solid SUV, then this is the one. But dont take my word for it, drive one yourself.

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  Its been almost perfect - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By JB - January 31 - 1:36 am

  Unbelievable power and gas mileage for this size car. We always get well over 30 mpg on the highway. Quiet and smooth and has tons of leg room. Continues to look beautiful after 2+ years. No problems so far.

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  THE 2012 TOYOTA CAMRY XLE HYBRID offers the BEST VALUE, DRIVE,COMFORT, RIDE, AMENITIES & MILEAGE EVER!! - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By mls4deals2 - January 30 - 7:08 pm

  Best Car Of The Year Value, Drive,comfort, Ride, Amenities & Mileage!! — I have owned 3 camrys and two Avalons the latest being a 2011 Avalon LIMITED with all the bells and whistles. I LOVED THE AVALON...but didnt like the Mileage (23 mpg avg). I found out the Avalon body style is changing to look like the Lexus 460 THIS YEAR (in 2 MONTHS!) AND DISCOVERED MY VALUE WOULD GO DOWN ABOUT 6K TO 10K THIS YEAR! TIMING WAS PERFECT as the deal offered me by my fleet mgr was full value for trade and back of invoice for ybrid Camry:) My Gas & insurance bill dropped in half!! Who could ask for anything more??

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  Total Driving Enjoyment - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By professor1053 - January 30 - 7:24 am

  Traded our 2007 camry hybrid for the new model and couldnt be happier with this XLE version. Electronics more intuitive (espec. voice), seats way more comfortable, interior plastics are attractive (not cheap), mileage regularly at about 40 even in winter weather (cold DOES affect hybrid perf.). Love the USB port that holds my entire mus. collection called up easily on screen for scroll and pick (or simply hit voice and ask for an album or artist). The 200 horses beats the upcoming Ford Fusion, and they do make a difference. Velvet smooth acceleration with plenty of zip (unlike previous Camry). Car has a rock-solid feel with responsive steering. Learning to love the blind spot monitor.

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  Save Save Save - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Lochel - January 30 - 7:10 am

  A smile all the way. Too many questions from the general public. Everyone is confused about how the car functions. Toyota out did themselves this time. I traded my Cadillac Deville and we are just as comfortable in this car. It has all the bells and whistles we need. We average 45 miles to the gallon. The caddy got 14. Its nice driving by the gas stations we fill up after we put 500 miles on 1 tank and buy 10 to 11 gallons to fill this 12 gallon tank. However ethenol does hurt the mileage.

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  A Quality Car - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By Big R - January 30 - 7:00 am

  Traded off my 2005 Avalon Ltd. with 90,000 miles and after much research went back to a 2011 Avalon LTD. Gas mileage is great. I can get 30-32 mpg on the open road and around 27 mpg mixed. The navigation system is a little hard to figure out and backing is a little difficult even with backup camera. Love the XM/Sirius option. Lots of room inside and big trunk space

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  Pleasure to Drive - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Tim Hawkins - January 29 - 4:46 pm

  We wanted a SUV that we could take mor than just our family with to the lake. The 2004 Sequoia we have has been a pleasure to drive and own.

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  Awesome Car!! A+ Vehicle! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Ashy - January 29 - 1:36 am

  The Solara has simply exceeded my expectations. Its sporty yet luxurious at the same time with tons of backseat room for my passengers! I get compliments on this vehicle every single day. Its no wonder that Toyota is the #1 selling vehicle in America. Performance and ride quality cant be beat! A highly recommended vehicle.