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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  Love this car! - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By Tim in WI - March 12 - 9:54 am

  This car is about 16 months old w/ about 24K miles. I had the lane change indicator reset from 3 "flashes" to 6 - the dealer did it during regular service with no problem. The stock stereo is excellent, though I added a subwoofer to get the full range of sound. I have no problems with the CVT engine. Its not going to blow the doors off most cars from the line, but Ive had no problem passing people (which I do often) when I drop it out of Eco mode. I usually travel 70 -75 MPH and I average 40 MPG. The ride is smooth, maybe a little noisy on the highway, but typical for a compact car (maybe even a little better). The Bluetooth feature is great, though it can occasionally be finicky when I stream music from my Android phone. I like the interior design, and passengers usually compliment the look of the interior. The LED headlights are awesome - firing up the brights is like turning night into day. The cruise control is well designed and I almost always use it when on the highway. I highly recommend this car to anyone interested in a car that is comfortable, easy to drive, great on gas, and has a bit of power to it. Its not a sports car, but its still fun to drive. Even after a year and a half, I still enjoy driving it every day.

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  I swear I thought it was a lexus!!!!! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By ACZDO - March 12 - 8:56 am

  If you want to have a luxury mid size sedan but does not want to spend tons of money then the Avalon is the best one for you. I was debating on either this car or the lexus ES. I cant seem to justify spending thousand$ more just to have the Lexus badge on my car. The Avalon has more features , better and stonger engine, better looks. In fact the Avalons ride is a lot better (go test drive it and you will know what Im talking about). The interior on this car is huge. I mean its almost as big as the Lexus LS. Toyota has done a really great job on this car. So if you not sure still, please take my advice, test drive it!!!

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  Finally a car I can depend on! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By J - March 12 - 6:53 am

  After many nightmares with a Dodge Stratus and a Chevy Cavalier...I finally have a car that wont leave me hanging! I love my Corolla S! I love to drive it...its sporty, comfy and roomy. Very sharp in black with black interior and chrome accents. Running lights automatically turn to full running lights when it gets dark. Cruise control on the steering wheel is easily accesible and easy to use. Car has very responsive steering...at first a little hard to get used to as it is maybe a little too responsive. Very accommodating with lights located under the rear view mirror and cup holders in center console for both front and rear passengers. Not to mention lots of storage compartments!

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  Love This Truck - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Tibbzz - March 12 - 4:43 am

  I love my 4 runner, bought it used with about 20k miles on it (at near 50k now). No issues at all and love driving it. I average about 14 commuting (bit of a lead foot) and maybe 18 on the highway. Towing a 5000lb boat gives a terrifying 9mpg. Other than that its a mean lil truck.

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  Staying in the family... - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By rgrace - March 12 - 12:50 am

  This car was my dads for 9 years and then became mine. I put around 30,000 on it myself and it is now closing in on 190,000. Im having the timing belt changed tomorrow along with the spark plugs and plug wires so I thought Id check out what to expect in the cars future as far as repairs go and everyones reviews are very encouraging. The car just keeps soldiering on year after year, it has completely convinced me to buy Toyota for my next vehicle...of course, if these reviews are any indication, I might not need a new one for quite a while.

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  excellent car - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By tato - March 11 - 11:33 pm

  its a nice car, specially if you like to go out of your town, its fun to drive, amazing sound system.

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  Green Gem - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By MUlrickson - March 11 - 10:43 pm

  This vehicle has surprising performance, quickly accelerating for on ramps and passing cars on two lane hi-ways. Turning radius is excellent. It has surprising interior room, with plenty of leg room in front and rear. Our vehicle was achieving 48 to 53 mph in city driving during summer and fall driving, but has fallen close to 40 during winter driving. We are on the wait list to receive another.

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  fun to drive and fast mover - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By thud - March 11 - 1:23 am

  This echo is more fun to drive than my v6 2001 honda coupe. The pickup is amazing and it will leave bigger cars at the stop lights. The vtec engine has plenty of power. It handles well and rides like a jewel with no road noise. I am getting over 41 miles per gallon. It runs the 0 to 60 faster than the camry v6. Most standards rubber band at slow speeds in low or second gear.(surging). The echo is the only manual that does not rubber band.

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  Love This Car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Arizona341 - March 10 - 10:56 pm

  It is our second Prius. We will only have hybid cars. The car is everything anyone needs in a car. Quiet, reliable, and good for the health of the nation.

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  So far so good - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Greaseman - March 10 - 5:16 pm

  Ive only had this car about a year and a half. So far this car has been great. Only have had one problem which was that I needed to replace the starter at 106,000 miles. The dealer wanted $307 for a new starter. I found a new Bosch starter for $125. I love the V6 engine. Its very quiet and smooth and is a very good highway cruiser. The premium sound system is top notch. My mechanic told me I made a good choice and in his opinion the Camry is one of the best cars built today for the money. Gas millage is what is advertised as long as you dont get into the throttle. Got 27.2 mpg on a trip to Vegas. The large gas tank gives a good range between fill ups.