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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  Highly Recommend! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Waddysgirl - January 29 - 10:00 am

  I am very pleased with my 2002 Camry XLE. It was a replacement for my previous 1990 Camry which had 191K+ miles. I trust that my new 2002 will last as long. I am impressed with the MPG on road trips (30 MPG) and the comfort of the leather seats. I am also impressed with the Camry road handling. It may have been a bit pricey compared to the Honda Accord or Nissan Altima, but this 2002 is my fourth Toyota and I have had good experience with Toyota quality.

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  Buick Convert - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By LS - January 29 - 4:43 am

  Having been a buick fan (last one the Ultra) I am finding this car to be far superior. Allthough the car seems smaller and more sporty to drive the overall size, comfort and interior room are equal to the Buick and provide plenty of room for a large person. Interior storage compartments are vast and handy to access compared to the Buick (dont have to jamb the door shut on the glove compartment). The quiet motor provides all the get up and go that I require with extra to spare. The bumps are noticeable on inferior roads, but on a quality highway it rides and handles like a dream. Am constantly finding little extras like the hold down clamps on the floor mats.

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  The Greatest SUV - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Mari - January 28 - 10:43 am

  I would really recommend this car to just about anyone. Its comfortable, fuel efficient, especially for a 4 wheel drive, and it looks great. It comes with great standard features like the mp3 player plug in. If you are looking for a reliable, fun car, this is it.

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  Big step up from my 1999 taco - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Montana RRT - January 27 - 6:43 pm

  Well, it has only been 3 days but this truck is awesome, way better than my 99 taco x-cab 4 banger 4x4. Fit and finish are excellent. Ride rivals that of my wifes grand Cherokee (car like). Only thing I am having trouble with is you cant hear the engine and it is a manual tranny. I have always just shifted on instinct and now I have to use a tach. I guess the trade off is the very quiet ride. All the standard safety features are nice (6 airbags, trac cont, 4 wheel abs all base model stuff now). I will get the monitor for the tailgate cam, will help with hooking up the trailer. This is my 8th Toyota vehicle, and it appears they have hit yet another grand slam.

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  Favorite of all time - 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Ron - January 27 - 3:33 pm

  Best car ever owned. At 62 have owned numerous cars since 1969. This car had 14000 miles when I bought it but it has never failed me in any way. Also, Toyota has gone beyond the warranty period to repaint one minor some rust area. All I have done is change the oil, perform the maintenances and buy one set of tires. You will not be disappointed.

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  Very Close to Lexus - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By zdude - January 27 - 9:20 am

  I traded my Lexus LS430 for the Avalon and so far I really like it. It handles better than I expected and the gas milage has been fantastic! It has all the amenities I was wanting and so far has been trouble free. I drove 900 miles in one day last week (yes, 900 miles) and the journey was pretty comfortable the whole trip! So far I am very happy with my purchase. The car is no stunner in the looks department but I like it and prefer a less-flashy car in these times. Also, to the poster who said it was ugly why would you buy it based on all the negative comments you made? Didnt you see it / test drive it before you bought it? Maybe get help before your next purchase next time.

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  Corolla LE Premium 2016 - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By lvhb - January 26 - 7:48 pm

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  A perfect 10 - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By eglmainz - January 26 - 5:53 pm

  This is my first Hybrid purchase, and we could not be happier. In the first two weeks of ownership, I have averaged about 56 mpg, which is about a 12% increase in the rated EPA average. The fit and finish of this car is better than and I have owned before. The comfort of the Heated Leather seats are a vast improvement from the last Prius. The entire cockpit redesign of this car make it very unique and logical. As for handling, this car rides like it is on rails. I feel no body roll in the car, even when taking turns sharply to maximize my fuel economy. If you have been on the fence for a new car, its time to jump off, and jump into a 2010 Prius! Toyota really got this one right!!!!!

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  I Love My Camry SE V6!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Canadiandad - January 26 - 12:33 pm

  I researched this car so thoroughly before buying that I drove my wife crazy. I have NO hestitation buying the car even after reading the problems for a very few customers about tranny flare and drive by wire hesitation. I absolutely love everything about my Camry SE V6 so far. I only have 1200kms on the car so far and yet I cannot fine one single problem with the car. I have owned over 14 Toyotas in my life and this one is the best so far. It looks, feels, sounds and smells fantastic.

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  Love Our Yaris - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Al - January 26 - 5:56 am

  We really love our new Yaris! Its solid and quiet, yet fun to drive. The interior and exterior fit and finish is outstanding. Now I remember why I loved my Camry. We have driven other cars from full sized vans to mini vans and sub-compacts, this car beats them all! (except our Camry.) I was a little worried about the Bridgestone tires but they have been fine.