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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  My Prius Should be Everyones Car! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Ethan - August 28 - 5:40 pm

  The best car EVER for me! Great mileage, cool-looking car, and a joy nto drive!

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  Best Car Yet - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Dean Snyder - August 28 - 11:23 am

  Having owned a Lexus ES 300 for a number of years my performance, comfort and over-all driveability expectation bar was set quite high. Our recently purchased upper mid equipped TCH has certainly exceeded my expectations in performance, comfort and fuel economy. The TCH cabin is quieter than my Lexus. Road handling is good on mountain roads and should be compared to a mid size family sedan. This car will not provide sports car handling and feedback you might find in a German car. Ive also been quite impressed by the short distance and solid handling of car during a quick stop. Its clear Toyota is committed to building more fuel efficient cars without sacrificing performance and features.

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  After 8K miles review - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Jorge - August 28 - 10:30 am

  Bought in Jan 06 and have logged 8,000 miles. Car still performing great. The MPG is incredible! Averging 26 mi. city and just under 31 mi. highway, and the best things is it takes regular unleaded (87 octane). Smooth and quiet ride on the highway. You have to be carefull with the smooth ride though, if not paying attention you can be flying at low altitude and not know it (until the cops stop you!) Very happy with the car up to now - just barely broken in!

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  2001 Avalon XLS-You cant go wrong - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By Larry - August 28 - 10:00 am

  The Avalon is my third Toyota, and it is definitely the best. Before buying this car I looked at the Lincoln LS, Audi, Volvo, and several SUV options. The value of this car is undeniable. I chose this car based on my personal experience with the long term quality Toyota builds into their cars. Its quiet, quick, and has the best interior finish and volume of anything I looked at other than an SUV. In my opinion, Toyota builds the best car on the market today.

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  Great Van - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By Ellyn - August 28 - 10:00 am

  After much research, I narrowed it down to Odyssey or Sienna. I went with Toyota because it gets better fuel economy. The Sienna is a joy to drive, gets 25mph highway, 17 town. Except when Im towing a boat, of course. :) Total tow weight is 1200 pounds- loaded with boat and camping gear it slows down on hills, but not uncomfortably. Great van, great dealership. I couldnt be more pleased.

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  The best truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Mr B - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Toyota, but my first toyota truck and the truck is a dream. I plan to buy the truck at the end of my lease and do a few things to it. Like suspension upgrade to TRD. But overall Toyota has never failed me with over 120000 on average that I sell my toyotas and they are still running like a top. No service needed just oil change. Get one.

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  A Great Small SUV That Rides Like a Car - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By JustBoughtaRAV - August 28 - 10:00 am

  It is very comfortable, fun to drive, and rides quite nicely. I am tall, but there is still plenty of head and leg room. Its easy to get in and out of. You can sit straight up and still reach the wheel easily. The gas mileage is very good, so you dont have to pay the price for sitting high like most trucks and SUVs. The acceleration is very good for driving around town and getting up to 35-45 MPH. It seems more like a sports car to drive than your typical truck or SUV. Some people have complained of rattles, but I havent noticed anything that bothers me. The CR-V was nice, but this is much more fun to drive.

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  Testemonial to the rear end ! - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Nor Cal Highlander - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Highlander 1yr 3 mos, 20,000+ miles & Ive loved every mile & every minute ! I was recently Rear- ended at a stop light, the other driver was stopped but decided it was time to go without the green light, he hit us hard enough to throw us a few feet forward. Expecting to get out and see quite a bit of damage, I was surprised to see a few minor scratches. To my astonishment that was exactly ALL that the toyota dealership & the repair shop found ! So KUDOS to the Highlanders fabulous Rear End !

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  Large sedan, fast and reliable! Excellent MPG! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Cole - August 27 - 10:19 pm

  I am 20 years old and this is my 12th car (im an addict). No my parents dont give me ANY money. Anyway! I was lucky enough to score one of these for a few thousand cheaper than its value. And so far, its been excellent! I got the limited model loaded with everything. White exterior with tan interior. I did notice while doing an oil change it takes quite a bit of oil, 6.4 quarts to be exact! Mileage for this massive sedan Im able to get average 32-33.5 on the highway going 72. That is unheard-of for its size! Ive gotten up to 400 out of a tank with city AND highway driving, and to fill up only costs about $35, about 14.5 gallons, (even though it has an 18.5 gallon tank)! Ive put in pioneers latest avic-7000nex navigation touchscreen stereo and it fit perfect, all functions still work! The only problem ive had was engine code p0441 and p0455, if you get these codes replace the fuel cap and that should fix it! (It will also turn on VSC and I think ABS light. There is a problem on 05-12 (dont quote me) avalons where the fuel cap wears out. I paid 6,700 and it only has 108k miles and its in excellent shape! It shifts buttery smooth and the amount of power it has (280hp) will compete with any other (ricer) or sedan out there. I love the smart-key feature. I would buy again.

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  Almost Perfect - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Barbara - August 27 - 6:40 pm

  My Toyota Solara V6 SLE coupe is a joy to drive with the exception of several rattles and squeaks in the interior. I have tried to attribute these rattles to a particular item, but cannot. They are intermittent and they change. I am disappointed that this otherwise flawless vehicle sounds a bit junky at times with only 6500 miles on it. What will it be like 3 or 4 years from now?