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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  A great car for the money - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Jeff - December 14 - 4:56 am

  Ok, no surprise it has no problems its a TOYOTA. Have had it for 3 months now, great fuel economy (38 mpg on the highway last trip). The interior is high quality and nothing like an entry level domestic model. With the sunroof and 6 disc changer in the dash its a nice little car to commute to and from work, as well as a trip up the coast for vacation. My last toyota was 11 years old and had 219,00 miles on it and never went to the shop except for oil changes and a few sets of tires and brakes, I know this car will be as reliable as that, thanks toyota for building a car that is truly worry free.

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  Great sports sedan, poor quality - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By ScorpionVonD - December 13 - 1:56 pm

  This Camry is fast! The handling is better than any other Camry ever. The tight suspension takes away very little from the ride, but it is still harder than the regular XLE suspension. The JBL stereo is perfect. Bluetooth is a great option. The leather is very nice.

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  Yellow Yaris - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Steve - December 13 - 9:10 am

  Only after a few days Im loving this Yaris! Bought for commuting so Ill be putting some miles on the car. After trying several other cars it was an easy decision to take the Yaris. Ill write again after the break-in period.

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  Malfunctioning extras are a pain - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By japelo - December 13 - 7:23 am

  Let me preface this review by saying that the first Avalon I had was excellent. I had it 7 yrs. & traded only because someone hit me. The 2011 Avalon I have now is also an excellent ride, but the wind noise and some of its extras are more trouble than theyre worth.

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  Strongly recommend everyone to buy it! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Kyndall - December 13 - 6:23 am

  Ive had my Prius for 4 months now and I love it! I cant think of a better investment right now. I bought package #2 which costs around $22,000. I usually average 47 mpg. I rarely have to fill up at the gas station! Ive experienced about the same mpg in the city and highway. I love the hatchback/folding rear seats feature! I also love the way the Prius sits higher than the average car. My parents have no trouble getting in and out of the car. I love the smart key feature, although Ive gotten so used to not carrying my keys that I forget to lock my car sometimes!

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  The best imaginative experience - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Bubbacrews - December 13 - 4:33 am

  Well, I never really dove the car i just sat in it to see if I wanted to buy it, I want to but right now I just dont have the money to but I will try to get it ASAP.All i have to say is that the car is a great and if you imagine driving the car you feel like that you are free from everything. Thanks for the fun experience.

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  Lots of Fun - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By JMcKay PA - December 12 - 10:40 pm

  Love the vehicle for looks and the pick up. Wish it had a place to store my sunglasses instead of a garage door opener above the drivers seat. The engine jumps when you hit the gas. Good view of the road when driving.

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  AWD Lacks Good MPG - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Gabagooo - December 12 - 10:30 pm

  I have had the AWD Matrix since July 2008 and overall, I like the car. The AWD system has been very nice to have this winter, but at a high cost. I am averaging just 22 MPG on the highway, which is lower than expected. Next time i am in the dealership I am going to have them check for problems. Also, on very long drives, the seats can become a bit uncomfortable. When the car is wet, water from the roof spills onto the rear seat when you open the back doors.

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  Update for star rating and other items - 2013 Toyota Avalon
  By solara01 - December 12 - 2:43 pm

  I posted an earlier review on my car but for some reason the star rating got dropped. I am working with tech support to fix this problem. I have the 2013 with the tech package and aside from a few minor things, I absolutely love this car. If you are looking for a smooth boat, the high end Avalon may not be for you. If you are looking for a luxury car under $40,000. This is your ticket.

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  2003 Toyoya 4Runner Ltd AWD V8 - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Dave - December 12 - 1:43 am

  This is one of the best SUVs made today. As my 4th Toyota, this one really rocks. The V8 Power, excellent acceleration and handling and very good quality make this baby stand out in its class. When you weigh it all out.. Toyota overall quality is way above all the rest of the rest. Every vehicle has some level of warrantee work and this one needs very little.