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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  Excellent Truck - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By henderr1 - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this SR5 V-8 4WD extended cab for four years now and love it as much today as when I drove it off show room. This truck steps over everything. Logs, bolders you name it. I hunt and fish in WV and it has never had a problem getting me to and from. I have 76000 miles on it and only have had trouble with the front brakes. The dealer this year finally put the new 2003 brakes and heat shield on it and what a difference. Toyota picked up the labor and I bought the parts. Im ready for another one as soon as they offer heated seats in cloth. Not another truck on the road with this ground clearance. Toyota quality is excellent.

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  Toyota? Lexus? Solara! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Kramer4Solara - November 12 - 2:00 am

  SLE V6 w/DVD nav.The build quality is unparalleled.The car is just solid, smooth, refined to incredibly high standards. The interior feels comfortable and stylish, all controls are intuitive and in the right place. Sounds like a 325i when you punch it. Took it on a four day road trip the fist day I got the keys. Exterior is stylish, but not dated. A truly worthwhile machine.

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  Sweet Wheels - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By bigC - November 12 - 2:00 am

  My Solara replaced an 02 Infiniti Q45. I have been totally impressed with the change. Never thought Id be happy with a Toyota. I was wrong!

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  TOYOTA COROLLA S - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By POOPNOGGIN - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I COMMUTE 50 MILES ROUND TRIP EVERY DAY, THIS VEHICLE IS AN EXCELLENT DAILY DRIVER. THE GAS MILEAGE AVERAGES ABOUT 33MPG, I ADMIT I HAVE A HEAVY RIGHT FOOT.

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  Great van! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By turbojimmy - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I have very few complaints with our "GJ" XLE, which is great considering the very high expectations I had of this van. After looking at all of the competition, we felt that the Toyota had the best combination of size, features, power and asthetics. We were right! With baby seats consuming both middle captains chairs there is still room to get into the van and to the 3rd row. The van is comfortable to sit and ride in no matter which seat you pick. Power from a stop is great, from a roll it is adequate.

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  Smooth, Quiet, Fast, and Great Mileage! - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By robsis - November 11 - 6:02 pm

  Wow, are we impressed. This vehicle is such a great road car. Quiet, smooth ride, with lots of punch if you need to pass. 30+ MPG on the highway and 23-24 in town. Love the new dash re-design and the six-speed automatic. You can barely tell its shifting. Plenty of room both in the front and back. Heated/cooled seats are a joy. Our friend, who drives a Lexus LS460, said our Avalon was quieter than his LS, and just as smooth on the open road. Our final choice was between the Avalon and a Genesis. Genesis was a nice vehicle; however, comparably equipped, the Avalon was thousands less and we liked the FWD for our snowy winters. Test drive it for 30 minutes or more and youll be sold.

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  Happy to have a Toyota - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Joanna - November 11 - 3:10 pm

  I just bought a 2006 RAV4. While I have not had it that long, I am very happy with this vehicle.I was surprised at the great deal I received. I also looked at many, many other small SUVs, but not one could beat the price and value of the RAV4, even with the the massive rebates offered by the other companies. I couldnt find any that had better gas mileage. Also, the resale/trade-in value is better than most other vehicles. If I were to say anything negative it would be that the back seat does not look like it could fit three comfortably.The middle seatback actually folds down to become an armrest and cupholder. I sat there, and it doesnt feel too uncomfortable. The bench seat itself has a ton of room and reclines.

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  Love this Truck! - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Ballplayer7 - November 11 - 6:26 am

  Ive had this truck over a year now, love every time I drive it. Had access cab before, love the double cab and 4wd. Truck came with dealer 3" lift kit, TRD Off Road Pkg and over sized tires. Still drives awesome in city or highway and wife feels comfortable driving also. On nice flat roads with cruise control Ill get 20+mpg, I had to do the calcs twice to confirm. Plenty of room in back for my fellow softballers, headroom and leg room, no complaints. Installed hard cover on bed and love the locking tailgate, plenty of room for our ballbags.

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  4Runner Rocks!!! - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By JB - November 11 - 5:40 am

  I love this truck!!!! I did about two months of research and had a very difficult time deciding making a decision but the super quiet and comfortable ride, the reliability of Toyota, the general comfort, and the resale value of the 4Runner took it. I am in no way unhappy about my decision and if I had to do it over again after owning this one for three months now I would definitely do it again.

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  From a 95 Camry LE to a 2003 Corolla CE - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By John Cannon - November 10 - 2:33 pm

  I forgot to change the oil filter on my 1995 Camry LE for two years! Ouch! When it popped out, the damage estimate was $5000, so I came home with the new 2003 Corolla CE. What a joy to look at and to drive. My wife adores it. It doesnt have a blemish. We love the wind-up windows and the excellent all-round vision. Even the driving mirror is an improvement over the clunky, intrusive Camry mirror.