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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  sweet - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By faullinn - December 13 - 10:00 am

  only problems - rear window too small; boot really sucks (unless its automatic, who uses it? Otherwise, totally sweet.

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  TOYOTA HIGHLANDER - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Dave M - December 13 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is a pleasure to drive. Its has a competent ride, looks great, and comfortably seats 4 adults. The 4 cylinder has plenty of spunk and is very quiet at crusing speed. (On the highway, engine noise is quite pronounced in my 4 cylinder Honda.)

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  04 Sienna LTD FWD HF review - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By davenow - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Overall an excellent choice for a minivan. In color of Silver Shadow Pearl makes this van look good. Gas milage is fantastic for a heavy van like this. im getting 24-25 mixed driving consistantly, and i anticipate 28-29 when i take my trip in the fall.

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  My teens like it ! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By yopon - December 13 - 10:00 am

  My teens said they wouldnt ride in mini van, but now say its cool. Traded Highlander for more room. Got that plus great mpg (22.5 avg), quiet smooooth ride, great visability, tight turning radius, very nice interior features, storage galore. Kept price down by ordering only what I wanted, before all the "dealers profitable" frills packages were added. Dealer still gave me a good deal. Im very happy and plan to keep it forever! SUVs are overated. Buy what makes the most sense. nuff said

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  Every Car Should Be This Fun To Drive - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By canoe_junkie - December 13 - 6:20 am

  The fact that I put on over 24k in the first year of ownership should tell you how much I like this car. My highway mileage when keeping the car between 65-70 has been routinely 38 mpg. In town, 29 mpg. In terms of "fun to drive factor", this car has not disappointed. By fun, I dont mean lots of torque. Think nimble, like a Mini Cooper or other small wheel base car with perhaps a little more oomph. The power is more than acceptable for a commuter car. The capacity is deceiving, with the seats down, I fit 8 lumber with no prob. Headroom is excellent, my 65" friend sits inside with room to spare. DIY maintenance has been easy with only oil & filt change and tire rotation every 5k.

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  Beats the competition - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Steve - December 13 - 5:53 am

  This vehicle is fun to drive and has loads of power, almost too much for the front wheel drive when accelerating quickly. The ride is very firm and tight. It is roomier than most of the competition and gets the best gas mileage. I have the Sport V6. I average 23 in town and 27 on the highway. I just returned from a long trip driving it totally loaded with 4 people, luggage, etc., and averaged over 26 mpg. Recommend test driving this vehicle after checking out all the rest.

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  Typical Toyota - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By kjsayers - December 13 - 5:13 am

  This is my 2nd Tacoma and 4th Toyota. I knew this was the only truck I was going to buy the only thing was to decide a color (black). There is a lot of storage. The storage under and behind the rear seats is beyond great. The composite bed is much needed. Although it can be slick. The engine power is excellent and after 17K miles I get 21 hwy and 18 mixed driving. I have no complaints except the paint scratches very easy. Toyota needs to address this along with the 17" sport wheels that have a pitting problem in the finish.

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  Too soon to know - 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By C Fike - December 13 - 12:05 am

  Have only owned the car for 4 weeks, however so far I love the comfort and the economy. I have owned an Avalon for 17 years and so far it it looks like this one will be as reliable and a whole lot more ecconomical and with more comfort features.

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  My 2nd 2009 Corolla - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By dback2004 - December 12 - 9:03 pm

  This is my second 2009 Corolla - first was an LE which was totaled in an accident. When I replaced it I bought another 2009, but this time in the S trim. I love it! It gets excellent gas milage, about 38 highway and is a sporty drive while small enough to easily maneuver the parking ramp at work. Plenty of creature comforts including aux jack, keyless entry, CD changer. It rides smooth and has a moderate amount of road noise.

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  Drive One - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By The best SUV - December 12 - 6:30 pm

  I have driven a lot of SUVs and this one definitely was the most fun and comfortable of them all. It is very quiet inside and feels solid. Not to mention that the V8 really gets up and goes.