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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  simply the best! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By sclay1 - July 23 - 5:40 am

  we bought our 4runner 3 years ago with 100000 miles on it, now it has 175000 miles and runs and drives like new! the only thing we have done to it is put new brakes on it, I use synthetic oil and change it every 5000 miles and its full every time. if you have not owned a 4runner you are missing out! Awsome SUV!

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  no teething problems - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By captain - July 22 - 10:43 pm

  This is one car that is about everything that a car should be. Quiet, solid, reliable, comfortable, fun to drive, and amazingly economical. Have had the car now for nearly 4 months and almost 10000 miles - no problems at all and certainly no reason for a dealer visit. Still feels and sounds like a (overpowered) Lexus, will outrun about 90% of everything out on the road while handling/braking is extremely competent for such a large car. I do run premium gas and also do a good deal (70% of my total miles) of 70-80 mph highway driving. 27 mpg overall! Given how much fun I have depressing the accelerator, this is much much better than I expected. Check this one out, highly recommended

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  Perfect Mini SUV - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By RDL - July 22 - 5:40 pm

  If youre looking for a mini SUV this auto is it. Get the V6 as the fuel economy is just as good as the smaller 4 cyl. and the V6 gives you the power you need uphill and to pass other vehicles. On the hwy the RAV holds its own and has a nice ride if youre going across town or on a trip. Looks great and runs great. Toyota hit a home run with this vehicle. The added length was a great addition as was the V6. The safety features such as the LSD and downhill features are great as they allow you to go places without needing a 4WD. I have the front wheel drive Sport model and I havent missed the 4WD feature yet. I get around on ice and slippery conditions just fine. Great auto.

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  Just a few bugs to work out - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Landscaper - July 22 - 1:20 pm

  I am very pleased overall with my new Tundra. It gets many positive comments from others. I have previously driven Chevy and GMC trucks. I only have four thousand miles on the Tundra so I cant be overly objective yet.

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  Awesome Camry! - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Happy Customer - July 22 - 12:53 pm

  We bought the 2009 Camry to replace our truck for gas mileage reasons. Boy did it deliver we just got 32 mpg on the last tank. It was great to drive this car for 2 whole weeks and still have 1/4 tank of gas left! We bought the LE because it comes with everything you need plus a lot of safety features. The only option we got was the Vehicle Stability Control. Insurance wasnt that much a month more either. The 158 hp has ample power. You have more than enough get up and go. Its smooth, quiet, beautiful and fun to drive. We are driving it on vacation and Im looking forward to great gas mileage and a comfortable ride. Plus well have plenty of room in the mighty Camry.

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  Great car - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By diane - July 22 - 12:13 pm

  I had purchased a 2008 Camry in Sept of 2007 and was very disappointed. The interior was of cheap material and the hood release broke. The cd player did not work after one month of owning the car. the Avalon is great. I purchased the Avalon in july of 2008. I have had no problems at all. very powerful V6 engine and very quiet. love the gps system and bluetooth. Stereo/cd player is great.

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  It is the best of the best. - 2015 Toyota Venza
  By Ai Nguyen - July 22 - 6:18 am

  It is very comfortable whenever I drive this Venza. Everything was built to make customers feel good and safe for their life. I will recommend all friends, family members and people I know to buy this vehicle. Toyota, please continue to make this super vehicle and you will proud about one of your best products.

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  Would Buy Again - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Joe Kot - July 21 - 10:50 pm

  Best driving Ive had with a truck or a car. Would like better gas mileage, but it is one of the best in its class. Would definitely buy again. Great truck.

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  Yaris is Nice - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By KP - July 21 - 9:03 pm

  I have had my Yaris for about 2 weeks know. I love the middle gauges because now I dont have to look through the steering wheel to see them. I got 34 mpg for first two tanks. The steering wheel is a little cheesy looking. I got every option offered and so far so good. Dont like that there is no place to put change or your cell phone or that the cup holders when you put a cup in them block the A/C vent. That wont work when it is 95 degrees outside. The outside of the car I love. As for acceleration, I have a manual so it has done pretty good. I drive on a major highway to work and it keeps up with all the other cars at 80 mph. Plus its a Toyota so it is going to last.

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  Why Doesnt Everyone Own One? - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Bill/Connecticut - July 21 - 5:40 pm

  My TCH (09) has 2K miles on it so it is somewhat broken in. It is an amazing car and I am very pleased with my choice. It was this or a Volvo S80, and the MPG won the day. Having now driven it for awhile I am amazed that the added weight helps with the smoothness of the ride. It reminds me of riding in a friends Lexus ES350. The CVT took me a little time to get used to, but I am figuring it out that there is not upshift like a regular automatic transmission. Test drive one and see for yourself, this is the car of the future.