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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  lil,red - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Chris Krieger - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Performance is great considering the fuel economy average is about 53 mpg over life of the car.The color Barcelona red and exterior design is very beautiful.

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  My Avalon - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Jim - June 15 - 8:13 pm

  I had my Avalon over a year and it has been the best vehicle I have owned during the past forty-five years. Great ride and power when one needs it. I have not had one problem with this car. My friends whom ride in my car loves it. Lots of room in the back seat for legs. You wont go wrong buying a Toyota Avalon. We love it!

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  2002 Camry SE V6 - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Rory - June 15 - 5:23 pm

  Fun to drive sports sedan that can haul the family. Roomy interior and a classy exterior design that is appealing to the eye. I did experience sudden jerking 40-50 MPH while in 4th gear overdrive when you let off the gas. I upgraded the fuel from 87 to 93 octane (91 or higher recommended) and the problem seems to be resolving itself, but not yet resolved. Dealer could not identify the problem. Is it just my CAMRY that is doing this? Overall, we like the car. Rory

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  My car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By patty - June 15 - 4:50 pm

  What can I say I just love it. I always own a Chevy or Ford. I can say this is one of the best cars I ever owned. Is cute and great on gas. And the dealership I bought it from they were great. They pick this car out for me and I just fell in love with it let me tell you, you cant go wrong .

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  A great vehicle with a few quirks - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Craig - June 15 - 4:06 pm

  This is my first hybrid. I have noticed that if you want to milk every bit of mpg from this vehicle, you need to drive in ECON mode. Using ECON mode I get 25 mpg in mixed driving. Without ECON mode I get around 20 mpg - sometimes less. EV mode is, IMHO, a marketing gimmick as it will not work unless the temperature is right, the batteries are fully charged, etc, etc, etc. When idling in park or in traffic, you sometimes feel a bump and small surge forward. When driving, you do not feel gas/electric switching at all. In ECON mode, acceleration is damped to conserve fuel. In normal mode this vehicle is quite powerful and easily gets to freeway speeds.

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  Simply the finest - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Bill - June 15 - 7:50 am

  This is the finest drive I have experienced. I am convinced the 2005 Avalon is the equivalent of the Lexus, in terms of ride and road quiet. The Limited is a step up from the other models of the Avaoln as well. I have consistently gotten 26-27 mpg in mixed city and highway driving on regular gas. The seats are comfortable on both in and out driving or long distance trips and vented/heated is a great addition. The quality of the sound system is excellent. The car also has a powerful acceleration if you need it. Surprisingly agile in cornering too. Im sold on this car and on the guys at Toyota.

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  AWESOME!!!!!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By maggie - June 15 - 6:33 am

  I am thrilled with my Yaris!! It is stylish, comfortable, fun to drive and economical! Of course, with gas prices being what they are these days I wouldnt mind being able to claim about 10 miles per gallon more than what I am now recording. However, 38/39 m.p.g. on the freeways and 32/33 m.p.g. in-town driving isnt too shabby considering its the summer months and Im driving with the air-conditioner on full blast! I think I got a great deal on my 2007 Yaris.

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  Great dog & adventure-mobile! - 2008 Toyota Matrix
  By wawoof - June 15 - 5:36 am

  We decided to replace our 2002 Subaru Legacy wagon (EPA: 18/25) with a more fuel-efficient car. We went with the Matrix because it was the most fuel-efficient, economical, and reliable car we could find that would fit a large dog in the back. Great dog car! The dog barrier screws into the back of the rear seat - much more secure than any other dog barrier Ive encountered. The plastic lining the cargo area is SO much easier to clean than the carpet in other cars. It even came with a bunch of useful nets and screws to organize the cargo area. Perfect car for us and our dogs. And I love how all the seats on the passenger side fold down and the rear window opens to accommodate long items.

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  2003 Toyota ECHO - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Sharon - June 14 - 2:53 pm

  Its even good in snow! Amazing! Once around Erie there were two cars off the road in a squall, I called and the dispatcher said there were 200 cars off the road in that county! AND I just kept going without a problem! I dont get tired on long trips of 8-11 hours!

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  Love It. Minor Flaws - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By KG - June 14 - 1:46 pm

  Purchased my 2010 SR5 two months ago. Love the color gray. Averaging 19.5 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. Love the ride--smoother than many cars and most SUVs. I purchased the 2010 model after driving a 1999 SR5 for the last 11 years. Gas mileage is o.k. but I was hoping for a little better (low 20s would have been nice). I like the fuel economy meter and interior gauges and controls. Quality is great so far. I like the masculine looks, inside and out. Here are the minor flaws: no running boards, radio illumination gets washed out (too dim) when the headlights are turned on, rear wiper could be better (why doesnt it swipe the entire back window?). Overall, a great vehicle. No regrets.