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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  Best Minivan Ever - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Zeid - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I have love this van. It has the best ride I have ever experienced. I had a 96 Chevy Lumina minivan before I got my Sienna and its was the greatest van for its "time", but it was old and didnt match up to all the options and features that were available on todays minivans. I liked the Oddyssey at first, but when I saw the Sienna, the Oddyssey didnt even compare to it. It VERY comfortable and the features availble make it even better.

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  Perfect family sedan, good on gas - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By MJB-PHD - September 13 - 12:20 pm

  Have owned this Camry almost 6 months now and love it. Got the upgraded LE package to include sunroof, alloy wheels, and a few other little add ons. Love the bluetooth hands free feature. Very good on gas, plenty of power, a little hesitant at times when you step on it, but that is to be expected when driving a four cylinder vehicle. Interior ergonomics are comfortable with all cluster gauges in full view. Exterior has a more aggressive stance than previous models, with aerodynamic lines that compliment the vehicles overall appearance.

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  Best Automobile Bar None - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Ron Sullivan - September 13 - 6:33 am

  I recently purchased another automobile built by Ford (2008), kept it 2 weeks then test drove the Totota Avalon and traded the same day. I have had five previous Toyotas, including a 2000 Avalon. I had forgotten what the overall Toyota experience was like. This Avalon should withstand weather, bad roads and any other element that can be thrown at it. My XL is loaded with about every option available and was a little pricy. However, I feel the vehicle will outlast and outperform any other car in its class. I even checked out the C-class Mercedes and it wasnt even close. I love its looks, safety features, handling and it just being an Avalon.

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  Great Hybrid! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Lsm79 - September 13 - 2:33 am

  I love our new Prius III. Great fuel economy. Just over 500 miles on vehicle and averaging 49.4 MPG. Only on my second tank of gas, averaging 55.2 on this tank. Interior well designed with above average materials. No new car problems whatsoever. Exterior fit and finish is top notch as well. CVT transmission is very smooth. JBL sound system very good. Bluetooth link flawless. Displays busy at first, but Im used to them now. This car is everything I was looking for...and more!

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  Long Ride Comfort - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Tregos - September 12 - 10:13 pm

  I traded my high mileage Subaru Outback for the new 2008 Highlander Limited. I wanted to get back into something with more room. I researched for 6 months before deciding that the Highlander was the best crossover SUV. I chose the Highlander over the Subaru Tribeca, my second choice SUV, because of gas mileage and the larger gas tank in the Highlander. Ive been driving the Highlander for over a week and must say that the ride is smooth and quiet and it is very comfortable. So far I have absolutely no complaints. The vehicle has been averaging 23/24 MPG on the highway and 15/17 in the city. Not too bad for a large vehicle with 4 wheel drive.

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  The car we needed. - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Benny - September 12 - 4:33 pm

  We want to buy two now. It is everything we needed in a car. The gas mileage is not as advertised but it is better than anything we have had before. Great car!

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  Worth every penny. - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By N. Salos - September 12 - 3:13 pm

  Only item needed are in the roof rack, it has no extra hooks to tie things up.

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  Dream Car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Tom - September 12 - 10:33 am

  We test drive Sonata, Galant, and Altima, but when we drove Camry we knew this is it. It cost us a little bit more but its worth it. This car is perfect. Me and my wife just love to drive. If you look for perfection then buy a Camry.

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  I Love It. - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By WLamey - September 12 - 8:26 am

  Great performance, great gas mileage (even with the V6), superior quality - I always thought of a Camry as just a practical family sedan. It is all that and more. Its fun to drive and I love the luxury.

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  Long lasting - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Shelby - September 12 - 5:14 am

  I have had this car for about 11 years now and it is still going strong! It is at 302,000 miles on it and has had no major problems. It hasnt needed anything besides routine maintainance and a new battery. I will be sad when my Camrys time comes. Very reliable car.