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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  It rocks my socks off. - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By back40 - July 10 - 2:03 am

  I love it. Man this this is fun to drive, look at and mod. This is the best vehicle I have ever owned.

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  Sport Coupe Pickup - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Philips - July 9 - 11:46 pm

  Small V8 performance and with its five passenger, hard top coupe styling, "cozy", intimate, and, very comfortable, four adult pass interior, coupled with decent gas mileage... makes it the perfect choice for a single "empty nester" like myself. The 21.5 MPG Hwy, is the "frosting on the cake", pretty amazing for a vehicle this size. The 60-40 split, flip up rear seat with under seat storage holds all my camping gear or whatever, securely locked. Plus, I can tow up to 5000lbs if I want... Great Truck!... Looks great, I get lots of compliments. Mine is White with Graphite, Bucket seats with Console... My traveling office.

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  I love this car!! - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Stephanie Less - July 9 - 4:26 pm

  This car is fantastic! I test drove both the manual and the automatic, and the manual is just wonderful. The clutch is smooth and it handles great. This little car can get up and go! One thing I love is how roomy it is, even though it looks like small from the outside. I can fit my sculpture supplies in the back no problem, especially after folding down the seats. I thought the speedometer in the middle would be a problem, but Ive had no issue with it all, and I dont think anyone should let that hold them back from this great car.

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  Avalon -Wow - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By William Boothe - July 9 - 3:43 am

  I had see previous Avalons and have not been impressed, just a Camry with a few more inches. When I saw the 2005 for the first time, I was awe struck. It is big, beautiful and sexy. If you need it to, it can haul out, if you know what I mean. Everyone I show it to loves it too. Get the White one, the best color for this car. What a car!

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  This car rocks, rattles & rolls - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By sackie - July 9 - 12:46 am

  I bought my Yaris as an automatic only because the buyers havent given consideration to people who want one with power package, and a manual transmission. I love control and the manual trans. rocks. There are a few annoying rattles from under the dash, and hopefully the dealer will take care of it, without having to take it apart. The sound system rocks, as theyve improved the sensitivity to discriminating ears. I havent found the magic way to get good gas mileage... maybe turning the car off, while coasting down a hill will help. All in all, I still love my Toyota Yaris!

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  Preliminary Review - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By carhop57 - July 9 - 12:46 am

  I just took possession of the car two weeks ago and cannot provide a meaningful review. However, I thought I would mention what caught my eye for others to contemplate if interested in this model. The alignment of the dash with the doorside simulated wood panels was out of kilter on the drivers side and the front drivers side fender panel was slightly out of alignment. Nothing too serious, but I was expecting perfection. I take the car back to the dealer next week to install side moldings/mudguards and will mention this to them. After I get some mileage under my belt Ill rate again. At this stage rated the car giving the benefit of the doubt.

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  best vehicle ever bought - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By rolo - July 8 - 8:13 pm

  Ever since i saw this truck at the dealership i fell in love with it. Its got anawesome design, its fast and it handles great in corners. By far a very good purchase

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  Great reliable small car - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By JClyde - July 8 - 7:36 pm

  We shopped around quite a while for a "recession car" and finally arrived at the 2010 Corolla LE. We traded in a Jaguar for it. At first going from a Jag to a Corolla may seem like car shock, but my wife really loves the Corolla. The Corolla boasts a nice ride for a small car. The steering and handling feels safe and secure but not especially "sporty", but that doesnt bother us. The car is surprisingly quiet and gas mileage is ridiculously good. For a small car Im impressed. The ride cant compete with an upscale car, but then again an upscale car cant compete with the Corollas combination of practicality, low price and great gas mileage. Were VERY happy and highly recommend this car.

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  Love my Tacoma - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Pb2theMax - July 8 - 6:06 am

  I have put 10k miles on my 05 DoubleCab Sport TRD. I havent had any problems. No paint chips, leaks, or squeeks. The ride is great, for a truck. The engine is great and really accelerates off the line. The engine has a slight "tick" from the valve-train. Toyota says this is normal, but mine went away once I put on some mileage, replaced the stock oil filter with a Mobil 1 M-102 for better oil flow. I also switched to Amsoil synthetic. The Auto trans seems to get as good or better MPG than the Manual trans. I have gotten as much as 24 MPG. The computer will adjust accordingly to how you drive.

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  Couldnt be happier! - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Melinda B - July 7 - 4:20 pm

  I bought my Camry 8 years ago, used. I fell in love with it right off. Its so comfortable to drive! I never have to worry about mechanical problems, which is a blessing! Every time I think about buying a new car, I test drive a few, but in the end, I cant even think about giving up my pretty little Camry!