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 Ever - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By great van - August 19 - 10:00 am

  This van is the best ever! Great power and room. The family loves the ride and I love the engine and handling (yes its a van)! My dealer was excellent and I shopped around to several stores, but this was the best experience and would highly recommend the van and the dealer...but shop the other dealers first and great the best experience in Lincoln!

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  Affordable and Reliable - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By jpinneo - August 19 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had my Corolla for a week now, but I am very impressed. I like that it came with power doors, cruise, cd player and power mirrors, all for an affordable price. One of my good friends drives a manual version and gets more power than I do, but I just cant get myself to enjoy driving a manual. I wish it had a little more power. I like that it comes with the option of overdrive. Of course, it comes with the awesome Toyota history. The passenger airbag on/off depending on the weight on the passenger seat is interesting. Plenty of bang for the buck!

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  Very happy - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Bob - August 19 - 9:46 am

  Have 8500 miles and have been happy from day one.My first non Detroit car and the best I have had. I checked this one out with the internet and mags and felt it should work. It does very well in all areas.

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  Simply the Best! - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Rob - August 19 - 3:23 am

  There really is no other choice. By far the best SUV on the market for the price. This is my second one and I shopped around but there really wasnt even a close second choice. The quality of the Toyota is incredible and the ride is second to none. I had no problems with my first one, so why change?

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  Big improvement - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By J.L. - August 19 - 2:23 am

  Replaced my 2003 Avalon with a 2007. Engine power and responsiveness much better with the 07. The power lock system is much more user friendly than the 03. I always felt I couldnt get out of the 03 (doors would lock) and with the remote lock/unlock always had to hurry before auto relock. The window washer is outstanding on the 07, that last swipe makes all the difference. I didnt go with the JBL (had it on the 03) and really cant tell a difference. Absolutely love the car.

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  Love my Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By T - August 18 - 11:00 pm

  I love my Prius and would recommend one to anyone who asks. I went fron spending 75 dollars a week to 28. I also feel a great sense of satisfaction from knowing that I am not contributing to the emissions gases. My one wish is that the gas mileage was even better. When it goes up - Im trading this one in and jumping. I average about 45 mpg (48 in summer).

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  2008 Package #4 - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By John - August 18 - 3:03 am

  This is my first hybrid, and Im hooked. It is fun to drive, looks better than I expected and has more elctronic gadgets than I ever expected. The regeneration while braking or coasting is too cool. I have already figured ways to get mileage of 55 to 61 MPG that makes me drive with a smile. Amazing how often the engine shuts off. I love looking for new ways to improve mileage, found a route home from work that is 4 miles longer but I get 11 MPG better mileage going that route in less time too. I had always heard that you got better mileage in the city, but have found that I average higher mileage on the highway. Maybe that was an urban myth.

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  Due Diligence ; Your ticket To Ride - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Hal Wickey - August 17 - 11:56 pm

  Compare its features and price with similar vehicles by other respected manufacturers

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  Best Car Ever Owned - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By jwellinger - August 17 - 5:50 pm

  Have owned buicks, oldsmobiles, cadillacs. Avalon is by far the best for quality, comfort, quietness, and ease to drive.

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  2001 Toyota Camry - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By jenny541 - August 17 - 5:10 pm

  I have loved my Toyota Camry! It drives super smooth and the V6 engine is awesome. Besides being a safe car, it feels safe. It handles curves well, stops quickly and Ive never lost control of it. Even in the snow, it has only fish-tailed once!