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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  Keep trucking! - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Nawlins - August 7 - 5:50 pm

  Fuel mileage excellent (for a truck) 18.2 mpg after 3wks.

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  An SUV I can live with - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By ChuckHawley - August 7 - 5:50 pm

  Please understand that I really hate SUVs, but my family needed a car that could hold 6-7. I have always thought that the Highlander was the best looking small SUV, but I didnt realize that it had a third seat that would allow it to hold our family. We sold our Eurovan and bought a dealer demo, and I think its the best car I have ever owned. At 25K miles, its tight, quiet, comfortable, and everything that I could ask for in a family car. We happened to buy the loaded model, although I would have been happy with any combination as long as it had the third row. We have had it off-road once in Tahoe, and it handled a very rutted, rocky climb with ease. Highly recommended.

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  Best Out There For The Money - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By AsPaprman - August 7 - 1:23 pm

  I think this car is fantastic. I never thought I would own an Avalon, as I like really big luxury cars. This has met all my expectations. One thing I do not like is on the less expensive touring model you get HID headlamps, on the more expensive XLS, you dont! What were they thinking, for this price range almost $37,000 loaded how can you not give HID bulbs!

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  2016 Tacoma - poor quality - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bruce Howle - August 7 - 11:21 am

  Beware of buying this first generation Tacoma. I have a serious buzzing sound coming from the dash that the dealer cant fix after 2 attempts and not having my truck for several days. Also, the transmission shifting is horrible. Its like driving a 4 cylinder, no power to pass, etc. Had high expectations for this truck and am very disappointed. Dealership (Nalley in Roswell, Ga) has been concerned at all. No offer of a loaner, nothing other than "yeah, well fix it, no idea what it is...".

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  Happy owner - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Bruce - August 7 - 2:30 am

  The Solara is everything I hoped for. It has a smooth ride with great acceleration and handling. The interior is very comfortable and the sound system is fantastic.

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  Good Car - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Matt - August 6 - 3:30 pm

  I bought this 93 last year with 44k on it. Most problems to date occured because it wasnt driven enough (several engine seals, cv boots/seals). The build quality, however, is excellent. The interior still looks new, the paint is original and still decent. Good acceleration, braking, cushy ride.

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  Surprising Small Car - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By TBeck - August 6 - 11:33 am

  After driving this car for 100 miles, I am very surprised at its big car feel. Ride quality is very good as is interior comfort. The car feels extremely solid and makes you think youre driving a car as big as the Camry. Toyotas attention to detail is evident everywhere. Seems like the accountants were left out for once in designing this car.

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  Fun To Drive - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By dmedress - August 6 - 8:38 am

  Purchased the Camry SE 3.5 Fully Loaded in November 2013. I test drove many other vehicles before making a decision on the Camry SE. Prior to buying the Camry I drove 2003 Honda Accord that was bought new ended putting 140k. The Honda was in perfect mechanical condition but decided it was time to buy a newer car that had updated comfort features and the latest technology. After all the research and test driving I chose the Camry because you get more for less. The Toyota Care and roadside assistance sealed the deal. MPG is great considering its the 3.5

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  Another winner - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By RapidRobert - August 6 - 1:36 am

  I bought a 11 Limited after looking at pre-owned 09 & 10. The car just oozes quality. Unbelievable power from a V6 in a large car, especially given the outstanding gas mileage. I get 26- 29 mpg. Nice styling changes to the front & rear ends as well as the dashboard. NAV has been improved & has a backup camera, too. Several optional items are now standard. In reality the price for the Limited has gone down! Before you buy a competitor, drive the Avalon. Dollar for dollar you can not beat it!

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  Toyota fan since birth - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By savannahjean12 - August 6 - 1:15 am

  I just bought my 2014 Corolla S in April of 2014. Usually I hate when people write reviews with under 60,000 miles on their cars, but theres a lot to say about the Corolla, and I just cant wait! I love everything about it. The gearing system takes a little getting used to. People say that it has weak horsepower, but you just have to know how to use it. 3500+ rpms seems to be the new "2500" that you would normally shift at. Obviously because its brand new I havent had any problems with it whatsoever. I do plan on writing reviews on it the longer I have it.