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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  uses lots of gas ?! - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Wang - October 25 - 8:36 pm

  I used to drive an Avalon, so Sienna appeared to be heavy. I suppose it is common for van. I am in general happy with it. One big surprise, however. I have 300 miles on it and the milage track (part of the package) indicated 15MPG! I am not sure if other people have similar experience or shall I check with the dealer

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  Good job - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By BC - October 25 - 3:50 am

  My husband and I bought the Highlander after months of research. The reliability and reputation of Toyota went a long way in our decision. The gas mileage helped, too. I dont know where they got the 19/21 on the sticker, but I routinely get 25-plus out of my 6-cylinder. The exterior could be a little jazzier, and I have trouble with the steering wheel audio controls. While Im driving, my thumb hits the "mode" button, turning on the stereo when Im not expecting it.

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  like my avalon - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By jimbo1 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Im the original owner - no problems. Boringly dependable. Not the best looking car on the road, but kind of sleek in an ugly large sedan way. Pretty good mileage - 27 highway, 21 city. Smooth steady ride. surprising acceleration. quiet. good visibility

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  Gotta love your toyota - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By akgrowntoyotagal - October 24 - 9:26 am

  Great vehicle and gets great mileage for a truck. Toyotas will last forever. 4-door cab is great. My cab has more rear seat leg room than my boyfriends big Dodge diesel truck. Not happy with lack of interior storage space. I bought a snugtop supersport truck shell to take care of that problem. Shell looks great on the truck. Little spendy, but worth it. Worried about the automatic transmission - getting a strange clunk sound when I am comming to a stop or when I first start accelerating. The fan power of the air system could have more power.

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  2006 Avalon - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By bob pulone - October 24 - 8:56 am

  Love the car, needs a coin holder and better placed hook for hangers in rear. Car fogs up too easy also. Would buy another one.

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  LOST OIL, No indicator light came on - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Kmberly Roberson - October 23 - 1:50 pm

  I was very confident with my Toyota. Loved it and was so pleased that it was one of the best made. Then I drove home from work with only 36,077 miles on the car and left a trail of oil down my drive way, then oil ran out all over my drive way as the rubber hose oil line had burst. I had it towed in to the Toyota dealer and of course the warranty covered it as I had purchased an extended warranty. I am now not confident with the reliability of my car.

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  Great car! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By hotmamma - October 23 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this 2005 Camry LE for a month and am extremely happy with it. It is very beautiful (super white). The interior is efficient and pretty. It is very quiet. The ride is super smooth. Love the four headlights on each side. It is even a head turner! Cant think of anything bad to say. Awesome stereo, maybe a bit heavy on the base. Got it (automatic) for $18,000 at Palm Beach Toyota.

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  Two fatal flaws on a great car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By William2005 - October 23 - 10:00 am

  Extremely Quiet and Smooth. Corners and brakes much better than expected. Steering wheel is too close to dash and RUINS the seating comfort for tall passengers. Mileage is nowhere near Canadian brochure estimates. Extremely gentle first 1200miles, 80% on highway... 23MPG (US).

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  Best Looking Mid-Size SUV - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Brian - October 22 - 10:50 pm

  Love my 4Runner. Hate the gas mileage. Have to say though, I put a lot of miles on a vehicle and this has been, hands down, the absolute easiest to maintain. I have almost 60,000 miles on it and have not yet had to have the brakes replaced - you cant get that with a Honda. My only complaint is the terrible smell when the rear window is even cracked open - Toyota has attempted to correct this problem, but whatever they did only corrected the problem for a week or so.

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  Great car... but - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By J. Zito - October 22 - 8:50 pm

  The Solara Convertible is a well built, nicely styled car. The interior is both beautiful and functional, while the exterior is eye catching. Road noise and bumps are well isolated.