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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  Great SUV for the family ! - 2014 Toyota Highlander
  By beachbums - December 15 - 8:48 am

  I have owned both a BMW x3 and a Honda Pilot SUVs and now owned a 2014 Toyota Highlander Limited. Although my previous SUVs were good, this Toyota SUV has surpassed my highest expectations.If you are looking for a smooth ride, elegant interior, and decent towing capability SUV to drive your family around in, take a look into the all-new 2014 Toyota Highlander, you will find it hard to beat.

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  I want another one - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Frank - December 15 - 7:10 am

  I love the way it handles and I love to get another one.

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  sporty and fun - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By ChiSox fan - December 15 - 3:16 am

  We just traded in our "old man" Malibu for the Rav4 with sport package. Its very stylish and the ride is surprisingly smooth for an SUV. We needed a car that could transport our full-size cornholio (beanbag)game to tailgates outside the ballpark. The Rav didnt come with security/keyless entry, so we went to Bestbuy and had them install the complete keyless entry/security/remote start system which will be nice to have during the Chicago winters. The gas mileage is about the same as we had with the 6 cyl. Malibu. I love this SUV and look forward to many years of driving bliss!

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  A champ on the road! - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By M Haddad - December 14 - 2:06 pm

  The Tacoma certianly has one of the hottest body styles of any truck in its class. The satisfaction continues with the interior comfort and style. The engine is tight with excellent performance. There is some concern over gas mileage. This con it should be noted was known at the time of purchase and todays gas prices. The bed liner and compartments are the envy of all who see the truck.

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  Wonderful car - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Vanessa - December 14 - 9:06 am

  The Camry rides so smooth. On a long trip it is great! There is hardly any inside noise. I love the handsfree phone system. The seats have more support and adjust very easily. The gas mileage is great too!! I am getting over 35 mpg and that is mostly highway driving. You cant tell when the engine starts while driving. No jerks or power jumps. The gauges are easy to see and the monitoring system is wonderful. I do like my music and the Camry has an 8 speaker and 6 disc system. I would recommend for any generation to get one of these.

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  Great glorified wheelbarrow - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By gashley2 - December 14 - 8:54 am

  I bought my 2005 Toyota tacoma SR5 4.0L 6 speed 4 years ago. I really like the truck! In the entire time I have had it I have NEVER had to do anything to it period. I have only had to change the oil and put gas in it, thats it. You couldnt ask for a more reliable truck! The engine is strong and the 6 speed manual never skips a beat. I currently have 112,000 miles on it and have never had to do anything to it. However, I DO NOT like the composite bed has no tie downs for heavy items. THE TAILGATE IS UTTER CRAP and can not handle any weight had to replace mine. And doesnt get the best milage. I only get 15MPG at best my old ford V8 gets a lot better mpgs.

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  Love My Versatile Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Priuslover - December 14 - 12:53 am

  Handles great. Driven over 15,000 miles with no problems, including mountains where my 60s beetle would never have maintained 65-70 on the uphill grades like the Prius does. It holds a bunch of luggage for a snowbirding couple with seatbacks down and can easily take 15-20 8 foot 2x4s (or fewer 2x10s, 2x12s, etc.) INSIDE with the hatch closed. I havent tried 10 footers yet, but Im pretty sure theyll fit too if youre willing to put one end on the dashboard. 4x8 plywood is a cartopper. Its not a race car but it knocks the socks off the beetles Ive owned with more space, comfort and 45-48 ACTUAL MPG (an occasional 50+). With the electronic key you dont take the key from your pocket.

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  Avalon Review - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Tom Tapman - December 13 - 3:10 pm

  This XLS is a much better Avalon than my 2002. The suspension is remarkedly better. The horsepower is much better. The reclining seats in the rear are very impressive. The main thing is that my WIFE loves it.

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  93 Camry wagon - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Jared - December 13 - 10:50 am

  This car is great always reliable. Very comfortable and very powerful. Anyone who owns one or purchases one is lucky to own one of these rare cars.

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  My 3rd Camry - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By James - December 12 - 2:16 pm

  As of today, Ive had my Barcelona Red Metallic SE for one week, and I LOVE it! The ride is superb, and the looks turn heads --- not only because of the outside styling, but also the interior. The OptiTron gauges are beautiful, and really add to the aesthetics. Though only an i4, the car handles impressively --- LOVE the round-abouts! ;) I previously had a 94 Camry Coupe, and traded in my 04 LE for the 09. I have noticed the fit/finish is not quite as crisp/clean as in my prior Camrys, but IMO still very good. In fact, my 09 fit/finish appears to be improved over the 07/08 models. Great car, beautiful looks, nice handling, quiet ride, and overall a great car!