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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  First Truck- New 4.6 - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By jnavarro2484 - June 2 - 10:13 am

  Looks great, handles well,and is extremely good on gas for its size. I have not gotten the ability to tow anything yet but; I feel that this new V8 has enough power in it to get the job done.Had I done everything differently, I would of went with the 4x4. Im thinking of trading it at the end of 2010 for a 4x4 due to an issue where I couldnt get out of a little drainage ditch in front of my uncles house in Port Saint Lucie Fl.Other than that, I am in love!!!

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  First Time Minivan Owner - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By dleininger - June 2 - 10:00 am

  We just purchased the new 2011 Sienna Limited FWD in Blizzard Pearl, and WOW am I impressed so far. Were going to have 3 kids under 3 yrs old here shortly. This thing is truly loaded with every feature you could think of. The ride is so smooth, quiet and effortless, and Im LOVING all the electronics for sure. The dealership had two identical Limiteds in Blizzard Pearl, so we got FWD vs. AWD. I was surprised that only FWD has auto fold 3rd row seat (better mpg too). Have received multiple compliments from carpool riders. IMO the interior materials look nice, not cheap as others have said. Just pay a few extra $$ and get the limited with all the fun options. You wont regret it.

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  Large Luxury, Great Value, Good Mileage - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Mark Eaton - June 2 - 7:50 am

  I fell in love with the styling and felt the looks & price made the Avalon a better value than the Lexus. Same classic looks, luxury features, great gas mileage at $15-20k less. Love the car. This car (so far...) is worth every penny.

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  Great Car! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Kris - June 2 - 6:40 am

  I bought this Prius to replace my 2002 Prius, which was a great car. The new 2006 Prius handles well on the road and is very comfortable to ride in. The computer readout is very helpful in optimizing mpg. The new, more stylish design, emphasizes the high tech capabilities of the car, but even with careful driving, I have not been able to match the 54 mpg I was getting on the old Prius. The new one is getting about 49-50 mpg. The navigation system in better than in the older model.

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  Best Car For Your $ - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By Ray - June 1 - 7:00 pm

  I love my 08 Corolla, I would like to see a better front seat. Far as rest, it is # 1 in my books. I will be installing cruise next week. More comfort on long hauls.

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  Truly Impressed - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By CarlosV - June 1 - 2:23 pm

  Truly impressed. My family enjoyed the comfort and space. My wife loved the quick, smooth accelaration and ride. Late last night a drunk driver t-boned us doing over 70mph. The car is a total loss and the accident left us sore all over. My 3 year old son and 10 month old daughter, my wife, brother in law, and I are thankful for a car to do its job. I recommend it to everyone.

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  45.2 Mpg last tank - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By phil56000 - June 1 - 2:13 pm

  We have owned our Camry Hybrid for just over 4 months and have put 14000 on it. Mpg started at 35 mpg and last 2 tanks were 41.2 and 45.2 thats 448 miles on 9.9 gals. It really teaches you how to get better mileage. The ride is luxurious and the heated seats relax you on long trips. Power is very good. I have added a spoiler (dealer installed) and a K&N filter which have improved mpg. I have tried more often keeping my foot out of it which has rewarded me with extra mpg. We love this car!!

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  Best car I ever owned - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By JJ - May 31 - 7:50 pm

  I now have about 115,000 miles on this car. There have been no problems. Even what I consider expected repairs came much later than expected; brake pads at 85,000, struts at 110,000. This is even after having been driven by two teenage boys. MPG is great; 27 on daily commute, and 34 on vacation road trips. i have enough confidence in this car that I let my son take it to college with him. I replaced it for my use with a 2007 Camry and have been disappointed. the 2004 is vastly superior.

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  2008 Toyota Prius (Canada) - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Kitchener, ON - May 30 - 11:00 pm

  Purchased 2008 Toyota Prius (Special Edition) in September for my wife. This vehicle has navigation system, backup camera and JBL premium audio. Very pleased with the vehicle, especially with the interior layout - highly functional yet not overwhelming. If you can afford it, I highly recommend purchasing the nav system, it is easy to use and contains latest updates. The backup camera and Smartkey system is also very practical. Initial gas mileage at -5 to 10 deg C is 5.5 L/100 km combined. Ive fitted the Prius with winter tyres and taken it into deep snow - no problem with take off and stopping performance phenominal. Highly recommend this vehicle, considering purchasing another one!

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  Enjoy the Avalon for the price - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Jerry Gonzalez - May 30 - 7:26 pm

  This is my first Avalon and I think I bought the best car for the price. It could be quieter at higher speeds. However, between 0 to 70MPH it performs as good as any car. The gas mileage is very good and you dont have to buy premium gasoline. The back seat is roomier than you might expect from a Toyota.