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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  Yaris is a GREAT buy! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By katherine Weikle - October 7 - 3:10 am

  I love my Yaris! It is metallic blue on the outside and has a black interior with metallic blue dots. Although it looks small, the Yaris hatchback is very roomy in the front and in the back seats. The Yaris is very convenient with its 20 compartments, 7 different cupholders and laydown-able back seat. You get used to the speedometer being in the middle of the dash quiet fast. The ride is smooth and the car is quiet. The power locks, windows and mirrors just adds to the experience. You are sure to love it as much as me!

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  Smooth and Quick - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Joseph DiDio - October 7 - 1:23 am

  Not until I stepped on the passing gear, did I realize how fast I zip past the car in front of me. A true pleasure to drive; with all the options, including a built in navigational system. Heated seats are now a plus. Seventeen inch wheels are also a plus. Very quiet ride. The only drawback I have found is the trunk space. However, my former car was a 95 Oldsmobile Regency, and that trunk was hard to match.

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  I love my 4-runner - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Esther - October 6 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd 4-runner and I absolutely love them. I finally got my limited and I love the quality, design and service after the sale. You will not find a better quality vehicle for the price. You get what you pay for and this vehicle costs a little more,but, it will run for 250,000 miles rather than the usual 100,000 you find elsewhere. I would recommend this vehicle for someone who wants quality without getting into a Lexus!!

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  Performance - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By leng Vang - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Great performance. Just put oil in and they will run FOREVER! Have never spent a single dollar on maintance except the basics such as tires, oil change, etc...

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  Quick little Car! - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By p.rickey - October 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car as my first vehicle, and it has been nothing but absolutely perfect! You like never feel the car shift in between gears, the gas pedal is so smooth, and the pick up is awesome. The SE V6 Coupe is like the early model of the Camry Solara. My model has every feature available at the time. All the features work in perfect condition, no questions asked!

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  RAV4 Not Perfect But Still Great Vehicle - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By RGLII - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Well after 4 months of ownership the honeymoon is over but still satisfied. Have made three trips into dealership to repair rattle/squeak in dash. Turns out the noice was from plastic cover on windshield wiper motor. Thought I could share and save frustrations for others. Overlooking the fixed rattles, I am still happy with my purchase. Comfy, quiet and plenty of pep for commuting to work every day. Did great in last 7 inch snowfall and I dont even have 4wd.

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  Great for our needs for under $24,000 - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Joe M - October 6 - 2:00 am

  We needed more room for yearly trips to Florida. We knew we had to look into an SUV for more room. The compact SUVs were cheap, but just too small. The midsize SUVs were out of our price range, until we found the Highlander. After driving it we knew it was the vehicle for us. We purchased a base model 4 cyl with a few minor upgrades. Let me tell you, this is great vehicle. It has everything you need. The 4 cly 2 WD FWD is great on snow covered roads and the engine has plenty of power for normal driving with the benefit of 22- 27 mpg. If you dont go off road and your looking for a vehicle for more room and a low price this one cant be beat.

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  Best Buy - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Steve Kelley - October 5 - 11:30 pm

  I started my search for a new vehicle by looking at the Infiniti M35. I test drove that car along with the Audi A6, the Acura RL and TL and even a couple of Cadillacs and they were all very nice cars. But the Avalon was not even on my radar screen until I parked next to one at church one day. After looking it up on the internet, I found out the reason it wasnt included in my searches was that it didnt cost enough! After driving it and seeing how much more room it had than any of the others I had looked at I bought it immediately and have been tremendously happy with it and the $10,000 I saved ever since.

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  First Toyota, Great Car - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By fairway2 - October 5 - 12:46 pm

  We couldnt be more satisfied. After 3500 miles and three months of mixed suburban driving The RAV4 has exceeded our expectations. After a lifetime of 4 cylinder autos the V6 is awsome. And it is rated by the Feds as a "green" car, too. Mileage has averaged 25 mpg.

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  This little car is a beast - 2000 Toyota RAV4
  By yotajeepguy33 - October 5 - 11:26 am

  This car has been my everything from hauling hockey gear back and fourth to being a teenagers rally car, to hauling a 2500 pound trailer full of furniture when i moved it pulled it over mountain passes and through cities and on the interstate and never even put up a fit. my parents bought it with 60,000 miles and now it has over 231,000 and 100,000 put on by a teenage male with a very heavy foot. I have done things with this car that would make normal people cringe. and it still starts first time every time. you think that after so many hard miles the little car would be putting up a fight, No Sir it like thank you may I have another she still ticking away.