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 car I ever had - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Dr T - June 27 - 11:06 pm

  Driving this car is like eating chocolate. Really good chocolate that I got at a deep discount. The great mileage is only a bonus. I would love the car even if I didnt get 42 MPG.

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  Love it - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By starpalms - June 27 - 8:33 pm

  The reviews are true, if you want a car like ride, with the space of a SUV this is it. I looked at Rav4, CRV, Lexus, Cx7 and I settled on the Venza. It fitted in correct price, space and MPG, quite well thought and marketed at the right spot. Interior feels like a Lexus. Has Toyota brand name and reliability, though early to say since it debuted in 2009, so far happy with it. I went for the 4cyl, FWD since gas mileage is important. Test drove both V6 and 4cyl, and 4cyl fitted to my lifestyle needs, getting ~24 in the city.

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  Yaris Hatchback is FUN & Amazing on Gas - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Kandice Kartchner - June 27 - 8:50 am

  Yaris is a car that originally was introduced in Europe a few years ago, where I rented one and tried it out. I fell in LOVE with it, and wished that I could have one here in the states. Alas, the US had not approved them. (Perhaps the competition was just too much - so safe, fun, and amazing on gas.) Anyhow, when they came I had to see what they had done to them. It was utterly amazing! They are priced very reasonably. The hatchback has tons of space inside, innovative ideas & design features like three glove boxes, lots of safety, amazing handling & control, and nice interiors. I love driving it! It is really fun to drive, and very comfortable. I love the gas mileage and small size too!

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  No Buyers Remorse Here! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Mike Dowling - June 27 - 5:03 am

  I cant say enough about the best car I have ever owned. The ride is smooth, Im getting 45 miles per gallon and having the best time enjoying the car. The computer trains you to drive more carefully and more responsibly. (You want to beat your last MPG report, dont you?) You soon learn to depend on cruise control, to go slowly when the light turns green, and to keep it about 65 miles per hour. Ive never had more fun driving a car.

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  Great Mileage, Comfort & Performance - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By tap777 - June 26 - 8:56 pm

  I went to the local dealership to buy the new 2007 Camry. However, they would not discount the car and they were offering $5k off on the 2006 Avalon. I test drove all versions of the Camry, and am replacing a 2001 Maxima SE. THIS CAR IS SO MUCH BETTER! I commute 120 miles a day. The car is very comfortable, has plenty of power and I am AVERAGING 26 MPG (75% hwy & 25% city). I have been as high as 28.5 on the highway. I also noticed that it is much quieter inside. I heard the GPS was not good so I purchased a car without it.

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  great car but engine questions - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By edmundscars5 - June 26 - 9:51 am

  Engine is the only questions. 60,000 miles and a valve spring busted. this was in 2012 and cost $3,400 to fix. Now in December 2014 with 81,000 miles its a leak in the timing cover, the oil pan, and the rack and pinion. Estimate cost to all is about $3,580. At some point you lose trust in a car. Everything else about the car has been great.

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  Love it! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By boulder yoga - June 26 - 7:33 am

  Surprising power in the mountains for such a small car. Very comfortable too. The basic sound system was also better quality than we expected. Our video gamer teenage son loves driving it to see how much better he can do on gas mileage than his parents. Overall, so far, we are really happy with our purchase and would recommend it to anyone.

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  SR5 4WD V6 - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By EPad3 - June 26 - 6:00 am

  Shopped around. 4Runner may be the perfect SUV. Pretty sure it will climb vertical walls, leap tall buildings, etc. Built like a tank, but makes pleasant purring sounds when I put my foot in it to pass. 3rd row useless for adults, but great for occasional kid carting.

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  What fun! - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By mbjb - June 26 - 3:10 am

  With all the features of a race car, this car handles like a dream. The shift buttons on the steering wheel make this blue 6-speed sequential easy to drive when you need to have a sip of your coffee or grab your hat! I also own a red 2004 5-speed manual and the only thing I find different is the red one gets more questions about what kind of car Im driving when stopped at a red light!

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  Great car. Amazing ride quality and comfort. - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By vijayk - June 26 - 1:53 am

  I bought this car 2 months ago as so far, I love it. Road noise is almost zero and the ride quality is great.The first thing anyone notices about this car is how quiet it is. The front grill has been redesigned for this model and it does look like an acura from some angles. Build I have been getting an average of 38 mpg on highways and local roads combined and it is pretty good considering that the temperature here in kansas city has been hovering in the high 30s since I bought the car. I expect it to get a little more mileage once the weather gets warmer. Accelerating is not mind-blowing but if one turns off eco-mode the car does start jumping.