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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  Great Value - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By JB - March 13 - 9:50 pm

  This car is a true bargain. I have owned other sedans but for the money this may be the smartest choice. This car is a true pleasure if you like a luxurious ride with great reliability. The car is smart looking without going overboard, the interior is excellent. For buyers looking for a sport feel this car is not the right choice.

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  I absolutely love to drive it! - 2009 Toyota Avalon
  By David H - March 13 - 4:26 pm

  When shopping for our car, we researched the purchase for a good year. We took into consideration our age, our abilities (and disabilities), cost, maintenance costs, reliability, etc., and came to the determination that this was the best car for us to purchase. The 8-way power seats both driver and passenger were a must for us, and love the fact that both of us can maintain max comfort possible. When the wifes back is really hurting, she wants to go on a road trip, or just sit in the car to get it settled down! We get 26-28 MPG in town, and up to 34 MPG on road trips. The Limited with AC in seats was hard on the wifes knee replacement but wasnt worth the cost to get laser cruise.

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  Excellent in Every Way - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By mavisj - March 13 - 4:16 pm

  Comfort is first class in this auto. The car is nimble and fun to drive. During a few cold spells last Spring, the heater was warm before I pulled out of my driveway---wonderful. The A/C is cold almost as fast. This is my fourth Toyota, although my last car before this was a Ford SUV, chosen by my husband. I will always purchase a Toyota for its style, safety, and dependability.

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  Excellent Prius! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Geomattie - March 13 - 1:30 pm

  driving prius for a month now and its still fun to drive! It is definitely the best choice I ever made. I had 5 last cars and prius is far the best of all.

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  Great van! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By tallchris01 - March 13 - 1:27 pm

  We bought this van off-lease from a fleet at wholesale in November 2006 after our 2nd child was born. It had 50K miles and had been serviced exclusively at a Toyota dealer. We never had a single problem or breakdown. Just routine oil changes, tires, brake pads, timing belt. It was plenty big for my family of 4 on long trips. Our best was 25mpg. We loved the 3rd row fold-down bench and usually left it folded down so we could throw in our double stroller un-collapsed. We owned it for 2 1/2 years, put 50K miles on it and sold it easily.

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  Happy New Owner - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By sccpd - March 13 - 10:10 am

  Have only owned for several days. I am still trying to get the hang of all the screens and things. Only getting 45-47 mpg. Still good gas mileage, not what was on the sticker.

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  Great All Around Transportation - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By Mabel - March 13 - 10:00 am

  At 82,000 miles This little car is an around winner. I bought it in 2001 and I have never had any problems with it. I replaced the original cheap Goodyear tires the first month because I got tired of sliding all over the road in the rain. This is without a doubt the most dependable transportation car I have ever owned.

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  Substantial,Luxurious, and Performance - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Lavon Yoho - March 13 - 10:00 am

  My Avalon rides like its gliding through air. It is so smooth and quiet. Great brakes and acceleration. Very roomy, my 65" cousin looks like hes 55" back there. Its so comfortable. I highly recommend this car. We test drove a lot of cars in the $30,000 to $35,000 range and the Avalon by far ran and felt the best. Thats our opinion. Go see for yourself, test drive one.

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  LOVE IT!! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By candycorcoran - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Overall, this is a wonderful vehicle. Took it on a 2000 mile road trip 2 weeks after we bought it and it performed beautifully. Lots of power, convertible works very fast, very comfortable drive. Has lots of features for the price. Also, has lots of head room for the taller driver. Was going to buy a T-bird for $10M more, but very happy we went with the Solara. The GPS system is awesome. Also, you dont see a "million" of these cars on the road. Read in previous reviews about some wind noise and "shaking" of the car. Havent had any of those issues. Its a little bumpy on rough roads but its very livable.

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  I love my Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By victorious - March 13 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 2001 Ford Escape for a new Prius and it was the best thing I ever did. I drive about 80 miles a day all freeway and some in town and this car really moves. I wave goodbye as I pass the gas stations having saved about 200.00 a month a least in gas with my gas hog Escape. The Prius handles effortlessly and it has more than enough pick up and power. It keeps up with and passes up the big SUVs and trucks. I live in a huge city so parking is a dream. Clearly this is the best and smartest investment I could have made. Needless to say I will never go back to a gas unefficent vehicle again as Im spoiled for life with my Prius.