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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  Innovative 2007 Camry-Hybrid - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By waldobernal - November 30 - 5:43 pm

  I am 71 years of age & have driven more cars than I can remember. This car is the most phenomenal car I have ever driven. Not only does it nearly eliminate all wind noise, on the freeway, it is so quiet that it makes listening to music a sheer joy. The mpg indicator have even prompted me to decrease interstate speed to decrease the mpg indicator (as it decreases it show greater mpg). The control panel is a joy, not only to view how many miles Ive traveled since starting the car, but also to view the actual mpg being recorded since last fill up, even thought I continue to zero the odometer & do the mental calculations. The riding comfort is exceptional, smooth, bumps are hardly noticeable.

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  Great fun car. - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Brian - November 30 - 3:36 pm

  Toyota makes the best automobiles in the world, dollar for dollar. This is no exception. A porsche it is not, but then again it is less than half the price of a Boxster, a quarter the price of a Carrera, and none of the enormous maintenance expense. I have placed 25K on the car, the first maintenance at the dealer, 7500 miles, cost me $86.00. The 15K service was $168.00. How can you beat that in a well made, fun, convertible??? You cant!!!

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  Best Car Toyota Has Ever Made - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Keith W. - November 30 - 11:56 am

  I purchased the new 2005 Avalon Limited. It is by far the nicest vehicle Toyota has ever produced. Ive owned a Camry and an Avalon previously, but this is practically a Lexus without paying the premium price. It reeks of luxury, comfort, and performance. The engine is much more powerful than my old Avalon, and the car is bigger inside. The car has all the bells and whistles one could possibly need, from the smart key entry, to remote starter, to XM Radio, to 6-Disc CD Changer, to laser cruise, to navigation, to even ventillated and heated from seats and reclinable rear seats. All in all, I feel like I stole this car. I got a Lexus or a Benz and paid half as much.

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  Lexus - No. Toyota - YES!! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Brian - November 30 - 5:00 am

  I cannot imagine spending $20K more for a Lexus. This car accelerates wildly, stops quickly and ensures you are safe doing so with a multitude of safety features. You cannot find another car with comparable performance and luxury for this price. Toyota reliabilty is the icing on the cake. My touring model handles and rides like a european sedan. Flat, stable and sound handling that instills confidence. I drive cars for a living and have done so for over 25 years. This is the best vehicle, overall, that I have ever seen or driven.

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  6 Month/7,000 Mile Review - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Greener than thou - November 29 - 10:00 am

  I was lucky enough to buy one with only a 2 week wait. Reliability is great. Mileage has been a bit less than EPA; my average was about 46-48 during cold weather but has risen to 50 mpg in the spring (and is also highly dependent on tire pressure-I neglected this and ran out of gas once; luckily the battery had enough juice to make it to a nearby gas station. I dont recommend trying this.) The hybrid really shines in bumper-to-bumper traffic, when battery power alone is enough to creep along. It handles well, although it is buffeted by strong winds. Acceleration is reasonably quick (faster than my wifes Honda CRV).

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  yes - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Nikky - November 29 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the Best Cars I could Buy.

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  best truck ever made. - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By beto - November 29 - 10:00 am

  my truck is heavy duty.

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  excellent - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By jum - November 29 - 10:00 am

  the only improvement i found from earlier models was the radio an on the steering wheel were radio controls

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  Buy It. - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Snickers - November 29 - 10:00 am

  I didnt think that I would like a mini van, but I was wrong. We traded our Lexus RX300 for the Sienna. It is much more comfortable, better gas mileage and all the conveniences of home. It is very kid friendly. With the back seats up you can transport 2 strollers, plenty of room for 2 car seats and more people. We packed a stroller and suitcases for 5 people in the back and had 6 people up front with no crowding. More cup and bottle holders than you need and the DVD player is a real plus. Definitely a car worth keeping around with a growing family.

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  So great I did it again! - 2015 Toyota Avalon
  By Gerald Cox - November 29 - 6:00 am

  The comfort and quiet plust new features make me glad I bought my 2nd Avalon.