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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  Nice to drive - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Bobk - January 1 - 2:20 pm

  I shopped the Buick Lacerne and the Avalon.The body style was the final draw to purchase the Avalon.It is a pleasure to drive plenty of power and comfort. Local milage has been 191/2 local and road 27 to 28 miles to a gallon at 70 to 75 miles per hour.People stop an say what a great looking car it is.My other car is a Lincoln continental the Avalon ride is as good.

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  I like this auto! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By John Holiday - January 1 - 8:46 am

  This a very solid feeling and quiet running car. There was no cowl shake as others reported. I own two LS 400-430 cars and this car is as solid and nearly as quiet as these are. The visibility with the boot top in place was only fair but without the boot-top installed visibility was adequate!

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  7 months in 2014 Venza LE FWD V6 - 2014 Toyota Venza
  By acework - January 1 - 7:16 am

  Nearly all of the Venzas I see on the road are AWD. I got an LE FWD V6 & think it handles great in the snow. The stability control helps when roads are slick. I love the power, it rockets off of the line & aids with overtaking on the hwy. Fuel economy is right around 20.5 mpg with mostly in town drives. This # is reflected in my math as well as the cars computer. This mileage comes with 87 & 91 octane, it dips to 18 mpg when I use 85 octane. I love this car & am really happy I got it. I test drove a Murano and found it rode too stiff (Jeepish), and a Ford Edge (which was nice but a bit stiff & felt smaller). The computer says my average speed is 25 mph, which has got to be a glitch.

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  Beats the 2009 model! - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Family Guy - December 31 - 8:40 pm

  I avoided the 2009 model partly because the clock was embedded in the multifunction display. That is now fixed! Even if it is a bit low. Otherwise, the car is comfortable and responsive. Interior is a little plasticky, though laid out well. Unlike others, I like the steering feel. Had a lot of rain this week, handling was fine and the wipers and defrosters worked fine. Before buying, I had rented the 2009 and the 2010, also test drove Fit and Civic and looked at Elantra. This was the best overall, partly thanks to price which included VSC.

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  quality - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By morrison - December 31 - 8:03 pm

  Went from a mini van to limited Highlander. I have watched and wanted one for while. Love the comfort and style. We got leather, and love it. Also like the stereo.

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  No problems whatsoever - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By BigD - December 31 - 6:33 pm

  I was a bit hesitant about buying the 2007 Camry because of all the negative reviews on the acceleration problems. However, I have had no such problems and this is the 3rd Camry that I have owned. My first was the 95 LE (+250,000), 03 LE (+74,000) and now the 2007 all four bangers. I feel that the Camry just gets better and better in terms of comfort, styling and performance with each generation. For me the Toyota family is the way to go.

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  Vibrating Tacoma - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By kdea - December 31 - 1:10 pm

  I am overall happy with my Tacoma, unfortunately my vehicle has an on going engine vibration problem. I have been back to the dealer 5 times with no end in site. I have only had the truck for 3.5 months. Dont believe that imports are trouble free.

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  Highlander - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Dolly - December 31 - 12:10 pm

  I enjoy this vehicle. It is very comfortable and roomy. It has a really nice stereo system and the air conditioning cools off the vehicle quickly. The heat is excellent also.

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  2009 Limited RAV 4, FWD - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Mike ---Idaho - December 31 - 8:56 am

  Traded in my wifes 2008 RAV4 for this 09 with the nav system. We had the Everglades Green on the 08 and my wife loves the Barcelona Red on this 09 Limited.

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  What an Awesome Car! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By mitchh - December 31 - 8:16 am

  I bought my hybrid on the 6th of Jan 07... beautiful car inside/out. Bought it fully loaded ie: nav/leather & comfort pkg. Took it for a business trip to Sacramento (approx 400 miles R/T) and averaged 37.8 mpg highway miles and I believe the mileage will improve slightly as I drive it more. The voice activated Nav system is easy to figure out, hands free blue tooth is awesome, keyless start is a beautiful thing, very comfortable leather seating. The exterior looks as good if not better than the Lexus ES 350. Got lucky and got the exterior color I wanted (jasper pearl), there was one with that color in California and it is mine. Its a head turner.