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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  Best choice in class - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By AJT - June 8 - 10:46 pm

  This is the best car in the class for performance compacts. Very good performance + great build + great resale value + good safety (with side airbags). Considered Nissan Sentra (reliability problems) and Honda Accord (price problems). Corolla S didnt have enough oomph for me, plus IMPOSSIBLE to find with ABS. XRS could use more oomph at low RPMs, but still plenty for day-to-day. This cars engine "boosts" at 7K RPM, but youll rarely have a chance to get up there. 30-32 MPG highway, youll downshift out of 6th to pass quickly though. Great handling comes with rougher ride. Youll get "jostled" in your seat going over rougher roads, but very stable in corners, especially on/off ramps.

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  Great Gas Mileage For A Big Car - 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By malps1 - June 8 - 7:11 pm

  Ive had the Avalon hybrid for 5 months. So far, the gas mileage has been decent, but with the a//c on, the mileage is less than advertised. The navigation system is ok but not as feature driven as some. For example, if I want to know the nearest Walgreens, it does not allow me to enter that as search criteria. However, it does work well with a normal address. The volume of the voice is changeable with nav setup. The ride is comfortable with lots of legroom in the back. The Entune system is good, except it uses a lot of battery power from my phone, so I dont use it. In ECO mode, the car provides enough power for normal use, and with it off, it is quite fast.

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  Hard Driver - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Lisa - June 8 - 6:13 pm

  Bought new. Commute 130 mile a day. Have 78K on it now. Mainly highway. I drive aggressively. Problems have been AC leak and currently a very small oil leak around one of the gaskets. Tires were replaced at about 55K. Still never had to replace my brakes. Im 56 and feel comfortable during long trips. There is road noise, but all small cars have that. It drives excellently in the snow. I was shocked at how well it drove through some tough snow mounds the plows left behind. Traction in the snow going up hill isnt the best based on past cars Ive owned. The anti-locks (optional safety package) work great. Would buy this car again.

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  My Second Solara Convertible - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Marty - June 8 - 3:00 pm

  I recently went to pick up my wifes new 2005 RAV-5 and while I was there I happened to ask what they had in new Solara Convertibles. I was only a little over 2 years into my 4 year lease on the one I had but the 2006 was such a beautiful and well equipped car I couldnt help myself. We have had MANY Toyotas since 1993 and the only repair was a catylic converter one one. My 2003 Solara was a truly nice car but this one is so much more comfortable, better handling, powerful, and high in creature comforts I had to have it. I LOVE it. It is fun to drive, handles great from 25 to 95 mph, and I cannot believe all the unsolicited compliments I get with it - especially with the top down. Marty

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  WOW! - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Joe - June 8 - 11:33 am

  I bought this truck brand new. Awesome acceleration, and pulling power. I have pulled things with this truck I shouldnt have. It hasnt let me down yet! Only exceptions is I had to replace two o2 sensors ($90 each). I am driving this truck until the wheels fall off. Only down side is the doors and the access cab needed to be a bit bigger. I love my Toyota! I remember driving off the lot for $14,000 tt&l to include extended warranty.

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  Toyota Quality! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Greg - June 8 - 4:40 am

  Last vehicle was an 07 fully loaded extended cab Tacoma. Went into the dealer to buy a "double cab" Tacoma and saw the Venza. While I was talking to the salesperson I kept turning to look at the venza and the rest is history. This is an absolute fantastic vehicle. Love the AWD. I bought this cross-over with everything I wanted. The only things I didnt get were the panoramic roof and heated seats. Ive heard of a problem or two, but to date I have had only one. The bluetooth is a problem with the new blackberry tour and Im currently looking for a repair. Other than that this vehicle has operated beautifully. I too usually do not buy first year cars, but Toyotas quality changed my mind.

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  Terrific car - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Stewn - June 7 - 4:43 pm

  Through 11 months and 16,500 miles the Camry Hybrid couldnt have been better. Average mpg is 35.2 with 40 plus mpg at sustained highway speeds (65-70). The performance is more than adequate for hill climbing, two-lane road passing even on hills, and merging onto freeways. The electric motor seems to work like a supercharger. I am very pleased.

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  FJinDFW - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By tejun - June 7 - 3:53 pm

  I love my FJ. I put a 2" level kit on the front and upgraded to 295/70/17 AT tires. Averaging about 19.5 mpg which I consider good for a 4x4 SUV.

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  Im Loving It - 2005 Toyota Celica
  By Nata699 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I saw it, I wanted it, I got it. And Im loving it. this car turns peoples heads.

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  Oliveras Celica Review - 2005 Toyota Celica
  By Olivera - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I love my Celica.