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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  She rocks! - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Diane - December 21 - 11:13 pm

  I have never been happier! She rides great! Looks great! Is amazing on gas! Much more room than one would think! I cant say enough great things about my Prius! Thanks, Toyota!

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  Love our Sequoia - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By B&C - December 21 - 10:10 am

  We debated on a mini-van, but wanted a larger 4wd. We looked at all the full size SUVs and chose the Sequoia that we purchased through a broker with 15,000 mi. Its an SR5, but loaded with almost every option available. Of course the mileage is horrible, but if you can get past that fact, you will love this SUV. It accelerates as good or better than my Mercedes E320. I have had 5 full size guys with 5 bikes and even my 63" buddy was comfortable in the 3rd row. We are very happy. On road trips we average around 18 mph. We put in an aftermarket DVD - if this is a requirement, get one with the factory DVD, aftermarket will not work with factory BT, poor steering wheel connections, etc.

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  Toyota hit a homerun with the RAV4 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By RAVfan - December 20 - 9:43 pm

  We bought our loaded v6 AWD limited on the basis of some good reviews from reputable auto mags. Those reviews still ring true today, four years after our purchase. The 269 HP AWD version possesses a very sporty driving experience. It handles mountain roads with ease, zipping through corners like a much lower sedan. In straightaway acceleration, it gives performance cars a run for their money. Hardly worth mentioning the very minor repairs over our ownership run. Certainly far less than similar vehicles. Excellent build quality, including exceptional paint and interior materials. You cannot go wrong with the RAV4.

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  Money well spent. - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By kayeed44 - December 20 - 9:23 pm

  Handles well even at my normal cruising speed of 65. My wife and I are both happy about the lack of excessive engine noise, even at 70 mph. Gas mileage averages 30+ in overall driving. A little slippage on snow and ice but I think its because of the standard "Continental" tires.

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  Aerodynamics and Space in a Crossover - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Art Wallace - December 20 - 12:26 pm

  The Venza has been a surprising delight to drive with the four- cylinder version providing excellent fuel economy and adequate acceleration and hill climbing capacity. Weve enjoyed the spacious seating in front and back, along with the excellent standard features and back storage area with easy fold down seats (with lever). Its aerodynamic design and styling make it drive smoothly on the highway and its tight turning radius is a welcome change after owning a minivan.

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  Solid SUV & Car - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Best SUV. - December 20 - 6:56 am

  The car is fun to drive in or out of the city. Ive driven 2000 miles and have averaged 27MPG. People that say they are getting 19MPG probably are getting 10MPG with the standard SUV. If you keep flooring it, then the big 6cyl kicks in. You have to drive smart. Great comfortable interior, power, and quiet engine. Great navigation system & love the heated seat, back room, and trunk space. I look forward to driving it everyday!

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  Buyers Regrets? None!!!!! - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By deaconbill - December 20 - 6:38 am

  Purchased our Avalon Touring Hybrid in May and was immediately very happy with the choice we had made. Looked at the Ford Fusion Hybrid - nice car, but not as nice as the Avalon, whose interior is greatly superior to the Fusion. Have driven 4,000 miles, a mix of highway and city, and am averaging 40.3 mpg. You cant beat that. Put everything together - styling, spacious and excellently appointed interior, plenty of cutting edge technical gadgets - and you have one outstanding package. The fact that it runs on regular gas as another plus. We considered a Lexus, but the Avalon was just too good to pass on. It has to be one of the best cars Toyota has made, and its made in America!

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  Great alternative in a Hybrid SUV - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Michael - December 19 - 4:30 pm

  Purchased this Highlander Hybrid SUV over Labor Day Weekend. Still have 1/4 tank of gas! Would have filled the CR-V twice now! Great alternative, and the look, performance and features are terrific, a great buy!

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  Over 3 years and Im still giddy - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Zippy - December 19 - 4:13 pm

  I test drove the Civic and the Corolla, and the Corolla was faster, tighter and got better mileage. I still wanted something quicker and tried the XRS. It was WELL worth the extra money. I LOVE driving this car! That said, the power curve is not at all smooth and Ive adjusted how I drive to compensate. You almost have to plan ahead. I put a graphite gear shifter knob on it which really improved my ability to "feel" the gears and shift with accuracy. The car pushes a little around corners, but I guess thats safer than the alternative. I didnt know it only took premium until after two tanks of regular. I dont like paying more for gas, but its still worth it.

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  SR5 with third row seating - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Morph - December 19 - 1:56 pm

  So far the only issue is a little steering wheel wobble at 60 MPH. Possible wheel alignment issue. Everything else about the SR5 is fantastic. Love the fact that rear window rolls down and all other windows including the ones in back seat go all the way down. Great in snow and seat comfort is great. The little moon light that illuminates the front gearshift area is a great feature.Reclining rear seats and satellite radio, as well as blue tooth phone are some of my favorite features. In metallic gray the chrome really stands out. Third seat is preferred over the goofy roll out tray. Who ever came up with that feature should be shot. Overall very pleased with the purchase!