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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  Avalon 06 Limited in Blizzard White - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By mls4deals - December 21 - 3:50 pm

  This vehicle is the ONLY way to travel. It has been hard to get but worth the wait. This is the best vehicle I have ever driven in any class or price arena. It offers the most for the least and is very unique creating much attention wherever I go. Love the power, style, comfort and economy. Do NOT HESTATE. :)

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  End of Domestic Trucks - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By John - December 21 - 10:26 am

  The new Tundra I just purchased has every option available. It beats the GM and Ford products hands down in every area accept towing capacity. After 30 years of GM and Fords I have had to change. This is just a better vehicle.

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  Awesome Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Maria Kenez - December 21 - 5:26 am

  This is my second Prius, first was a 2002, also awesome. I was told that highway mi/gal will be lower, but I find that not to be true. I can get as good as 50 mi/gal on long interstate trips. In the city I get somewhat less. There are also some driving habits you can pick up to increase performance. You get ques from the "energy" display. Very clever engineering.

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  Forget fuel economy, think fun driving! - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By LAHYBRID - December 21 - 12:33 am

  OK, the number crunchers figured out you couldnt save the planet and money, so the fuel economy wont justify the purchase price; but what if you factor in the fun of having that extra horsepower and sedan-like fuel usage, man what a rush. When you gun the car, passengers yell in glee as the performance is really breathtaking. The controls are expertly placed, the cruise controls, rear seat/storage space, the sound system etc. all make the added cost worth every penny. Even if there were a glut of gas and prices plummeted, the ride would sill be comfortable, luxurious and fun! And dont we deserve, nay demand fun in these times.

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  Best value around. - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By mikebean - December 20 - 11:49 pm

  This car has been in my family since it was purchased for ~$10k in 2001. There is currently 130k miles on it. Im still averaging around 40mpg in the summer and 36mpg in the winter. Crazy that this car is still worth something in the neighborhood of $3-3.5k private party. You cant ask for more than that. If it werent for the need to fit two car seats (2nd child on the way), I would never give this car up. Its just too good of a value. I should also mention that its very fun to drive. Work performed: computer failed at about 90k ($1100), bushings replaced (120k), engine coil replaced (120k), catalytic converter needs to be replaced along with the exhaust (MN winters = rust + holes)

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  More fo your money - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Camryfan - December 20 - 7:30 pm

  I would highly recommend the 2002 Camry if you are in the market for a new car. When I first started looking at new cars a few months ago I was almost certain I would purchase the new Nissan Altima. Before I made my final decission I thought I should also test drive the Camry.It took me only a few moments to be glad I did. While the Altima is a fine car, the Camry is more spacious, quieter, smoother, more comfortable and has a much richer feel. This is the fist Toyota I have owned and I love it.

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  It does it all in FWD, AWD, 4WD & tight as a drum - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By Tim - December 19 - 11:01 pm

  So a daughter totaled my awesome 2004 Camry XLE. (She was ok just minor concussion) I research everything even to replace a toaster oven! Decided to replace my old car with a loaded used Rav4 as my wifes car is another sedan (2009 Camry Hybrid) Bought this cream-puff Jan 2016 which oddly was traded in on a new Caddy. One owner, no accidents, well maintained etc with 22k and excellent condition. Have had it for 4 months now and its everything I had hoped. Got a chance to drive in snow including up a steep hill and it was almost boring how well it gripped even on original OEM tires. Overall just a far smoother ride and better built than a new 2015 and 2016 I had tried. The power is more than adequate and smooth with good handling. A highway trip in heavy rain <>70 mph gave 28 mpg. Running errands in suburbia and commute yields 23-24 mpg. Not bad for what this thing can haul inside and yet still be easy to drive and park. The JBL system sounds decent with FM but awesome with CD or iPod playing. Its not an exciting vehicle to drive but it is very comfortable and pleasant. Im surprised to read of others with squeaks/rattles as mine has none thankfully as I cant stand that. One negative is the cup holders are poorly placed but hey if thats all I have to complain about Im a happy camper.

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  A Best Buy - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Barbara Wilson - December 19 - 5:50 pm

  I waited four months for my Prius and it was well worth the wait! I love driving it, the fold down back seats make it easy to carry big loads, and it gets an average of 45mpg. After I bought mine, three friends followed suit, so now there are four Prius in the parking lot at our health club. We all believe that saving on fossil fuels is a true American value, and so is cutting down on air pollution. My sister and one of my daughters are next in line to get theirs!

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  Crewmax... awesome! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By thomasfxlt - December 19 - 10:10 am

  What a truck. After multiple GMCs and Fords, this thing really gives you a confidence. I liked my GMCs and Chevys, but the issues really started to show up at around 50-60k miles. Ive owned numerous Toyota cars and love the reliability, ride and handling quality and reliability. The 5.7 engine is amazing. Absolute and instant power. The tranny is perfectly matched and smooth. Test drive one. Youll buy it.

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  158,000 miles and still going strong - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By mar18 - December 19 - 12:30 am

  love my pickup. i drive it alot and its never given me trouble. i sometimes carry heavy loads in it and it never struggles, does a really good job. gas mileage could be better but not bad.(26mpg combined)