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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  So far, so good - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By skgolfer - June 19 - 11:36 am

  Purchased this car about three weeks ago and have 1000ish miles on it. Have been averaging 39 mpg in mixed driving. The car is very nice. Rides well but a little stiff. It definitely doesnt have the soft, "grandpa" ride of the older Avalons. It is very comfortable and all the electronics seem easy to navigate. Also considered the Fusion and MKZ hybrids as well as the diesel Passat. Chose the Avalon for its combo of mileage, value, power and fit and finish. Have received a lot of compliments on the look of the car. Was also able to negotiate a deal well below TMV and invoice. Very happy with this purchase so far.

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  Solid Truck. - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By roverfanatic7 - June 19 - 5:31 am

  Have the 2006 Toyota Tundra Limited. Best truck. Comfortable, fun to drive, luxury interior, and solid reliability. The truck has 100,000 miles on it and no problems whatsoever. Maintenance is cheap. MPG isnt great, but it is a truck with V8 power. Solid offroader, great for firewooding and hunting. You wont find a better value. This truck defensibly definitely beats the American competitors.

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  Fight High Co$t of Fuel - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Flyingwest - June 18 - 10:00 am

  My doctor convinced me to purchase a Prius. He had 55,000 miles on his 2000 Prius and found it to be extremely reliable. It was enough for a doctors needs. I had researched the Prius on the internet looking for fault. I found none important. I have a ball each time I drive. I am a commercial pilot.

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  Great Car! - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By Mary Bull - June 18 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car! 115,000 miles and no mechanincal problems

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  Solara Review - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By SLCoopes - June 18 - 10:00 am

  The only problem I had with this vehicle is that it shakes when you brake. But that might have been because of the factory brakes they put on because I have not had a problem since I changed the brakes.

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  Best Vehicle I Have Ever Owned - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By Vinnie G - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I used Edmunds.com for pricing info and got a GREAT deal. I do a LOT of highway driving and this car is perfect. There is pick up when I need to pass or go up a mountain and Ive never been in a smoother riding vehicle and I have owned Lincolns, Buicks and Caddys. Everyone who rides in it compliments the interior styling then they feel the ride and love it as much as I do. It still turns heads too. Finding a used one is next to impossible so I guess most of the owners just dont want to give them up. I have 77,000 miles on it and I have never had any problems. I take excellent care of it and it looks brand new.

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  brake noise sometime - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By binh nguyen - June 18 - 10:00 am

  my 2003 rav4 has alot of noise from every time i step on the brake,it happen after two weeks from the i purchase,i brink back to dearler to comppland,i come back after five houres my encer is ,we cant find the proplem sorry,my name is binh nguyen recomment not to buy toyota rav4 untill toyota recall all 2003 rav4 and fix that

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  Awesome car! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By mackabee - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Beautiful design. Extremely quiet. Lexus like quality. Excellent thigh support. Great accelaration! (Exhilaration!) Black with Dark Stone leather interior, Navigation system. Nav system is very intuitive and very easy to use.

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  Great truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By howie - June 18 - 10:00 am

  This is the first truck that Ive owned and dont regret my decision to buy it. The double cab bed is a little small but adequate. I had a spray-in bed liner put in versus the drop-in shell that Toyota offers. I drove an Accord for several years and its taking me some time to get used to the difference in gas mileage.

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  Best on the road! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Pruguy - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Best ride, most comfortable, most reliable SUV on the road. It is true. I will never go back to GM or Ford. And I think it is the best looking SUV on the road. I am a believer. If you test drive one you will be also.