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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  this the best yet - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By ln - October 30 - 2:00 am

  love the rid efit and finish there is no better quality than toyota

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  GREAT CAR - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By James B - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I lvoe my Camry. I have had probs with it, but that lies with teh dealership, Toyota 101. But the car is excellent. I like how it has 8 speakers,especially the ones on the top dashboard. Music quality is good with JBL. Overall this is a great car. It smoother than my other car, a 840ci BMW. This is a great car. I love it and would recommend it. The new design is a lot better than the old 2001 version. Rides like a luxary car and cant be any better. Truely the best camry yet!

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  Happy Avalon Owner! - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Rick S. - October 29 - 2:03 pm

  After having rented the Avalon 3 times for trips that each exceeded 1100 miles, for me, it was a no brainer to purchase this car. In April I choose the the 2007 Avalon Limited w/Navigation. Pros: roomy interior, comfortable ride and build fit and finish. Cons: replace joy-stick navigation with the touch screen interface. (Our 2005 Camry XLE has the touch screen nav and it is much easier to use.) Overall: the fact that every Avalon I rented performed flawlessly was the first sign this was probably going to be a great car to own. So far I have had nothing change my mind.

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  After 25000 miles in 14 months - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By nz4runner - October 28 - 9:51 pm

  Cannot go wrong with this. After driving a Accord, MAXIMA, BMW, i can say that Toyota offers best of both worlds (value and comfort). Never had a problem with my my 4runner. Getting 20 mpg in mixed driving. Handles bumps and potholes like it can cream them. Rides on softer side and thus gets tremendus off road abilities. Went through 2 feet of water on a flooded street and did not feel a thing. It accelerates slowler than other crossovers but once on the move it can fly like a jet.

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  simply amazing - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Mike - October 28 - 9:20 pm

  This was my very first purchase of a Toyota vehicle and I am simply amazed...by everything from the friendly and cooperative salesmen to the overall quality and value of this car. I was so impressed with this vehicle I actually found myself trying to find something not to like. I Thought to myself well this car cant be that good, can it? Well that is just nutty. This is the perfect car for me, in fact I look at it as a gift. I know that may sound a little strange or perhaps sappy but that is exactly how I feel, like it or not. Assuming Toyota continues with this level of quality and affordability, I will be a customer for life.

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  Rav-4 09 Limited -Poor Paint - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Stew-16 - October 28 - 6:16 pm

  Leather interior is nice, gas mileage is not as good as they make it out to be, Toyota has put company profits above safety and apparently quality and control. The recalls issued has not mentioned the exterior paint my vehicle is 9 months old and has over 40 chips and counting in the black metallic paint, Im not alone with this complaint but Toyota, will not stand behind the quality of their paint work, they are blaming the new Chipped paint on the road environment. My other non-Toyota products did not have this issue. By time its paid off I will have more touch-up paint than factory paint on my New Rav-4.

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  Great truck - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ricky - October 28 - 1:16 pm

  I have had this truck for two years now. Great truck. Very comfortable to drive. Good power when pulling boat. Had to have windshield trim replaced. About 20mpg. Very happy with this truck.

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  "Gizmo" - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By George - October 28 - 6:33 am

  I bought this car only and only for the car-pool lane. I shaved off 35-50 minutes in morning drive time. Im getting 55 miles per gallon. 48 with air conditioning running. Car is exceptional, has a lot of the features big ticket luxury cars have. The ride is flawless, sound system is great. I enjoy the blue-tooth and it is comfortable. If youre looking for an economic easy to ride car with decent pick-up and all the bells and whistles then go and test drive it. I was surprised that it has some pick-up. Its not a Porsche or a muscle car, keep that in mind when test driving it. Mine is loaded and I really appreciate the car for the time I save driving and the fuel efficiency

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  Great car, poor mileage - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By tc - October 28 - 2:03 am

  Poor mileage, 26211 m / 981 g = 26.72 mpg. Awkward steering wheel, seat, foot pedal geometry. Steering wheel too far forward when seat adjusted properly for leg length, youd have to sit in one to understand, its more than just seat position. Fun to drive, reliable, great fit and finish. 07/08 government mileage ratings should reflect more realistic MPG. Very comfortable, lots of room, adequate power. Really poor factory Goodyear Integrity tires only lasted 25K, new Michelin Pilot replacements much better in snow, rain, cornering & MPG.

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  Love it! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By lindsey - October 27 - 9:06 pm

  I just got my new Olive Mist 4dr Yaris. I just got to 200 miles and have no complaints, it is the cutest thing, people think its a Volkswagen. Since having this I wouldnt trade it for anything; it has great pickup and turning corners is a blast. I like the cupholders where they are, its kinda different. Gas is also GREAT, like I said, made it to 200 miles and still have over half a tank left! Get one!