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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  Best of All - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By lvodron - August 30 - 12:13 pm

  This SUV is the best! We love the way it handles. People stop us all the time to ask about it. Mileage isnt the same as claimed. The mileage is great for a small SUV. (22-23). One month we only spent $40 in gas. Easy to drive.

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  Love it! - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By dmb72 - August 30 - 10:48 am

  Im coming up on my 1 year anniversary of ownership of my 4-runner and I have nothing but positive vibes to say. I traded in my 08 Jeep Grand Cherokee for this car and I have never looked back If youre like me and want a true SUV to handle ski road trips in the winter, and camping in the summer, then this should be your ride. Fun to drive, powerful, and and is just plain cool to own. Plus, it handles whatever mother nature throws at you. My 4-runner has driven thru hurricane irene and a 30 inch Noreaster with ease. I love the fact that it has stayed true to its roots and feels like what an SUV should feel like. If you are like most and want a crossover SUV feel, then this is not your ride

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  Great Engine - 2010 Toyota Avalon
  By jabe - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I have now spent 12,000 miles in my Avalon. This a great car. I am getting 25 MPG on average and up to 30 MPG on highway. Great Power and with the manual override transmission you can really get off the line when you have to. Engine flys form 40 to 70 MPH. This car is big and roomy. I fully agree with the Edmunds Road test. They nailed it perfectly on all counts

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  Best Car I have owned - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Neese - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car new in 12/04 and have 60,000 miles. Other than oil changes, tires and routine work it has been free of any problems or concerns. I love the smooth ride and comfortable seats with warmers for winter!! This car is by far the most comfortable and easy to drive car I have ever owned.

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  Teen Offroader - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Jacob - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Overall this vehicle is great. When I first test drove one I expected it to have a bouncy ride and be bad in the corners. Prior to this vehicle I had a 1999 Land Rover Discovery and it took corners horribly. Now the Fj takes the corners like its a car. The back-up sensors are great due to poor visibility in the back. I bought the car with 80,000 miles on it and it still feels like its a brand new car. The only thing it doesnt have that my Land Rover had was luxury, but if you want luxury thats what the Land Cruiser is for. Ive had no problems at all and probably wont ever. Pulling loads is a breeze with the powerful V6. It easily pulls my two wave runners. Perfect affordable offroader.

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  A home run! - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By Neil - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned and run a BMW shop for 33 yrs. but for many reasons my last several new cars have been been Toyotas, three of which have been Avalons (02XL,05Touring,11Limited). After 5 years of owning the 05, I looked extensively at alternate brands, but decided on the 11. Toyota changed it just enough for me not to feel it to be a clone of the 05(which Ive kept). Beautiful inside and out, excellent assembly, up to a calculated 33/34 hwy MPG (on 87 octane), as fast as an 86 Buick Grand National muscle car I bought new way back when, tomb- like interior quietness, reliable track record, JBL, very competitive pricing. Wow, whats not to like?! Best "full" size sedan value on earth.

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  Lexus Beware! - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By Charles Cohen - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Being in the tire business and an auto enthusiast, I was skeptical at first as I had looked at a Lexus product also. This car has a smooth ride, amazing back seat room, a powerful engine and just delivered an amazing 32.1 MPG on a recent interstate drive. This auto is a "well kept" secret that needs to be unleashed on the automobile public who enjoy a smooth ride, volumes of interior room, etc. and is competitive with Lexus in value and features!

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  Excellent Quality - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jake - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving the 2011 4Runner for about a week now and every single time I hop in, I like it even more. The ride is smooth, even over not so favorable roads (Dirt/Sand/Holes). I have been averaging about 19.8 MPG mixed driving. The engine puts out a lot of power for a V-6. By the way, I tried the pathfinder, pilot, and a couple of crossovers and this 4runner blows them out of the water. Toyota did a great job on this model.

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  So far so Good - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By I like it - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I really like the is truck (except for my height issue). If the next model had a higher roof line like the new 4Runner Id trade up. It suits my needs well, with two kids. I didnt want to get a full size due to the crappy mpg, thats why opted for the Tacoma. 17.?? city all the time and highway is like 22 and change. No problems towing or hauling, however I did get the free spring upgrade to avoid future problems. I recommend this truck for sure.

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  Trip Mileage - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Lou - August 30 - 6:00 am

  I recently came off a trip and the mileage I got with my Toyota Matrix was 40 mpg going and 41 mpg returning. Its no bull. I couldnt believe it myself. I never drove over 62 mph; used cruise control; and I was the only person in the car. The car operated flawlessly. Im 73 and this is probably the best vehicle I have ever owned. I have owned many.