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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  Highlander 2016 - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By EDDIE EDDAHBI - December 29 - 1:12 am

  The car drives & handles very well ..I thought w the xle you expect more Options such parking sensor ..The leather seats quality is really not the best ..over all the car is worth the money !

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  Awesome SUV alternative coming from Jeep - 2010 Toyota Matrix
  By Anonymous - December 28 - 9:23 pm

  I have been driving small to mid size SUV from Nissan, Toyota, and Jeep brand. However gas was just killing my wallet driving SUV. So i sold my gas guzzler to get a new car and I got the 2010 Toyota Matrix S AWD with sports pkg and alloy wheels. On conservative driving i get a combined MPG of 24, and on aggressive driving i get around 21 which are within spec. Lots of power with the 2.4 L engine with VVT-i system just like the lexus with torque on demand without lag. Powerband is most part linear with lots more room to go up. Reliability has been good with steep discounts and complimentary free maintenance given by the dealer for 2 years. This car definitely saving me money

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  New Buyer - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By LJennetti66 - December 28 - 8:16 pm

  The 2002 Toyota RAV4s exterior on the L-series model is the best around. It truly looks similar to a BMW from the side and is inexpensive to boot. I have found nothing but good reviews on the vehicle and it is fun to drive! Its spacious and fuel efficient and I cant think of a better small SUV to make it through winter and cruise through summer in!!!

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  Lexus for Less - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Christopher Payne - December 28 - 9:53 am

  I love this car. I am getting 30+ highway and 27 combined. The quality is great. The XLE is well worth the extra dollars. Stereo is fantastic but the Bluetooth cellphone feature creates an echo unless you use the earphone. Very quiet and smooth but not a sports car.

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  Wow, great vehicle - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Fran - December 28 - 12:56 am

  I bought the Avalon XLS, wow what a vehicle. I have owned many Toyotas but they give you every thing with the Avalon. The V-6 is great, it has the get up and GO and gas mileage great. Comfort, ride, handling all are tops. The turning radius is wonderful with this vehicle. Can not say enough about the access and easy controls for radio, temperature control on steering wheel also individual climate controls on dash are not complicated at all. Under the hood everything easy to get to.

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  prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By john - December 27 - 11:16 pm

  The interior design is wonderful...love the panel controls on the steering wheel. The fuel economy need no words. I figured the $2000-$3000 price increase will be recovered in fuel costs within 2 years.

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  Love it!! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By tiff1884 - December 27 - 10:06 pm

  I honestly have nothing bad to say about this vehicle. I absolutely LOVE my 4Runner. The fuel economy is great for an SUV (20 MPG in city), it is a very comfortable ride, looks good, handles great, the list goes on. The quality of the vehicle is phenomenal. I have been rear ended in my 4Runner and the car that hit me was totaled while I only had to have the hitch and bumper replaced. Both of my children were in the car and were 100% fine. I have every intention of buying a new one when the mileage on this one gets to be too high. GREAT vehicle!!

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  Great Sienna experience! - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By corey garcia - December 27 - 2:36 am

  This is our second Sienna and we love it. It drives great, and is smooth and quiet. We love the dual power sliding doors.

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  4Runner...Always solid...always dependable - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By mjmotto - December 26 - 1:53 pm

  Great value, rugged, solidly built and low maintenance costs. Solid towing platform. Only issue has been the front transfer case electronics which required replacement (a $1.500 repair) at 115K miles. Resale has consistently been high.

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  Lexus for Less - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Christopher Payne - December 26 - 11:13 am

  I love this car. I am getting 30+ highway and 27 combined. I made sure that I had a Japan built car instead of Kentucky and the quality is great. Toyota Customer Service is not educated and so dont expect answers from them. The XLE is well worth the extra dollars. Stereo is fantastic but the Bluetooth cellphone feature creates an echo unless you use the earphone. Very quiet and smooth but not a sports car.