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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  It cannot get better - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By ken - December 7 - 11:43 am

  This is my 4th avalon. You have to wonder why Toyota offers Lexus when they just built an avalon that feature for feature, quality ,drivablity etc surpasses the lexus 430 in most areas. The es330 does not compare in any way to the new avalon limited. The gs300 has less power in its new v6 and not the options a avalon limited offers. WOW!! you have to wonder. Toyota sure surpassed itself with this new avalon limited. My wifes face tells it all...*smiles* *smiles*...Thank you Toyota. Made buying this one soooooo much easier

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  Satisfied Consumer - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By SJC - December 7 - 9:00 am

  Ideal vehicle for blending the desire for a sporty seven passenger SUV with improved mileage. Was hesitant at first in purchasing a first model year vehicle but online research helped a great deal. Excellent handling in the snow and ice. Average MPG so far Highway 27-28, city 21-22 in the 15-35 degree F weather.

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  no problems and fun to drive - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Joe Sisolak - December 7 - 1:50 am

  Ive had my solara convertible for 6 months now and it is a enjoyable to drive and offers a comfortable drive. The styling is also very slick and Im often given compliments on the car at stop lights saying how much it looks like the pricier Lexus SC430. I actually looked at both cars at the NY Auto Show last spring with the intent to purchase the Lexus but with the drivers seat adjusted comfortably for myself my seatback actually touched the rear seat leaving no room even for a child to sit comfortably in the rear however I have fit 2 grown adults in the rear of my solara with the my seat in a comfortable position and Im 6-0 tall.

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  typical toyota=reliable - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Suwanna - December 6 - 3:03 am

  I use this car to commute but i live in sf and in traffic or breezing on the freeway this car fits the bill. Gas mileage is awesome and trunk space is big enough to hold all my gear. This is my first Toyota and the reputation of it being a great reliable car is accurate. 3 years on the road and zero problems. Oil changes every 5000 miles and im on my way again. They are ubiquitous on the road but there is a reason for this. If you need to commute or you just dont want to think about your car... this is the car for you.

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  Just bought - After much research - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By John - December 6 - 1:46 am

  Hi - I just bought a Corolla (2006) today. However, it was a prudent decision to make this purchase after much research. The Corolla looked more real and better built. It gave the appearance of being a solidly built car. Appearance was best. Then the test drive. Smooth, quiet, peppy, comfortable with a good industry warrenty and excellent gas economy. We both feel very good about our purchase decision. Rides nice and 30/38 MPG -- very nice car!

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  great truck fun to drive - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jesse Gonzalez - December 6 - 1:03 am

  I have had my tacoma for a 2 year and what 2 year it has been. The tacoma is a great truck that I would recomend to anyone. Its TRD package is great when going off road, its v6 engine is very powerfull I have towed my 22 foot boat without a problem. It has good leg space in front as well in the rear. The differential lock is great when you ever need to get out of a muddy place. Its ground clearence is more than enough to go over a few step hills. Overall the tacoma is and extrodinary truck with its great engeneering and its Reliability is fanominal. The only downfall is its clock, make it a little more visable.

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  New Rav4 - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Patrick Eaton-Robb - December 6 - 1:03 am

  With two kids, we love the optional third-row of seats. It allows us to take an extra kid or two to hockey practice, soccer..etc. There is a surprising amount of room left for storage with the third seat up. Though I wouldnt reccomend that row for anyone but children, because it leaves no leg room. With the seat down, there is a lot of storage in the back. Again, we are hockey parents, so that is a huge plus. The milage has been great, about 27 mpg, mostly highway driving. And I love, the audio jack for the MP3 player. The stability control is great, and it has downhill assist, which should come in handy in the snow this winter.

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  Greatest car from Toyota. - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Steven - December 5 - 10:50 pm

  After buying in 2001 a series 5 BMW by 2005 I had had it with this German maker and its pieces of junk cars that let me stranded 4 times and had me dry on repairs. (My brother warned me but I wanted the Beemer... what an idiot I was for not listening). I need something luxurious and reliable and it was not hard to decided among an Avalon an Infinity, and a Lexus LS when I checked the options, size, cost of ownership, features and the styling. Almost 4 years later and never a problem (except for the rear sunshade) this Avalon has been the best car I have owned so far. It is a well designed big car. In the back has a flat floor, seats that recline and plenty of room for teenagers and adults.

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  Review of first 6 months..... - 2014 Toyota Highlander
  By r30979 - December 5 - 9:20 pm

  Ordered a to-be-built 2014 Limited in late February, 2014 and took delivery 3 weeks later. Alumina Jade Metallic (green) over tan/almond leather interior. Came from a 1997 Camry LE (186k miles) and a 2003 Honda Pilot (177k miles). I had been long researching the former Highland and current Honda Pilot. The Pilot is too boxy and I grew tired of all the hard plastics (though they do keep well with kids)> The former Highlander IMO was a little to soft for me in interior design. Let me just say that I absolutely love this vehicle.

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  Toyota Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Melissa - December 5 - 9:16 pm

  Drives very smoothly. While this car isnt a speed demon, it accelerates respectably and is fun to drive (you get to laugh at the SUV drivers shelling out their money for gas). Nice hatchback design - the trunk is surprisingly roomy. The interior design is also very sleek and modern-looking. The actual mileage I get isnt quite as good as the displayed mileage, but the Prius is far more efficient than nearly every other car. Overall, I have been very happy with my Prius.