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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  very pleasant car - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By mitch e. - November 25 - 7:00 am

  Being 64 and having had a couple of knees replaced, I needed to move into a larger car than my 02 Passat. The Avalon is very pleasant - everything works well, I average around 27 MPG in mostly hwy driving on midgrade. The cars unbelievably quiet - you just cannot hear the motor! Rear seats have reclining back and tons of leg room (I wish some of it was in front - I have really long legs!) Acceleration, handling adequate, but not exceptional. What is exceptional are the brakes - no fade, great pedal feel. Optional equipment - nav, JBL radio, very good; XM is worth it. center console design is very clean, and controls are pretty intuitive

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  Good but pricey!!! - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By PKS - November 24 - 10:06 pm

  This is a great car! Very reliable, drives and brakes smooth, great mileage, good trunk space.

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  GOING HYBRID - 2012 Toyota Prius c
  By choferon54 - November 24 - 3:47 pm

  Purchased this vehicle after doing homework on it for almost a month.I kept looking for positives reviews but all I found was the negatives,most were resentful of the fact that this is a Gas saving machine and doesnt have the muscle of a V8 or V6. One Friday afternoon, I was going home traveling North on the 5 FWY merging onto the 14 to Palmdale when on my left side observed a white Prius C speeding his way on the carpool lane going baldly about 80 miles per hour and said to myself all those comments about how fast these cars move on the FWY were just opinions not based on facts.That very same weekend went for mine and I am satisfied with the deal I got from Hamer Toyota at Mission Hills.

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  No idea how this ride gets poor reviews - 2015 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jay - November 24 - 3:04 pm

  After much deliberating between the 4Runner, Ford Explorer, V6 Subaru Outback, and the quickly dismissed Nissan XTerra, I finally decided to jump aboard the Toyota bandwagon. I absolutely love this thing. Everything about it. Well, except a few things: Im not a fan of the eco-drive, which cannot be disabled (if my research has proven anything). Id rather have all six cylinders pumping 100% of the time, even at the cost of losing a few mpg. The power just feels like it lags a little bit, but then again, I did just come off a V8 Mustang... I digress. Speaking of mpg, my average mpg is very solid! From (odometer) 5,000-10,000 miles in the vehicle with approximately 10% off-roading, 50% city, 40% highway miles, I averaged 19.5 mpg - not bad for a 4x4. Another little nitpick I have is the 4x4 electronic knob - I mean, come on. If you have read any review at all on this ride, then of course you know about squirrely handling - that is on pavement. Sure it may not hug corners like a car; sure it may have more body rolling action than a Beyonce music video; and sure, I think it may be just ever-so-slightly underpowered. But lets be real, no car is perfect. This was just the ride that I felt would be most dependable, most comfortable, and have the best quality for MANY years to come. All in all, I couldnt be happier with my purchase. Personal opinion warning: The vehicle is very sharp and aggressive looking; its main purpose may be to commute several miles to and from work during the week, but unless you take it off road, youll never even get a glimpse of just how great it really handles or why it deserves to look so aggressively appealing. PS: The "Premium" adds the sunroof, (am I going to say it? Yes, I am) high quality leatherette upholstery, and upgraded stereo at a very reasonable price.

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  Extremely Pleased - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Raymond Carver - November 24 - 4:53 am

  I initially planned on purchasing a 2009 4runner, but when I saw the redesigned fifth generation, I was hooked. My father and brother both owned third generation models which performed admirably (my brothers is over 200,000 miles now and has not had any major issued). The most noticeable improvement for me is the 2010s enhanced ride and pure drivability. I felt very confident driving aggressively through Houston traffic on my way back to Louisiana after purchasing the vehicle. Smooth power, precise handling, and a rugged, attractive exterior; a class-act all around.

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  Great car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By tarlos25 - November 24 - 4:06 am

  When first researching this car, I was concerned that there would not be enough power. I drive through mountainous terrain, and especially with snow, it can be challenging on a vehicle. The Prius has held up wonderfully through mountains and snow. The OEM tires are bad in slick conditions, but that can be accounted for easily enough. Even with not driving perfectly and going through non-optimal conditions, the Prius is averaging 45 mpg. Its not a sports car, but has enough pick-up to merge directly into interstate traffic with no problem. The smart key system is awesome, I never have to take out my key. And I love how quiet it is.

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  Sorry GM Ford and Chrysler - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By Jose - November 24 - 2:30 am

  Sorry for all 3 US automakers as they have never and maybe will never come up with a car as reliable and practical as a Camry. I bought this car with 118K and now has 184k, all highway miles. I dont take care of my cars and even then, its still running like a champ. I need a minivan now cause of my kids, so Ill be looking for a Toyota or Honda.

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  Great ride and style - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By JMT - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Great looking vehicle with lots of nice features. Its size takes some getting used to as does the gas mileage (12-17) but it makes up for it with style and comfort on a long trip.

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  The Greatest Car I have ever owned - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By JoJa - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I love the car for its design, economy, enviromental concerns, and comfort. Out on the road, it is great. I am old enough to have had many cars, and this is my very favorite.

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  The Three Echos - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By saminoz - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Im now on my third Echo. Moving between the US and Australia, I just keep buying Echos. I love this car!