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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  Search if over - 2018 Toyota C-HR
  By CindyK. - June 2 - 5:22 am

  We are a jeep family (26 years) & I wanted nothing but a jeep. Searched for 9 months built them online, test drove & almost purchased. Im a mom who is the onlyone in the vehicle at most times so I wanted a smaller SUV. But when i saw this C-HR I fell in love! I wanted a the SUV feel & the small size of a car. Didnt want to have to jump in or crawl out & the C-HR is just that, perfect, compact, right height of getting in & out of the vehicle. Still have the feel of SUV by putting the seats down & carry what I need at any time. Love the way the seat just wrap around me & sit so comfortable. Dash is at the perfect angle where the driver can see & do if needed, since the controls are on the steering wheel you just need to glance at it. I would love the remote start, the rain guards for my doors & navigation BUT to know Im not paying for the "JEEP" name & getting a great vehicle, is a relief.

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  My Camry Hybrid - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Larry Nathan - June 1 - 4:23 pm

  After 7000 miles I still enjoy this car. The ride, quietness, visibility and accelleration are excellent. No problems of any type as yet. The keyless features are nice. The car heats up in cold weather in less than one half block. The instrumentation is excellent. It helps you to get better mileage.

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  It takes a licking and keeps on ticking - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By Kimbo873 - June 1 - 2:46 pm

  We live in Florida and my husband surfs the roof racks are great to hold his boards. We have put many,many miles over 202,000 and This car is still going. Love everything about this car.

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  follow up on 2006 Avalon purchase - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By mls4deals - June 1 - 11:30 am

  This is an after 2000 mile review to help you decide. I have found the mileage to max out about 27-28 but still not bad. I have the loaded 2006 Avalon in blizzard white. It does NEED the body side moldings or you find yourself parking away from things to protect it. Get the Nav system and the laser cruise control as they are very good. GREAT VALUE, FUN TO DRIVE...AND YES...I WOULD BUY IT AGAIN OVER ANYTHING ELSE!!! Just do it ...before it is too late...because we dont know how many days we are going to wake up!! :)

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  Great car ! .. When do I get 60 mpg ? - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By brad_hazzard - June 1 - 10:00 am

  The car has performed flawlessly and without any problems (9k miles to date). I had expectations of 45-55mpg city. I am getting 40-45mpg and I do not know if this my driving habits (I have a lead foot sometimes). I use my Prius as a commuter car (45miles round trip daily) and I just love the look and the drive. I will never buy a non-hybrid again.

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  2004 Solara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By poindexter - June 1 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I love our Solara. The leather interior is beautiful. The car handles very well. The only thing I think could be improved would be the air conditioning. It is very hard to control and keep it at a even temperature. It seems to be too cold or not cold enough.

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  Fun car without XM Radio - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By DS7111 - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Great convertible for the money compared to Chrysler or Ford. Much more for your money than $15,000 extra would cost for BMW or others. If interested in the XM satellite radio, negotiate the price up front since it will cost you over $700 to make the factory unit work after the fact in the SLE model. I was told I could take the vehicle to Best Buy to have the necessary equipment installed to make the "XM Ready" stereo work. Not true. You must install Toyota parts to make the head unit work as designed unless you want to add another head unit. Most Toyota dealers do not understand or have experience with XM radio.

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  4 runner review - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By fraaaaankie - June 1 - 10:00 am

  i wasnt crazy about the styling at first. i chose it because of toyota reliability. i was tired of purchasing american junk and bringing back constantly for warranty repairs. this truck is fabulous. you cant get a better truck in that price range. i highly reccomend.

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  Oh What a Feeling - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By ronandlane - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Great Vehicle. I own 2 Highlanders one in Kentucky and One in NYC. Too bad our Roads in NYC stink to high heaven. Its like I bought a d-flawless diamond and then hit it with a hammer. I would have preferred the TOYO tires. I got stuck with the Bridestone that has POOR ratings. Insist that the dealer sell you a Highlander with the TOYOs. Toyota made a bad call with the Bridestone, Duerler H/Ts.

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  Faitfull and fun to drive - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Pierre Levesque - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving the Toyota Corolla CE fully equîpped since August 2003. I have had no trouble and I have driven it thru the hardest winter on record with a lot of snow and -40F temperature. I live in a ski resort and mountaneous area south East of Montreal. It has been so good with the mileage consumption and the traction over icy and snowy roads that I dont regret all the Subaru Legacies which I had been driving for 10 years. The dealer is great and I understand why Toyota has sold so many Corrollas over the years.