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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  Prius 2001 Review - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By E Davie - September 27 - 10:00 am

  The Prius I own is probably the most completely integrated maching I have ever known. Everything works so well together and so efficiently. It is beautifully quiet and responsive.

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  GREAT TRUCK - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By MichaelJ - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Bought truck in Fla. with 23k on it.Use d it for business, lots of miles. Now live in Pa. Truck has 97k on it, other than routine maint. it has only needed the clutch fan replaced,tires at70k,and I chose to replace the clutch at 80k but could have gone much longer.I love this truck it seems like it will run forever. I do wish it was 4WD back here in Pa.

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  Avalon Review - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By John and Kim - September 27 - 10:00 am

  A very fun vehicle to drive. The only downside is that the exterior tends to get dinged up a bit as there is no trim to protect it. Overall, we are thrilled with this vehicle!

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  Avalon climate control is bad design - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Trainguy - September 27 - 10:00 am

  The Climate Control Air Conditioning System is the ablolute worst thing that have ever been put in a quality car like the Avalon. Temp control is very inconsistant and gives heat to your feet and cold to your body. Why this system could not have been made better, or at least the same, as any American Made Automobile with a Climate Control A/C is beyond understanding. American cars have had a working system for at least 8 years that is far superior to this. I could never recommend the Avalon XLS over the XL.

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  4X4 TACOMA - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By JACOB - September 27 - 10:00 am

  I WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE FUEL ECONOMY, BUT WHEN I REALIZED THE TOWING AND HAULING CAPACITY, I UNDERSTOOD WHY THE FUEL MILEAGE IS WHAT IT IS. THE TRUCK HAS A 4:10 AXLE RATIO THAT KILLS ANY HOPE OF GETTING 18+ MPG(WHICH IS WHAT I HAD BEFORE THIS). BUT POWER, PERFORMANCE AND A GOOD SET OF MUD TIRES MADE UP FOR MY DISAPPOINTMENT. I CANT WAIT TO INSTALL MY TRD SUPERCHARGER AND GET EVEN LESS FUEL ECONOMY, BUT A WHOLE LOT MORE FUN.

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  Sienna is the Luxury minivan - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By SiennaMan2004 - September 27 - 10:00 am

  I love this van. It is great. The styling is great, the interior is great, the features are great. Price is a little high though, but the features make up for it.

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  Colorado - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By HL - September 27 - 9:40 am

  We converted from loyal Subaru fans to Toyota because we needed a bigger car and were not impressed with the Tribeca. So far the HL has been great. Good power in the mountains and no problem climbing I-70 in the winter. interior is quiet and dua climate is great for kids in back. Good storage for road trips and fun to drive. Dont feel like youre driving an SUV which we love.

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  Excellent Gas Mileage and what features! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Carlos Shepherd - September 26 - 9:56 pm

  When I got the fully loaded Prius (2005) I had trouble keeping my eyes on the road as I drove this baby home! So much eye candy! The Navigational System is awesome and the 9 speaker, 6 CD in dash player simply ROCKS! I commute to work 60 miles one way, (120 round trip) and driving this state of the art machine makes my commute a whole lot easier!

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  Get your own - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Jim - September 26 - 3:13 pm

  I have 1100 miles on my new Solara and it is a dream to drive. Handles like a luxury car and performs likes a sports car. It is elegant, and has beautiful lines. I especially like the controls on the steering wheel, you never have to take your eyes off of the road. Makes the 140 mile daily commute pretty easy, lots of great comments on looks.

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  Celicas Are So Fun To Drive - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By Tiffywiffy0503 - September 25 - 3:23 pm

  I have nothing but great things to say about Celicas. I love mine and havent had any problems with it! So many people tell me how nice my car is. It is the best looking sporty car that gets such good gas mileage! Its got a lot of horse power for a 4 cylinder. I plan to keep my Celica for years to come!