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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  My First Toyota - But My Second Hybrid - 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Chassy - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Was going to buy a Prius - but for the same price - you can get a Camry and get, as the sales man said - a real car! LOL I just liked it better - although the mileage is 35-40 but for that you get more room, quiet and nice ride and handling.

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  Great Car - 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Brunilda Garcia - January 25 - 7:41 pm

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  Wont miss my Murano - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By XMuranoDriver - January 25 - 10:43 am

  I traded in my 2004 Murano on the Venza. My Muranos driver seat decided to break loose from one corner of its side rails 2 days after my Nissan extended warranty expired and Nissan refused to fix it - even though I had not made a single claim against the warranty during my entire time owning it! I found out by researching online that this was a known, common problem with Muranos, yet they would not offer me any assistance other than to quote me a mere $750 to fix i!. My Venza is way more responsive that the Murano, wider and more spacious feeling, a lot less top heavy feeling in turns and the glass roof is way cool!

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  BEST HYBRID ON THE MARKET - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Bill J - January 24 - 3:36 pm

  I have never been as excited about a car as I am about this one. It is so nice to drive that I just want to stay in it all the time. Race car tight steering and stability, yet has an amazingly smooth comfortable ride. The car teaches and creates a desire to achieve higher MPG as you watch the Energy Display Graphics. I am averaging 52.5 MPG. Stop and go and slow travel on the Highway gives you your best MPG. I have driven four miles up to a speed of 41 MPH before the gas engene has started on the Highway. The Climate control, sound system, Navagation system and the many others are so easy to access on the steering wheel and display screen. All these things make it fun to drive.

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  Love my Avalon!! - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By PeggyC - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I have owned Mercedes, Volvos, and BMWs. I bought this car used(24,000 miles) from a dealership. It is a certified car by toyota. This car has never been to the shop. I keep the oil changed and do the routine maintenence. The roomie interior is great--5 adults fit-no problem. It has been the best car i have ever owned!

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  1999 Avalon review - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By dhopper - January 24 - 10:00 am

  great car with lots of room

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  I love my RAV - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Gina72 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I recently purchased the RAV4 L. Its fully loaded and I am enjoying every little bit of it.I love it! Its so easy to drive and it feels powerful. Even with the AC cranked up it has great pick up. So far I drove over curbs and through major floods due to heavy downpours with no problems whatsoever.The 4WD is awesome. I cant wait until winter.

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  WOW - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Cap - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I have slowly moved up the Toyota line of vehicles. Progressing in model as finances allow. Recently purchased 4Runner. WOW! THe ride, feel,handling, and the thrill are fantastic. Test drove many SUVs. 4Runner exceeds expectations and breaks the SUV mold!

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  My second toyota highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Rjudyj - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I especially like the way the front seat fits my lower back. This is the 2nd one Ive bought for this reason. The car also feels very safe and is a good size for a woman who enjoys driving an suv, travels between two states frequently, and hauls many things. Also the gas mileage is good for an suv, I think 21+ depending on where I am.

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  Luv My Highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By sparklingwater - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Only had my Highlander two weeks and I absolutely love it. The ride is smooth, the handling great. The inside is designed well. Anyone looking for a SUV with the comfort of a smooth ride, look no further.