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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  Happy owner - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Happy Happy - July 4 - 4:00 pm

  This is my third Prius, and it is the finest car Ive ever owned! Ive none of the complaints Ive seen in other reviews. My car has undercoating, and is very quiet in town and on the road. The sound system is superb. Ive just completed a 1500 mile trip, mainly on interstates -- and the mileage indicator reads 60.0 mpg! And this is pretty much confirmed by the rough check of miles between fill ups, and amount of fuel added. The main reason for purchasing this model was the solar powered ventilating system when parked in the sun, a real plus in the South.

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  bigger and better - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By K.Stewart - July 4 - 1:50 pm

  Had a Highlander ,and was impressed. Thought Id try something a little larger and found the 4- Runner to be just the right fit. Very roomy and the power to boot in a V-6. Now that gas has gone down it is very good on the pocket.Overall very pleased with the vehicle.

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  Toyota makes another bad decision - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By C and G Shingleton - July 4 - 9:20 am

  Purcd 4/28/10 - give all eval. ratings a ten. Bliz Pearl w/Lt gray interior carpet. All online 2011 Avalon Ltd online pics as well as build-your-own car have matching carpet color mats. Ours arrived w/black mats we didnt want. Imagine a beautifully designed kitchen, w/a black plywood floor? To the eye, black is a size reducing color. Seems like black mats are up to our knees. Feel we are due $199. Called CA CServ. CS person said we dont reimburse and ALL Avalons now come w/black mats. We said Toyota is deceiving cust. Could have easily notified Dealers or put new link online. CS person had us on hold ten min-came back-said Toyota will reimburse you. Mail us copy of Vehicle sticker. We did

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  Best All-Around SUV You Can Buy - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Chris G - July 4 - 6:20 am

  This car is great, quality is world class and the power is unsurpassed in similar small SUVs. Regarding the MPG, if you drive it like a hot rod all the time then you will not get great gas mileage. Yes, I certainly like to experience the raw power every once in awhile - but for the most part I drive like a normal person and dont always test the limits of this car every time I take off. I easily get 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

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  I like it ! - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By David Cooper - July 4 - 4:53 am

  With 3600 miles on the vehicle, and about 6 weeks of ownership, my experience so far has been great. Gas mileage overall is 27.8 mpg, combined highway and city, and still increasing. Acceleration is strong, lots of torque, which surprises passengers and other drivers. This vehicle GOES. Its quiet, sure-footed, maneuverable, although some torque steer under heavy acceleration. The CVT transmission is always in the "right" gear, which is great for mountain driving. Regenerative braking limits brake heating and wear coming down long hills. Getting into the third row seats does require some agility. Retractable headrests help drivers vision out the rear.

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  Love My Ride! - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By jaime - July 4 - 4:16 am

  Excellent SUV.The attention to detail from Japanese auto makers (dont even go to chevy or ford) and the quality, reliability is perfect - this is my 6th TOYOTA. Maintenance every 5K miles and youre gonna be just fine - great truck, smooth, easy to drive - it feels like a sedan I have a lot of fun...TOYOTA keep up the good work!!!

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  JB Avalon - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By Jack Burkert - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Great car, the poor mans Lexus 430

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  Better than the Lexus 250 or 300 - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By BimmerMan - July 4 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car for the reliabilty but kept it 7 yrs for the quiet fun. Built like the Lexus 250/300, this car cost $ 5,000 less. Always rated a "Best Buy" theres real value in the XLE V6 and it holds its resale value. Toyota realized its mistake in offering a lower cost Lexus so it to lower the price on the Lexus line! This car has few equals in comfort, performance, quiet ride, build quality, value or reliability. Its rare to find one up for sale from any model year. Get one, if you can find one.

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  my matrix - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By cchanpa - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Excellent Car

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  wow what a machine - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By harryj - July 4 - 2:00 am

  awesome