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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  Camry XLE - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By nhretired - April 15 - 5:26 pm

  After test driving and researching dozens of vehicles, the Camry XLE rose to the top of the pack as the best riding, most comfortable, smoothest car available for the price. The Passat was close but the spotty reliability record ruled it out. The car is loaded with options both standard and extra which are well the price, e.g. leather, sunroof, power seats, climate control, etc. The buying process went very smoothly with AutoFair Toyotas one price "no haggle" policy. So far the Camry has proven to be an excellent all around passenger vehicle.

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  Bought used/drives new - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By Todd - April 15 - 3:03 pm

  Since I purchased this car used I have had to replace the windshield wipers! Thats it! Could not ask for a better reliable car. A friend had told me about a sludging problem that the v6s were having & had suggested I get the extended warranty which I did. It started to blow some light blue exhaust about 6 months after I had it. Took it into the dealer and they handled it & like I said, havent had to do a darn thing to it (other oil changes & reg maintenance). Would recommend these cars to anyone.

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  The best of the small SUVs - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Michael95 - April 15 - 10:00 am

  Sold my Pathfinder and got the 2004 Rav4 and love it. The full time AWD is a big plus over having to shift in and out. Much better mpg than a 6 cylinder SUV, 10-16 mpg vs. 21-28. Lots of safety features standard. Basically a great suv for anyone who doesnt go heavy offroading and needs AWD for winters and some off the road driving. the build quality is awesome, it feels so well built, much better than some much more expensive vehicles I have been in.

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  Classy yet Sophisticated - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Tiffa - April 15 - 10:00 am

  I never made a better investment. I have no complaints whatsoever with this car. I was even involved in 2 minor accidents and the car held up beyone my expectations and I didnt it feel the impact as much as I would have in my old car.

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  best car ever - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By ralph dufus - April 15 - 10:00 am

  this is the best car i have ever owned. it replaced a rather new MBZ, and this car is way more fun.

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  Great Truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By DuaneHemp - April 15 - 10:00 am

  This is the third 4WD truck Ive owned. My first was a Ford Ranger which turned out to be a lemon. My second was a Dodge Dakota, which I loved, and owned for 12 years. So far I like this Tacoma a little better than my Dakota. It is easy and fun to drive, and a very comfortable ride. I just hope that it turns out be as dependable as the Dakota.

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  Great vehicle - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By mhuber - April 15 - 10:00 am

  The first night we were coming home after purchasing the vehicle, a car sped out in front of us on a snow covered highway. We were traveling about 45 MPH. The car handled great and we were able to avoid a collision.

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  09 Replaces our 05 Avalon - 2009 Toyota Avalon
  By StlMo - April 15 - 7:46 am

  Our 05 Avalon Ltd was totaled with 50,200 miles. Was a great car and wife wanted a new on just like it and dealer found one that at my request excluded the nav and laser speed control. These were features we had on the 05 that we didnt really like. With 1,000 miles so far the 09 is quieter. The 6 speed auto is smooth and the already good fuel economy is even better. The 05 could attain 32 highway, and on our first road trip with only 300 miles on the car (added 240 more miles on the trip) we got 33.9 mpg generally driving 70 mph. I also think the front end is now better looking, particularly the fog lights.

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  This Rock Rocks! - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Larry - April 15 - 7:43 am

  I have two GM vans, and cannot believe the difference! This is an amazingly solid and safe-feeling drive. The interior is logical, and the computer works the lights and locks exactly the way I expected! The tri-area heating and cooling is really an argument saving feature!

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  The Perfect Balance - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Al - April 15 - 4:20 am

  Wow! This vehicle has an excellent balance of performance, economy, ergonomics and reliability. Beginning with Toyotas amazing commitment to quality and reliability. Continue with Toyotas attention to comfort and ergonomics. Top it all off with 270 hp and 460 ft lbs of torque (almost as much as my turbo diesel!!) and its hard to believe that it holds 7 people and gets 27 mpg!! We traded our Sequoia in for the Highlander and havent looked back (we loved our Sequoia!). I think I love it more than my Camry hybrid and my diesel truck! Especially as fuel moves well over 4.00/gallon.