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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  very pleased - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By heatherx360 - February 16 - 12:20 pm

  I bought this car in February after my volkswagen beetle and bmw both croaked, and costed over 5500.00 to repair each. I didnt like it at first but fell in love after. The style it cute, plenty of room, better mpg than prius cost is almost half, doesnt have all that eletrical junk that seems to always fail, cheap to fix and easy to work on, cheap car but everything is built with great quality unlike volkswagens cheap plastic everything, very easy to park. Im a delivery driver and couldnt ask for a better car. Parents owned 7 toyotas and none had less than 250k miles one had 326k still running today. the yaris has everything plus the toyota reliability and it wont break your bank

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  Two Thumbs Up and a Smile - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By Ody - February 16 - 7:43 am

  I was apprehensive when the dealer wanted me to look at my Corolla, always owned a mid-size Ford or GM, after testing it out all I wanted to do was sign on the line, even forgot to haggle the price down. For the first time in years I cant wait to get in the car and drive. It handles good in snow and ice, w/ easy recovery in a slide. The heat and ac are top quality and at 103k miles its peppy and smooth. Love the drop down seats in the rear to expand the trunk. The cashier at the gas station though I had moved away! ;-) Did I mention the the stock stereo is more than you would ever expect out of this little gem?! Overall, great car for all ages and puts a smile on my face.

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  Gas Mileage Claims False - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Mona Tanner - February 16 - 5:00 am

  The Hylander Hybrid is a great looking, great driving vehicle. The only problem I have with it, and its a big one, is that I dont get the gas mileage claimed. Toyota claimed it would get 28 hwy and 31 city mpg. I drive it gently and average at most 26 mpg. I bought the car specifically for the gas mileage, so I cant justify the $4500 price difference.

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  overall great car - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By AAC - February 16 - 3:56 am

  Have put over 120000 miles. Starter replaced at 90000 other than that only maintenance items have been done very reliable. Still very quiet and comfortable, interior still nice except where the power window switches on both fornt door panels are seperating. Although not as nice in style, its a way better car than our same year (98) Honda Accord that required several repairs, next time sticking with Toyota.

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  Mommys Avalon - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By DStealth - February 16 - 2:00 am

  As Matty our car salesman would refer to Mary, this is "Mommys" car! As previous owners of a Toyota Camry XLE, we found the small "upgrade" to the Avalon was well worth the extra $$. The Avalon was much roomier than the Camry and we opted for the XL rather than the XLS - who needs the moonroof and heated seats anyway. We purchased the wood look from the parts dept. and now have what we want. Hmm all I need now is a XLS emblem and we are there!

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  Chargermans 04 Solara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By chargerman - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. I had a Red Flame metalic 99 Solara and had such good luck with it I bought another! This one is Arctic Frost Pearl with grey leather. Looks good in day or night. I have 1000 miles on it now with only 1 problem that the dealer fixed, a hose connector had come undone and caused the engine light to come on. Really like the in dash CD changer and heated seats

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  Its a Great Vehicle - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By alc6 - February 16 - 2:00 am

  We have only had this 4WD Limited 3 weeks, but love it already. It has good power, very comfortable ride, easy access, and nice interior styling. We would recommend it to anyone.

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  One awesome truck!! - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By jaggy9 - February 15 - 7:36 pm

  I looked at many different makes in switching back to a truck from cars and SUVs the past 6 years, and the Tacoma was hands down the best. I was looking for a 4 cyl 4x4 that could handle the everyday drive, some off-roading, and some light hauling. This more than meets my needs, and its the best looking one out there! The build quality is amazing. Its one of the most solid feeling vehicles Ive owned (car or truck). The bigger interior in the last redesign is amazing. I went with the Indigo Ink, SR5 package, and tire upgrade. Love the ground clearance and cannot wait to test this out off-road. MPG have been 21.7 for all city driving. Looking forward to many years of driving my Taco!

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  My 2011 Avalon Limited - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By Twin B - February 14 - 10:53 pm

  This car is a terrific full size sedan, roomy and comfortable with all the amenities I need. But the drivers seat is too firm for my taste and could use more padding. Visibility is poor toward the rear and side. Handling is fine; those who say it handles like a 60s luxo barge dont know what theyre talking about. Ive owned many large sedans in the 50s - 70s and none approaches the handling of this Avalon. The HID headlamps illuminate my whole field of vision and at night the bright clarity makes me feel like Im in a space ship. The MPG dashboard display is an unnecessary distracting toy. A glaring mistake is the absence of a sun visor extension. Interior fit/finish is top notch

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  Best Car Ever Owned in 21 Years of owner - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By wp - February 14 - 5:50 pm

  Very first foreign car ever purchased and absolutely best car ever owned. Excellent cost of ownership, great commuter and unbelievable and very deceiving amount of cargo space - especially with seats down. Hauled over 400 lbs of dog food to kennel couple mths ago! 4 Stars on comfort because could really use an adjustable lumbar support; other than that perfect. Also, fun to drive in a techy kind of way. Lifetime avg mpg is 47.5mpg. currently 36k miles mostly highway.