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:

• 

  Small but Unbelievable! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By zippyaris - October 13 - 8:03 pm

  The Yaris has the looks and then some. For 106 hp, this car has pick up. I have gone 100 mph on it, and it feels very stable (except when theres a lot of wind the car feels like its floating and not on the ground). Do not be scared to drive it on the highways. I have gone on multiple road trips with it and it is so much fun, especially driving through windy roads. I could not imagine driving any other car on highway 1 (of course except a Ferrari).

• 

  LOVE IT! - 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By osullivan1 - October 13 - 7:07 pm

  I love this car. My favorite one yet. Drives great and is great off road. Stereo is really good too. I have the Trail Teams Edition one and get a lot of comments on how it looks. Its a lot of fun to own and my 3 dogs all over 95 lbs seem to love it too.

• 

  Great Car - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By lmjones - October 13 - 11:50 am

  I got my Camry used two years ago, and its been an exceptional car. Its slowly falling apart (console top came off, drivers door handle on outside off and inside is cracked and ready to come off, drivers window is off track, mufflers shot, shock housings shot, a few rust spots, dent on the rear quarter panel, etc.), but Im pretty rough on my cars. Aside from the recalled engine issue (somethings not sealed? Im not sure, but it burns oil like no other, and when I take off a huge cloud of smoke comes out the back end), Ive had no major work done on it. Great little car! Ill probably be getting a newer one (looking at 06 models) next year.

• 

  An Excellent Car - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Doug Vanden Heuvel - October 13 - 6:36 am

  My Avalon is probably the best vehicle I have ever owned. I traded in a 2004 BMW high performance 330I on this car (I loved that car but it was impractical for my family). This car has 33 more horsepower, dual exhaust, tons more room, only weighs 150 more lbs. than the Beemer, hands free phone, comfort is excellent, its very quiet and feels very safe on the road. With my driving style Im getting overall gas mileage of 30 mpg. Normally I stay 5-10 miles per hour over the speed limit.

• 

  Toy - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By David Clawson - October 12 - 5:46 pm

  Have driven car approx. 10,000 miles since purchase and really enjoy driving it. My wife is main driver using it mostly going to and from work. She really appreciates the gas mileage and pep getting through traffic.We also use this car for trips for the above reasons.

• 

  SLE Solara - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Earl - October 12 - 1:33 am

  Quietest convertible that I have ever owned. Very low wind noise with the top up. Motor is very quiet, have to watch the tach sometimes to see if it is running. Top goes up and down easily.

• 

  Better than Mercedes - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Former Lexus Owner - October 12 - 12:13 am

  I have been driving a Mercedes for several years but this year, after test driving every big car on the market, I switched to the Avalon. This car is bigger, better, more luxurious, and more fun to drive than the Mercedes S class. And it is $30,000 less expensive! It is by far the best car I have ever owned. If you like the feel of a big car then you have to test drive an Avalon before you buy anything else. One of my friends who drives a Lexus said "its nice but its just a Toyota". But after he drove a few miles in my Avalon he sold his Lexus and bought one too.

• 

  My Personal "HOT WHEELS CAR" - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Kelly - October 11 - 6:03 pm

  Have had this car now for 2 weeks and love it. We just had a road trip to Disney World and it was very comfortable. Im glad I chose this loved the style and looks of it the first time I saw it. My husband said it looks like a hot wheels car.

• 

  4 months and happy - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By jdean - October 11 - 10:00 am

  This is a very good car. well thought out and well built. Fun to drive. great visibilty. lots of pep and good response. Well satisfied.

• 

  A few things to consider - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Alatha - October 11 - 10:00 am

  In Toyotas infinite wisdom, they have preprogrammed the maintenance light to come on and stay ON at certain mileage points. You must have it reset by your dealership despite the fact you may have just changed the oil. I only have 5,000 miles on this car and changed the oil at 3,000 miles. It feels very manipulative.