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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  sport and luxury! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Lois - December 19 - 7:06 pm

  This car has the best of both worlds. Its sporty without sacrificing ride and comfort.

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  41 mpg - 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By Monte Howell - December 19 - 7:03 pm

  Great car.

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  Drives like a 09 Corolla - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By regmeister - December 19 - 2:13 pm

  Averaging 28 mpg. RAV4 reminds me of a Corolla I had for a loaner for a month. Similar driving dynamics & lots of road noise & booming exhaust. In the morning the tranny has an annoying 2-stage takeoff from park, it engages 3/4s then full lock even when rolling. Once warmed up the hiccup goes away. Although the interior dashboard is not as cleverly designed as a CRV (not enough cubby compartments) the center armrest/console is a welcome feature. The rear side doors have only a molded cup holder for a small H2O bottle. The back door is a disappointment too. Just a fishnet and no cubby holes molded in the door like the CRV. Audio loudness feature is good because of the road noise.

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  Great for the family - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Brian - December 19 - 1:13 pm

  This is a one of a kind vehicle. Either you could go for something flashy or go for something cheap, but the Avalon is a solid, yet comfortable automobile. I use it as my work car and you cant beat the ride. Im glad that Toyota updated the looks since 2003. That was the only drawback of the older models. Overall, its a great car.

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  Go for it! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Solman6 - December 19 - 12:16 pm

  If you were concerned about a 4 cyl. being underpowered dont be! I have no trouble with hesitation or merging onto highways or passing for that matter. I am 6ft 1" tall and the leg room is okay but headroom is obtained by tilting the seat back and making up the difference with the tilt telescopic wheel, if you are tall go for long test drive to be sure of comfort level. I put a full size spare in the trunk, no temporary tire for this long haul commuter, so be warned the well is too shallow for a full size tire requiring extension of hold down bolt and modification of well cover to accomodate it. Radio is adequate but nothing special, Gas mileage is great at 30 mpg average. Overall nice car!

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  04PRIUS - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By zorf - December 19 - 11:40 am

  Love this car! Wave of the future!

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  My Experience with The Toyata Highlander - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Ralphwinky - December 19 - 10:50 am

  I had planned to get another manufacturers minivan when the rear fold down seats came out in April. I decided to take a look at the Highlander as it was highly rated. I test-drove one for several miles, and bought it on the spot. I felt that I had been driving it all my life (59 yrs. experience) and was completely comfortable with it. On numerous trips to the mountains of NC this past summer I was impressed with the flawless handling on a highway with several miles of tight switchbacks. I havent had the first problem in nearly 12,000 miles. Items that I went in for help on, turned out to be procedural! This is the most satisfactory vehicle I have ever owned.

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  2006 Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By L. Larsen - December 19 - 9:06 am

  The car is fun to drive and has very good mileage. It makes me proud to drive it as I know I am doing my part to help the environment and using as little gasoline as possible.

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  Proud to Own My Rav - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Bill - December 19 - 3:33 am

  I own a 2008 RAV Sport V6 with 4WD. I love my new vehicle and hope that it will be as reliable as I have read. Full economy is currently about 21.5 avg MPG to 24.5 MPG. This is driving gently while trying to avoid quick starts and hard stops. I would like better fuel economy but the RAV is still a best in its class. I had body moldings installed as I was worried that the unprotected doors would get dinged to easily.

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  Good Overall Value for a Family Car - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By RichLeja - December 19 - 12:20 am

  We bought this new with a roof rack, cruise, rear AC, and the tow package. We liked it because it drove the most like a car compared to other MVs and for the Toyota reputation. We had a few problems (fuel injectors - fixed on warranty, sticky sliding door button, etc), which werent big issues. During the 130K miles, the only major repairs (on us) were to replace the brakes (including drums/discs) twice and a new timing belt. Other than that, this has been a really good car for us. It has served us well, even with the abuse from 2 little boys. It is roomy and rides great. On several long trips, it got great freeway mileage (25+), even towing a small jet ski trailer.