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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  Love it - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tank - June 1 - 8:56 am

  I love my Tacoma, i think I have talked about 3 people into buying my truck. The thing is built well, barely have to do any maintenance on it. I got my truck with 23 miles on it, now it has about 117,000 miles. My baby has not let me down yet, it drives well in the snow, rain and basically loves going off roading from time to time. I would suggest my Tacoma to anyone.

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  Awesome Av - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Vinman - June 1 - 7:40 am

  had the limited avalon for a month and it is an incredible car. smooth, sleek and fun to drive with more options than you can remember. Priced right when compared to other vehicles of this quality. everywhere I go people ask about it and look at ...ive been driving it for a month and a half and have only seen 2 or 3 other on the road. took a month or so to get the car from the dealer but worth the wait. Mine is silver with grey interior with every option except the NAV. auto wipers, air conditioned seats, reclining rear seats, auto start and push button start, rides like a dream. couldnt ask for a better car...

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  Fun Vehicle - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Ronnie Butts - June 1 - 7:00 am

  This car is fun to drive. The front seats are larger and very comfortable. The back is very spacious and very nice. We really love this car. We had a 2002 before this Rav and this one is a complete turn around. LOVE IT

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  Take the High road with a Highlander! - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By frannie - June 1 - 4:17 am

  Highlanders are such a dependable and safe vehicle. I have had mine for almost five years and it has been 100% trouble free - 100% Friends and neighbors are constantly taking both Swedish and American models into the shop. Not with a Toyota - you can depend on a Toyota, day after day, week after week, year after year. First Toyota I have owned. I will always own a Toyota!

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  I love my Corolla S - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Ari - June 1 - 3:20 am

  I am very pleased with my 09 Corolla S as of today it has 43k miles on it. It delivers on everything Toyota claims. Incredible fuel economy I commonly get over 40 MPG with mixed driving. On a trip from Sacramento CA to Los Angeles CA I averaged 45.3 MPG with the cruise set to 70 MPH and yes after driving over 370 miles I had over a half tank showing on the display. Styling is very impressive for a compact car. It gives you the feel of a much larger car while driving. Corners like a sports car with very little body roll or tire squeaks. I am the owner of a used car dealership so I drive dozens of cars on a daily basis I would recommend this car to anybody hands down!

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  Love my Corolla! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Michelle - June 1 - 1:06 am

  Bought new in 2004. Has LE package with upgraded wheels & sunroof. Chose 5-speed manual transmission (more fun to drive). Added leather upholstery from the dealership, which you cant get as an option from the factory-- unless you want to wait a really long time. Also added 2" receiver hitch (for slide-in bike rack), & Bluetooth/iPod compatible CD player. Low mileage so far--just turned 30K and its 9/2008! Great gas mileage, really fun to drive. Very reliable, solid car--when you just shut the door it sounds solid, not tinny like so many other compact cars. Only complaint was the factory stereo & speakers, but now that they have been changed out, Im completely happy with the car.

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  Great low cost speed - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Gene - May 31 - 9:03 pm

  Even with a lead foot you get 30+ MPG. It handles like its on rails, and will beat any car in its class of the line.

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  ILL BUY IT OVER AND OVER!!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By I WAS a buick fan - May 31 - 8:16 pm

  I bought first one in april 07, wrecked it so bad, I had to crawl out through the trunk, but I did make it with minor scratch on my forehead only. Next day I went and picked another one. I am field service rep. and I spend 2/3 of my work day in the car. It meets all my needs and much more.

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  Toyota Comes Close to Perfection - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By judgek - May 31 - 5:36 pm

  My wife and searched for months for a replacement for our Volvo S80. We decided to go upmarket, so we looked at Lexus, Infiniti and BMW but didnt find a car that felt right for the price. Then I read about the Avalon Hybrid and decided to give a try. Wow, am I glad I did that. The simple bottom line is this: I cant find anything to complain about in this car. Acceleration, braking and handling are all extremely competent. The turning radius is great, visibility excellent, engineering outstanding. Even a full-size trunk! We have put 6000 miles on the car in mixed city-highway driving, averaging 40 mpg. A joy to drive and own.

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  Good truck!! - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By tarheel tundra - May 31 - 3:33 pm

  Ive owned this truck since new and it probably saved my life in an accident when I ran up on the rear end of broken down snowplow parked in the middle of an unplowed road on an extreme downhill. Get one with ABS and Lmt. Slip if you can. Mileage is ok 11 city / 17 hwy but the engine is butter and Ive loaded over a ton of used bricks/construction debris in the back and hauled it to the dump no problem. Not very nimble (turning radius is quite wide) but dependable and well thought out. Has required only routine maintenance and a couple covered TSBs (O2 Sensors) in its 35,000 miles. Id buy again but Id have bought an Ex. Cab in hindsight and gone with the 6 cyl.