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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  The Perfect Small SUV - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Wally - August 9 - 1:40 pm

  This is truly a great small SUV. Since the 2006 RAV4 is now larger, it actually looks like a mid-sized SUV now. Gas mileage is great. It looks great. The V6 is very quick, and can easily pass by other vehicles on the road. In fact, it is faster than many vehicles out there today, including many sports sedans. It can reach 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, faster than any SUV out there. It is very roomy. Controls are nicely laid out. My RAV4 Limited came with factory installed heated leather bucket seats, which are very comfortable. If youre looking for a nice SUV, make sure you check out the RAV4!

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  Couldnt be happier - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Rebecca - August 9 - 9:46 am

  Excellent gas mileage, fun to drive, roomy interior (despite what it may look like from outside), great for long trips AND city driving, perfect for parallel parking. The back seats fold down easily to give extra space for groceries, luggage, etc. All in all, I couldnt be happier with this car. Other benefits are the price, and the fact that it is relatively environmentally friendly and will help weaken our dependence on oil :0)

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  Best vehicle Ive ever owened - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By T. Alva - August 9 - 4:20 am

  Bought new in 1999 (V-6 2000 model). Ive put over 168,000 miles on the car (driven across the US twice). In snow, ice, & sandstorms. Never a whimper of trouble. Getting 30 mpg. at 70-75 mph, and 20 mpg in-town. Replaced tires three times (Michelin Hydra - the best), windshield once, brakes done three times. Use only Mobile-1 oil. The only problem I had was when replacing timing-belt, had a new water-pump installed since the access was there. Service center used a non-toyota (cheap) pump that went bad in two months. New Toyota pump replaced and been running perfectly since (68,000 miles ago). I hate the thought of having to sell this car.

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  Car with character - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By B Hammer - August 9 - 1:53 am

  Runs well, sharp design and comfortable ride. This car is reliable, strong and a pleasure to own. best car Ive ever owned. Its a winner!

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  So far, an excellent vehicle - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By Paul - August 8 - 1:46 pm

  We just completed a 2000 mile trip from VA to FL and the van now has almost 7000 miles. The ride and comfort were excellent. The vehicle tends to exhibit a delayed response from the trans at some points. Not sure what that is all about. Still not sure what mileage we got on the road but the city mileage is as advertised. Lots of room in the van and it is much quieter than our 2001 Grand Caravan. Acceleration is also excellent. The laser cruise is accurate but you need to plan your lane changes to accommodate how it operates. Not at all happy that the navigation is not operable when vehicle moves even by passenger. Almost a waste!!! Other than that, we are very pleased with our first Toyota.

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  Dots Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Dot Lyndon - August 8 - 8:46 am

  I love this car! GPS Navigation system absolutely wonderful, takes a few trials to figure it out, but works extremely well. Only drawback is I will eventually need to purchase updates for new roads (cost unknown,) Keyless entry a great safety feature. Salesman explained most features.

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  Good but not Great - 2010 Toyota Avalon
  By D Jack - August 7 - 11:43 pm

  Bought in March and have almost 2K miles. Great gas mileage 25 mpg around town, 28 on 285 mile trip. a little more wind noise than expected but not to bad. exterior a little bland so we added tinted windows, spoiler and it looks much better. so far we are pleased with our choice

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  New Tundra - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By FJ401978LC - August 7 - 10:26 am

  More power than I know what to do with! Problem is with all that power the gas mileage is terrible. The fit and finish is near perfect for a pick-up. The interior is maybe a little too good to take to a job site.

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  Platinum Is Golden! - 2014 Toyota Highlander
  By md4runnerman - August 6 - 4:37 pm

  I got the Limited Platinum about 10 days ago. All I can say is wow. I love the sharper looking exterior except the front grille, but it is growing on me. The interior is gorgeous and plush. I finally got the almond leather interior after many years not having it and I love the contrast of colors. It is a sharper driving vehicle than the 2011 Limited that I traded in. Better feel of the road and handling. The new 6 speed automatic is very encouraging so far as far as gas mileage. Seems better than the 2011 and it is brand new with very little mileage so the mileage should actually get better after I drive it a few thousand miles! Puts a smile on my face even more than the 2011 did.

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  Sweet ride - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By dwb58 - August 6 - 11:40 am

  This is one great truck, the ride is super, styling is nice, large knobs and handles. There is quite a bit of room in the back. I like the way the doors open. Reliability, come on, its a Toyota!!