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 Truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By blippo - September 21 - 8:23 am

  I picked the 2004 over the 2005 model because of the styling inside and out. I have an automatic model with the 6 cylinder motor and it gives plenty of power. The 4 cylinder model that I drove was not enough power for me. I get 23 mpg on highway and 19 city which I am very satisfied with. This truck is fun to drive. You can manuver in and out of tight places. Just the right size for me.

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  No regrets - exactly what I wanted - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Fla Dave - September 21 - 1:40 am

  I bought the reg cab base with AC because I plan on owning this truck long after most power options would fail. Occasionally I wish I had gotten power windows, door locks, and the rear window, but I can live without that stuff. I love this truck. I got sideswiped across the front by a red light runner going 40, and you could hardly tell the truck had been hit. Its tough. But mostly I love the confidence of everyone from my mechanic to strangers telling me it was a good choice. I paid the TMV out the door (incl tax and BS) so I got it for a good price. Edmunds was the best helper I had in the process. I took it on a long road trip up north and it did well in the mountains.

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  Next to Lexus. - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Ralph Joch - September 20 - 7:33 pm

  An absolute pleasure to drive, city or highway.

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  Great Technology & Huge Interior - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By drews - September 20 - 11:00 am

  My Avalon XLS Limited has bee excellent. The technology and space really set it apart. I have been averaging about 27 mpg. Love the adaptive cruise control and audio system. Air Conditioned seats are awesome in the South. I have not had one problem with the car although it is being recalled for the acceleration. The care feels like a limousine. Passengers are very comfortable. The car is VERY quiet. My only problems are that the GPS is clunky to use and I hate the covers over the audio and pop out nav stuff (can you say cheesy).

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  2003 Toyota Corolla - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Robert W.L - September 19 - 4:50 pm

  I love this car.Its great on gas,drives real nice and you have so much room inside it.The trunk is huge plus the back seats fold down.

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  Happy Highlander Owner - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Mike - September 19 - 5:46 am

  We traded in a 2006 Lexus GS 300 for the 2008 Highlander Sport in January of 2008. The Highlander rides like a high end luxury sedan but offers much more room in the interior and a very comfortable ride. I like the new exterior design that just came out. We never gave the Highlander a second look until the new 2008 style. The Highlander is my first Toyota purchase and I will likely buy another again.

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  Heres a looker - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By ALooker - September 18 - 8:03 pm

  My Toyota 4 runner is overall a great car. I have 61,700 miles on it and I drive it to work daily. The ride is rough on poorly maintained roads typical for a truck frame. Over speed bumps, dips or potholes will give you whiplash. If you test drive it use a parking lot with speed bumps youll see why. Very very reliable car, replaced the power antenna 1x (costly), this car runs great, tough as an ox, and purrs like a golden lion.

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  Great Car in the Snow - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Jane A - September 18 - 2:33 pm

  This has been a great car for me in Alaska. Of course, I upgraded from a 1991 Toyota Corolla All Trac with 180,000 miles on it so it is really hard to say how it would compare to any other new vehicle. It handles very well in the snow with the steering stabilizing (or whatever it is called) option. I have some troubles going up snowy/icy hills though. The car just shuts off. Last winter I had it in a carport in Anchorage and it did fine. This winter I have moved to the much colder interior and really need a garage for the vehicle when it dips down below 20 below 0. It is really comfortable to drive and the gas mileage is great. During the winter I am averaging about 35-39 mpg.

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  Karis review - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Kari - September 18 - 7:43 am

  My previous car was a 2001 Chevy Blazer that had 24,000 miles upon purchase and had nothing but electrical problems, I traded it in at 36,000 mi, it was junk. In Dec 2003 I bought my 04 Corolla, it now has 70,000 miles and its been very reliable. The only downfall is that Ive had numerous moonroof problems. I have also noticed over the past few months that the alternator belt is starting to squeak, but that is just normal wear and tear to the belt. It will have to have a new belt one of these days, but big deal its only about $15.00 at AutoZone. Most my driving is highway and I notice that its not very well in windy conditions, but slow down and stay in right lane and youll be okay

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  Best Ive Ever Owned - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By K.E. - September 17 - 6:03 pm

  This is the first Toyota Ive owned, and it wont be the last. The Sienna is far superior to the other (domestic) minivans Ive driven. Handling, interior "fit and finish", exterior appearance are all excellent. Very smooth ride. Great storage capacity in the cabin - there are 4 storage bins of varying size in the front seat alone, in addition to the glove box. Very solid vehicle. Dual sliding doors are incredibly convenient when adults are riding in the back. Even rear seating is comfortable. Safety features are abundant. Definitely not the choice if budget is your first consideration, especially in the XLE and XLE Limited. Its worth every penny, however. Overall, GREAT vehicle.