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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  Shapes of things to come - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By MTPockets - March 26 - 10:03 pm

  After owning the Prius for two years and 27,000 miles, it has been entirely problem free. I average mid 40 MPG driving mostly in heavy rush hour traffic. It is quiet, comfortable and roomy (for a smaller car). I have hauled lumber (you can close the hatch with 8 lumber over the console). It is extremely roomy and the seats fold flat for volume hauling. I love this car for being practical and economical. I hope the new body style is less quirky and has 17" or 18" lower profile tires. I will trade in my 2006 if Toyota does this. I would like to see an "el Camino" body style option - I would seriously consider buying one.

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  excellent car - reliable and full size car benefit - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By william landwehr - March 26 - 4:49 pm

  Original owner. Excellent condition. Avalon XlLE extras and reliability. Gets 28 MPG on highway, 24 in town. Regular maintenance. No accidents. Garaged car. Beautiful black car.

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  Xrunner a fun ride - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Broward Xrunner - March 26 - 4:40 pm

  Ive owned my Toyota Tacoma Xrunner since January. Its has been a joy to drive. The 4.0 is very nice with the six speed stick tranny. The hood scoop and low profile are excellent looks. The wide tires let this truck out corner many cars. I own 3 other trucks. Two are for work, the other is a full size Chevy. Well the Chevy just sits now. The Xrunner makes driving fun again. People love to talk to me about the truck. It really turns the heads.

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  Avalons a Keeper - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By nbeiii - March 26 - 2:06 pm

  Bought this car for my wife (5k-10k miles/year). Now its my commuter car (25k+ per year; mostly highway but hard-driving miles). Getting high 20s gas mileage. Comfortable, very reliable, very stable (once I had struts & strut mounts replaced) - even at 70-85 mph. Perfect size (smaller than new Avalons) - small enough to get in & out wherever I need to go, big enough to be comfortable & feel safe. Currently 125k miles; I expect 200k+. The car is worth more to me than trade value. Back seat not huge, but not cramped. Large trunk. Strut mounts were the only significant non-wear repairs I have made. If you can buy a well-maintained one for cheap, do it. It will hold up.

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  Love it! - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By MSV - March 26 - 8:33 am

  I have the I4, LE Touring trim. I live in Canada and drive in the snow often. Love the traction control and stability control features. Heated mirrors are great for snowy days. The I4 horse power is adequate (158) but I could have used more hp. Although, the engine torque is good enough to get you up to the highway speed fast. The 2010 I4 models have more power. (If you really like more horse power get the V6 which is the same for 09 and 10 models). The audio quality is OK but not impressive. Camry is a good choice if you like a plush, luxury-like ride. If you prefer a more responsive less comfy ride, consider other options. Overall, I am very happy with my Camry.

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  Sweet Ride - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Krystina - March 26 - 12:53 am

  I just purchased this car and I love it soo much. Its sporty, fun to drive, the, sound system could be a little bit better, but the economics of it WOW!! I highly recommend this car to everyone looking for a new vehicle. Corners well, handles great, Best of all the car looks so attractive. Sunroof is awesome I just love it. Such a huge upgrade from a Dodge Neon. Awesome get up and go too. XRS Im telling ya! :o)

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  Nice - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By John - March 25 - 12:00 pm

  I have to say that I am very pleased with this vehicle. I am 6ft 2in and fit comfortably with plenty of leg and head room. The vehicle offers a quiet, smooth ride with minimal engine noise. I have read the digs that it is noisy, the engine is weak etc. Baloney. The RAV4 performs admirably when compared to most any vehicle in its class. And I have compared about 6 of its competitors. My combined mileage with less than 1000 miles, 2/3 highway and 1/3 city is 28.2. No kidding. I am pretty conservative-but this purchase was all about comfort, style, reliability, and mileage. I have them all.

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  Awesome - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Pookie Sr. - March 25 - 10:00 am

  The whole family loves it. The wife thought my Toyota 4x4 was big so she did not want to drive it. She drove this once and now wants to drive it all the time. Just my luck... The ride is great and plenty of storage for all the kids stuff for trips to grandmas. The wife says it like riding in our living room, space galore, smooth and just right.

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  Avalon - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By SR - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Nice car for the price

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  Great Car - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By vdsavage - March 25 - 10:00 am

  We have owned buicks, oldsmobiles, hondas, station wagons, and have test driven all of the larger sedans, including Mercedes, Maxima, Mazda, and Lexus, prior to buying this Avalon. They either have too much road or wind noise. I cannot tolerate the least of those. For the money, I do not think there is a better buy. It is truly the smoothest quietest ride we have experienced. We tried them all. I am very picky about wind and road noise. Sales people do not like to deal with me.