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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  Awesome Van - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By houseful - November 1 - 8:20 am

  Other than routine maintenance (oil changes, warranty inspections), weve had no problems and are still in love with this van.

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  2004 Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By GDent - November 1 - 5:16 am

  Great car! Highly recommended. Nothing bad to say. Good performance, lots of torque going up hills, reasonably quiet ride. Gets between 47 and 52 MPG depending on speed. Cruise control works good. Best gas mileage about 67 vs 70 MPH. Replaced original, never rotated, tires at 40K miles because of wear on outside edges. Replaced with Hankook Tires. Would like more comfortable drivers seat. Cant seem to get leg reach to accelerator and arm reach to steering wheel just right.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR!!! - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By bratgirl - October 31 - 10:10 pm

  The car handles like a dream! The fuel economy is terrific and I get so many comments from other people. Toyota has been fantastic in taking care of the only problem I have had with the car- the computer went out (probably due to very cold weather) and they were amazing! The car has had no problems since. I would have never written a review of any car I have owned in the past, but this little gem is super. I cant wait to get into a new one next year!

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  Capable and Comfortable - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Joanna - October 31 - 8:36 pm

  We purchased the 2010 Limited without nav in Blizzard White Pearl the weekend before Thanksgiving and took it on a 2000 mile trip from Seattle to the California Sierras. The vehicle was extremely comfortable to drive. We averaged 20 mpg on the trip. We put down the seats and slept in the back overnight when the temperature outside was 31 degrees F - and were able to plug in our laptop while doing so. Took it light off roading on jeep trails in the Buttermilk Mountains where it handled very well. The low rear differential setting and high ground clearance got us over the rocks. The traction control keeps it very solid in all road conditions. We enjoy our commute where we get 18 mpg.

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  Love it! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By gc77584 - October 31 - 8:40 am

  I bought this car almost sight-unseen and with no test drive. I havent regretted the decision even once. Traded in a 98 4cyl Camry XLE and the 2007 Camry Hybrid is quite a bit larger, rides smoother and is more powerful. Plenty of pickup when needed, such as entering freeway. I have 3200+ miles on it and have had zero problems. Yes, the trunk is smaller than a non-hybrid Camry but I knew that prior to purchase and its plenty big for me.

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  New Toyota Tundra - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Stephen Campbell-Tyl - October 31 - 1:53 am

  Very good deal, on a very well designed and built full size truck. Performance enhanced by 6 speed transmission, this truck drives extremely well in ordinary traffic and cruises on the interstate. If you need to get past slower traffic, just put your foot down and very easily and safely accelerate past. Breaking on this truck is phenominal, it stops extremely rapidly and safely. Extremely good all round truck for hauling people and a bed full of materials. Have not used it yet for towing, but should be a winner.

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  Towing - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By redjeepjamie - October 31 - 1:46 am

  After owning Jeeps for the last 15 years I was reluctant to go Toyota but with a new baby we needed more room. I was skeptical of the Highlanders 5000lbs tow rating. Now after 11000 miles and several months of towing our 4000lbs 21 ft ski boat I am the Highlanders biggest fan. It pulls and stops our boat better than my Grand Cherokee ever did. Plus this is the most comfortable and solidly built car I have ever owned. Gas mileage is good at a city/hwy avg of 21mpg towing drops it to 13 in our very hilly drive to the lake.

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  I love my Toyota - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By jackie - October 30 - 11:40 pm

  I bought this truck in 98 with 37k miles. I have 153k on it now. Had to replace the shocks, the brakes twice and battery. Low cost vehicle with great zip and I average 26 MPG on hwy and 23 in the city. Starts up everytime, I just love this truck! I am glad to read that people have over 200k with no problems as well. Cant find a better truck out there.

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  A Surprisingly Fun Car to Drive - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Michael - October 30 - 6:30 am

  Consistently gets in the range between 39 - 57 MPG depending on the drive I make. Excellent for hauling lawn mowers and snow blowers. Handling is pretty good. Definitely cuts down the amount of money youll spend on gasoline for a month. Was able to twice make 400 miles on one tank of gas with a mix of local and highway driving.

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  2014 Avalon Touring. - 2014 Toyota Avalon
  By jimdrew - October 30 - 4:17 am

  Have owned a 2014 Avalon Touring for about 3 Months now. I owned a 2012 Camry SE V6 and it was awesome. I feel in love with the new design of the Avalon in 2013. When I was able to trade out even and not upside down on Camry I did. Yes, I had to go to more than one dealer to make the deal but finally made it work. My 2012 Camry was $26K with all the toys and the 2014 Avalon Touring was $33K plus tax and tag. For a $7K difference it was an absolute steal. The ride is much better than the Camry. I love the interior design too.. wow, upscale all the way. Quick of the line and a great vehicle to drive on the Turn Pike.. I am extremely pleased. The Edmunds figures were on the money