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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  ECHO - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Im sold - February 6 - 4:10 am

  I rented a car in April got one of these by chance. 30 miles later I was completely sold and bought one 2 weeks later. Its a BLAST to drive, the looks really grow on you, its as roomy inside as a Corolla, and the gas mileage I got with an automatic blew me away, over 40 mpg freeway. I absolutely LOVE this car. There isnt another car in this class that can come NEAR to this car.

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  Pound for Pound; Best Truck in the World - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By AlexJV - February 6 - 2:10 am

  Bought it as a Certified Vehicle with about 46K miles on it. The Certified Power Train warranty and Roadside Assistance Program for 7Yrs/100,000 was an influential factor. The ability to purchase a Matching Extended Service Plan for less than on a new one was the clincher. Only problems were the Bushings in the Rack, and Clutch Master Cylinder; both covered by the Extended Service Plan. New front brakes about 9 months ago. Havent changed the rear brakes or shocks, and I take it Off-Road! This truck is just about Bullet-Proof and I will likely drive it to 400K+!

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  Love My First New Car - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By vince - February 5 - 12:00 pm

  Ive never bought a new car but when my 1998 Q45 clipped over 200K miles it was time. Looked at the SHO, but too bulky for my taste. Avalon Limited was an easy choice, lots of great features and a very economical price. Immediately took it on a 2K road trip and got great gas mileage, wonderful handling. I love this car. Clean and simple.

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  Love it - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By keith bremner - February 5 - 8:56 am

  I love the way it drives and the quality of it is top notch. Never had a problem with it. Would buy again.

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  I DO NOT REGRET PAYING $53000! - 2007 Toyota Sequoia
  By ilovecars101 - February 5 - 8:16 am

  We bought this car new with 0 mileage. It came out wonderful. Very Very Very smooth ride. Nice and comfy seats. Affordable pricing for a beautiful luxury car.

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  Great Family Car! - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By OCTG787 - February 5 - 6:23 am

  Always wanted a minivan for yrs, w/its unmatched sliding doors, spacious 3rd row seating, cargo room. Traded in wifes sedan, and shes now a believer and agreed that should have bought the van yrs before. Even the toddlers love the van and want to play in it. The Limited FWD looks sharp (grill is just like Venza/Avalon),has great suspension and ride is very comfortable (between Lexux ES350 and Highlander) w/low wind noise. Brake feels solid. Making U-turn w/o problem, and can back up easily w/the back up camera and parking sensor. It has pretty much all the gadgets the ES350 has and more. All 4 windows go up/down with one touch button. Love the sunshade on 2nd row (to protect the kids).

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  Our first Toyota - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Frank and Susan - February 5 - 4:53 am

  We drove alot of cars before we decided on the Camry. We test drove a Honda Accord,Ford Fusion,VW Jetta,Saturn and Mercury. We liked the looks of the 2007 Camry and knew that Toyota was a great selling car. You cant go wrong with a Camry LE.

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  Good car, though not exciting - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By shootingstar3 - February 5 - 4:15 am

  Bought our RAV with 32k miles on it and have owned it 3 yrs now. Previously I had an 01 RAV which I just loved. This one is a very good car, but somehow not as satisfying. It has been reliable and versatile and pleasant, but I did like the seats, styling and overall size better in the old one. This car is more of a soccer mom car and since I dont have kids, Im considering trading it for something more fun and sporty for a change.

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  Too many miles - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By ken - February 4 - 9:56 pm

  The tundra is a blast to drive and always a eye catcher. I have only had one problem and that was the recall on the drive shaft. I get a 17.5 mpg on the average and 13 when I haul the 8900lb trailer. Still beats my dodge I would recommend this truck to anyone.

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  Nice car with minor issues - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By jonny165 - February 4 - 2:40 pm

  Just picked up my 2010 magnetic Grey, very comfortable drive, great in snow and ice, but after 300 miles, steering wheel began to vibrate and the brakes are acting up bad. Have to bring into dealer after one week of owning.