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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  Expected More - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Dale - December 12 - 5:26 pm

  Had a very hard time finding the XL as we needed the cloth seats. We drove the car the next week on a 300mile trip. The mileage was about 28mph over all. The seats and the ride were just average. We were told the xm radio was pre-wired and it was not. We are not sure if we are excited about this car, time will tell! Had 2001 Avalon that was troule-free for 100,000 mph!

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  Wow! - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By bribrew1968 - December 12 - 4:10 pm

  Great vehicle for nearly all requirements in life. Lots and lots of storage all throughout. Many 12v outlets all through cabin. Rear seats fold up creating enormous, lockable space. Accelerator/engine is responsive and alive. The 15/20 ratings are great for a V8 in any class. The Toyota stock air intake reviews are fantastic so adding a high performance filter ($60-ish) is simply additional horses and mileage gains. The ride is smooth and not truck-like yet the 300+ HP engine and payload totals are quite adequate. I will add finally that there are more airbags than I have ever seen in a vehicle ... causing my insurance to drop 20% over my old 1999 Tacomas totals! I recommend highly.

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  The Best Valued Luxury SUV Available - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Austin - December 12 - 1:53 pm

  I believe the Toyota Land Cruiser has the attributes of a luxury vehicle without compromising what makes an SUV an SUV.

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  Great Car - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By Karl - December 12 - 12:36 pm

  We bought this car used with 68,000 miles on it. My wife is in sales and drives over 30,000 miles per year. We now have 248,000 miles on the car and it runs good as new. It is time for valve cover gaskets as they are now leaking but I have no faults with this car at all. Love it!

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  My 4wd SR5 4runner. - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By vvti168 - December 12 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is sized very nicely to fit into compact parking spots. In addition, its size makes it very maneuverable on road and off. The build quality is phenomenal and the switchgear feels well put together. I like the heated mirrors, power rear window and especially the safety features (ABS, VSC, Trac). The only real gripes that I have are the gas mileage and the tipsy feeling that I get when I negotiate certain curves (feels like itll roll even though it really wont).

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  Cannot go wrong with Toyota! - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Linda Lou - December 12 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely love my new Toyota Echo! Best fuel economy, of any car I have ever owned. Sleek, sporty exterior. Roomy interior, big trunk capacity. Unusually fiesty drive, for a small 4- cylinder. Beautiful paint, black sand pearl. Also own a Camry V6 LE 1996, and would recommend Toyota to everyone!

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  not good for this price car - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By Don como - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I have had an oil leak, emergency brake that sticks and never has been fixed properly, in fact it has to be adjusted again after they installed a new one, I have a side mldg falling off, the windshield motors and linkage had to be replaced, I have had the air bag light stay on and come on while riding in the car. Right now their is a metal clanging noise in the motor. The car has only 27,000 miles on it. For the price paid for this car I would rate as a picece of junk. My problem is not with the dealer, it is the quality of the car, they talk about Toyota quality, not with this car.

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  Sweet Ride! - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By wickedpete - December 12 - 10:00 am

  My first brand new car and it has been all I expected. This is one car where the payments do not become a burden because you are having so much fun getting wherever you have to go. The aftermarket is good and getting better. Some available stuff: Custom exhaust, body kits (beyond "action package"), short shifters, headers.... well, everything but a turbo or surpercharger (but coming soon).

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  I love this car! - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By smhmkh - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Solara used with only a little over 23,000 miles, and it was 3 years old. I love the smooth drive, the power, and the fully loaded interior. It hums with style. I am completely satisfied and would buy another Solara any day.

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  Great car - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By martixlover - December 12 - 10:00 am

  Its a great car! I just got mine and i love it. I took it up to the mountains and it handled great. its a smooth ride and has lots of room! I love it!!