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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  Reliable, but poorly designed features. - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Andi - January 28 - 5:50 pm

  6 Cyl offers quick pickup to get into traffic. Stylish looking. Driving w/ Sun/Moonroof up can be noisy. Fold-down seats are a cinch to use and offer a lot of storage room for trips to store.

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  My second in two years - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Bud Rudder - January 28 - 11:43 am

  No disappointments! Well worth the wait. I get mileage as advertised if I drive carefully. At 62"/240 lbs. I am comfortable. Amazing to buy this much technology for $21,000! I purchased an 04 and drove it 14000 miles then my 05 came in - both have not needed any repair other than routine maintenance. My 06 is due in January.

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  Great truck must buy - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By bl - January 28 - 7:26 am

  I have had my Tundra for a month now and pulled a 23 camper "1970 model" so it was pretty heavy. I had no troubles, I had to go up and down a mountain. The brakes stop wonderfully. I pulled the mountain going around 45 mph no problem.

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  Highly recommend! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Nicole - January 28 - 3:30 am

  I love my RAV4! I have had great experience with Toyota cars and was watching the RAV4 for a few years, but was disappointed in the rear seat and cargo space - until the 2006 model! The back seat space is awesome, and the seats even recline. The cargo space with the seats up is excellent, and with the seats down, its hard to believe its a "small" SUV. The audio system is excellent, ABS is standard, as is traction control, and the hamdling is responsive and nimble. I even went on a trip in March and got 34 mpg! Great car!

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  Would Buy Again Easily! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By SB - January 28 - 2:56 am

  After over four years of ownership, this is a great car all around. Ive driven this car through mountains, snow and floods and still after 44,000 mi, the engine and everything else still runs like it did when it rolled off the showroom floor. Acceleration is nothing special, but its ample to get on the highway and keep up with traffic. I usually average about 34 mpg with mostly city driving, 42 mpg is the absolute most in my experience. Storage is never a problem even on long trips with a dog kennel in the back and being 62 I have plenty of headroom and legroom (maybe not so for rear passengers). If youre a no frills person looking for reliability and function, Yaris is a great choice.

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  sporty car - 2017 Toyota Corolla
  By Wayne Thomas - January 27 - 10:35 pm

  Great car

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  sporty car - 2017 Toyota Corolla
  By Wayne Thomas - January 27 - 10:35 pm

  Great car

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  Toyota, go to the next step - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By jakiefnh - January 27 - 8:30 pm

  There is no reason why this car cannot achieve 100+ mpg. Both the batteries and electric motors are underpowered. I would prefer that this be a plug-in electric car with a high-end on-board electric generator. That said, I achieve 40-45 mpg in the winter and 50- 55 mpg in the summer. I do not understand why the electric motor cannot power the car from a dead start without the gas-powered engine having to kick in.

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  Japanese Mercedes - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Ken - January 27 - 4:00 pm

  Did some serious research before making my purchase. No other automaker will give you as many options and value as the new Avalon Limited. Vented seats, Nav., laser cruise, reclining rear seats, keyless entry & start. The HID headlights and advanced airbag system is a standard safety feature. The craftmanship of the Avalons interior is very refined & luxurious. Gas mileage, handling and acceleration is excellent. Satellite radio to go along with the 360 watt JBL Audio System is a must. This new Avalon is fast and smooth. But easy-up on the seq. manual gear shifts, and just step on the gas with the auto shift.

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  Im in love with this car. - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Ralph Roughton - January 27 - 1:20 pm

  Ive had it only for 6 weeks, so maybe its still the honeymoon. I bought it to do my part for the environment and the economy; but its turned out to be a fun car to drive. Peppy on pickup, easily maneuverable, feels roomy, even for my 6 foot height. Plenty of power. I pushed it on a deserted, straight stretch of freeway -- and pulled back when it reached 93. Im sure it would have gone over 100. With careful driving, Im getting 52 mpg.