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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  Excellent car I really like it!!! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By KoDy - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car I really like it!!!

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  Reliable SUV for 20k - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By santoshmanya - December 29 - 9:53 pm

  My initial choice was Honda CRV but after test driving it I found it was a bit noisy and sluggish pickup. I rented 2008 Rav4 and driven it on Highway from Atlanta, GA to Memphis, TN and found it stable between 75 to 95 MPH, but just under powered and little louder. Finally decided to buy 2009 Rav4 2WD I4, as it has a refined engine (Dual VVTi) with more fuel economy and power. I wanted to buy a vehicle which fits in my budget and able to drive to work and also long trips with space for Cargo. I did not go for a V6 (269 hp) as I4(179 hp) is sufficient and I donÂ’t want to get more speeding tickets with V6. My previous car was Camry V6.

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  Taco Time - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By bill55 - December 29 - 3:13 pm

  The perfect truck for my family. Roomy and comfortable on long trips and at the same time sporty and with good acceleration for passing. It is a good all around truck and well built as well.

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  High MPG - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Lewis - December 29 - 11:06 am

  I drive mostly country roads and interstates. In winter, I always get at least 47 mpg. In summer I always get over 50 mpg (usually 52). Reviews reporting low 40s must either be in very cold climates or must be from drivers attempting to get low mpg. My year-round average is about 50.

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  Great SUV - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By Sharon - December 29 - 10:40 am

  I love my 1998 Toyota 4-Runner, I always keep up with the regular maintenance as recommended by the dealership and have always had wonderful performance with this vehicle. I had a camry previously, and have great success with that vehicle as well. Toyota makes a wonderful product, I am now researching the 2006, 6 cylinder, RAV4, only to achieve better gas mileage.

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  2 years and running strong - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Laura E. - December 29 - 8:23 am

  I first wrote about my highlander from my first day of use. Now it is 2 years later and I love it even more! It handles icy and snowy conditions in Alaska like a dream. I can easily fit 15 bales of hay in it to haul for my horse. I can flip the seats and clean it out quickly, and my dog LOVES the back section with its own heater. I have just replaced the factory tires which wore out at about 48,000 miles. The air control box did break due to the severe cold we have experienced this winter (-30 degrees). But it was an easy fix by the dealer crew. Fuel economy remains strong as I am a careful driver. Road noise and a slipping mat in the third row are my only negatives.

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  Solara rules in AK - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By AK Rebel - December 28 - 11:06 pm

  Love driving this car 100+ miles per day to work and back. great improvement over my old toyota camry.

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  A very impressive vehicle - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Gary U - December 28 - 8:06 pm

  Just purchased my 2005 Avalon Limited mirage blue with ivory interior with DVD Nav, Laser cruise control pretty much loaded with most of the options and I am thrilled with the vehicle. I had currently owned a landrover discovery and mercedes and was considering getting a new mercede, Audi, Infinity, or Lexus. After looking and driving all of theses vehicles I kept comming back to the Avalon not only for the beauty of the car but also the price compared to these other vehicles I had considered. I think Toyota is the leader in quality and styling. Take the new Avalon for a ride and I think you will be impressed.

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  Toyota Tundra - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Mike - December 28 - 12:40 pm

  I have found that my two Tundras are great to drive and will hold a good resale price in the future.

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  Traded in 2004 LTD for 2015 XLE premium - 2015 Toyota Sienna
  By seeingsienna - December 28 - 10:55 am

  The old van had 154,000 + miles and served our family for over 10 years with safety, luxury and comfort. Despite that I am impressed with how the new model looks, drives and feels so much more solidly. The XLE Premium has most of the features we want and omits many that we had but never found useful. The current LTD does not warrant a nearly 10 K upcharge. I read extensively about vehicle reviews over many years and can say the Oddy and Sedona rate highly but for us the Sienna fits our needs. We sat in all 3 at the car show for comparison and several family members who own Siennas and Oddys. Both are excellent vehicles with smooth rides. Its a personal choice.