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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  Great car - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By JUpasosi - July 16 - 2:00 am

  I love this car and got it for a great price

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  Do not buy - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By jackg - July 15 - 5:36 pm

  This car handles terribly. The steering of the vehicle is like you are always driving on ice. Constant drifting and difficult to control even with a slight wind. Trucks nearly blow you right off the road. The engine is way under power for the car. Needs about 50 more ponies under the hood to made it a decent drive. The comfort is terrible too. I am 5 10" and am uncomfortable after driving 50 miles. And NO I do not work for another car company, just telling you like it is. You want a nice compact car? Do not buy a Corolla.

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  2011 Cocoa Bean Limited - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By John - July 15 - 3:30 pm

  Just purchased my first Avalon. Ive been looking at them for a couple of years. The 2011 has everything I wanted and then some. Smooth and quite ride, with the best sound system on the market. Ive owned a Sienna and a Prius and am now trading in a Honda CR-V. Look forward to enjoying many comfortable miles on the highway.

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  Uncomfortable Drivers Seat - 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By Kadena - July 15 - 2:59 pm

  I have a 2014 Avalon Hybrid XLE Touring. The drivers seat is too firm and not enough padding for me. I took the car to a reputible upholstery shop and had additional foam padding added to the drivers seat. It is very comfortable now. I have had no problems with this car at all. The ride is very smooth and quiet. It handles good. I intend to keep it for a long time.

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  2001 Toyota Celica GT-S - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By matt - July 15 - 11:53 am

  Since I have had this car it has been nothing but problems. It has been in the shop for about half the time that I owned it but with the time that it has been out of the shop it has been great. This car has out performed all the cars that I have had in the past with great gas economy.

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  Great Choice - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Bob S - July 15 - 9:43 am

  Had a 96 4Runner and decided to get another, the 2008 Limited 4WD. The only Japanese SUV with a solid axle - I tow a 3000 lb boat. The 6 has lots of pep for towing on the weekends. I dont feel like Ive given up any towing by not getting the 8 (but I bet the 8 can really tow) and benefit from good mileage during the week. The car is solid, nav and Bluetooth are excellent. Backup camera allows me to line up the tow hitch, a valuable option for me. I did remove all the 4Runner badging - one of the only Toyotas to have the badging on the sides of the car. AC controls are Gameboyish, but I keep the Auto climate control on all the time (even when towing), so dont use them.

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  The future of driving - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Gazings - July 15 - 8:53 am

  You must drive this car! Crusing around with the engine totally off is a real trip. Sitting at stoplights in total silence is amazing. The ride is very quiet at all times, even on the freeway. Definitely spring for the touch-screen navigation system - worth every penny. Very comfy ride, great view out. Auto climate control is excellent, and the stereo has surprisingly good sound.

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  Better and better - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By waynecarsen - July 15 - 4:46 am

  I bought a 2007 and had many problems, the 2008 is great, they resolved many of the issues on the 2007s. Noisy brakes, dash squeaks, transmission. I have had no problems at all. I do not drive much any more but I am very happy with the car.

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  Looks good - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Wayne - July 15 - 12:33 am

  I had one for a year, Toyota was good to replace the two transmissions that failed, I was on my 3rd tranny, when my engine light came on due to a sensor in the tranny. The inside squeaks, the seat belts are hard to get and rattle on the passenger side, if left hanging there. Paint chips way to easy. The brakes squeal, but they fixed that too. I went to a different brand of car, and I must say Toyota did listen to my problems, but I am sorry I am done with Camry. This was the 7th Camry and the last, I feel Toyota quality is slipping big time. Trying to be number one in sales has made them number 5 in customers eyes.

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  Colorado 2003 Toyota Tundra Great - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By rdegrasse - July 14 - 11:13 pm

  Ive pulled a 4 horse trailer (loaded) from Colorado to Virginia and back, loaded up another adult and two children, plus a dog and had plenty of room left over. This is the best truck Ive ever owned and will never have anything but a Tundra as a work truck ever again. It has comfort and performance. After 4 years, it still burns rubber if I have to get going quick. The TRD is great. I love it.