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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  Nice!! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By shamgotti - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I replaced a 1989 corolla with this 2003 corolla. I am very happy with this purchase. I test drove the 02 civic and the focus. The focus has great handling, but reliability and future resale value are very important to me, thats why the corolla won my dollars.

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  Very Pleased - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By drosian - August 28 - 9:33 am

  I was being lured to the 09 Tundra due to my towing needs I have a 5000lb travel trailer. The dealership recommended I get the Tundra but I am not a fan of the tundra in short it reminds of a sports car. I want a truck that is sporty and functional the Tacoma fits this desire. I have towed my trailer with the Tacoma and it has no problem power wise. I would say you can feel the weight behind you but the Tacoma has plenty of power to handle it. The only complaint I could offer is the daytime illumination of the radio and compass isnt adequate you cant see the display if its sunny. Other than that I have had the tire light come on and upon checking tire pressure they are fine.

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  poor pannel fit - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By lizard533 - August 28 - 8:34 am

  pannel fit is realy bad. Cabin is very very noisey driving on windy days. Good mileage 23-30. great power and smooth motor but so what noisey. my 08 ltd was about the same while 95 avy was a whole lot better all around, Need to start making then in JAPAN AGAIN!! BY till later.

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  Camry - Not as Good as Competition - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Prashant - August 28 - 12:30 am

  Ive had my car for about 2 years. I dont like it whatsoever. The clock is positioned so poorly, that only the driver and passenger can see it (and thats if they are sitting upright). The car has poor pick up for a V6 with 190hp. The stereo and air conditioning are positioned too high for easy & comfortable access. The speakers and stereo overall are not as good. I would think that the company with, in my opinion the best luxury brand (Lexus), would provide a really classy car and luxurious. But Im wrong. Too bad, cause I really like Toyota.

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  Large sedan, fast and reliable! Excellent MPG! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Cole - August 27 - 10:19 pm

  I am 20 years old and this is my 12th car (im an addict). No my parents dont give me ANY money. Anyway! I was lucky enough to score one of these for a few thousand cheaper than its value. And so far, its been excellent! I got the limited model loaded with everything. White exterior with tan interior. I did notice while doing an oil change it takes quite a bit of oil, 6.4 quarts to be exact! Mileage for this massive sedan Im able to get average 32-33.5 on the highway going 72. That is unheard-of for its size! Ive gotten up to 400 out of a tank with city AND highway driving, and to fill up only costs about $35, about 14.5 gallons, (even though it has an 18.5 gallon tank)! Ive put in pioneers latest avic-7000nex navigation touchscreen stereo and it fit perfect, all functions still work! The only problem ive had was engine code p0441 and p0455, if you get these codes replace the fuel cap and that should fix it! (It will also turn on VSC and I think ABS light. There is a problem on 05-12 (dont quote me) avalons where the fuel cap wears out. I paid 6,700 and it only has 108k miles and its in excellent shape! It shifts buttery smooth and the amount of power it has (280hp) will compete with any other (ricer) or sedan out there. I love the smart-key feature. I would buy again.

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  Almost Perfect - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Barbara - August 27 - 6:40 pm

  My Toyota Solara V6 SLE coupe is a joy to drive with the exception of several rattles and squeaks in the interior. I have tried to attribute these rattles to a particular item, but cannot. They are intermittent and they change. I am disappointed that this otherwise flawless vehicle sounds a bit junky at times with only 6500 miles on it. What will it be like 3 or 4 years from now?

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  Glad we got it ! - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By John - August 27 - 6:13 pm

  I purchased a XLE with # 8 package (DVD, NAV, etc...) and could not be happier. Looked at all of the usual suspects. I love everything about this van. the interior oozes quality. Fit and finish are superb. Performance is as expected for a vehicle of this size. I am impressed with initial fuel mileage. You cannot go wrong with a Toyota!!

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  Satisfied and still evaluating - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Terry - August 27 - 3:19 am

  Loved the fact I could buy the SE and upgrade the seats to full leather without upgrading the entire model to the XLE. I didnt want some of the XLE features so this worked well for me. I had a SE with 198,000 miles so its nice to have more comfort and conveniences.

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  about 13k miles and still like new - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By luvtoyota10 - August 26 - 11:39 pm

  Ok i got my venza back in 2010 in sept and i have been pleased ever since. It is very stylish and people stare at it when i drive by. Its very comfortable. I just found out the dashboard was padded! What a suprise never touched it. Everything is ergonomically correct. Visibility is great from the front but but as good in the back i really dont care because i have a back up camera. A bird was stuck in my grill and i tried to get it out and it fell to the bottom of the grill and now i have to take it to the toyota dealership to get it out.

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  Toyota Convert - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By RavFan - August 26 - 10:10 pm

  After previously owning/driving American-made cars, I can say that after driving the RAV-4, I may not go back. Although Ive only had the RAV for a few months, it feels like Ive been driving it forever. The ride is great, the new V6 gives it tons of power, and the larger size makes it a good fit for my family. Compared to the comparable SUVs I test drove (Ford Escape, Chevy Equinox), the RAV-4 blows away those competitors in my mind. Whether on the highway or hilly 2-lane mountain roads, Ive always felt in control behind the wheel. Thus far, I havent found a driving task that the RAV-4 couldnt handle.