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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  sequia - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By JP - August 17 - 6:13 am

  I am very satisfied with this suv. On long runs, using cruise control, mileage hits 19 mpg.It is very comfortable and handles very well.

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  My 2005 Limited - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Ed Wheelis - August 17 - 5:36 am

  This is the best car Ive ever owned. I still have problems in telling the difference from my 05 Limited, and many models of the Lexus. Actually, I think it looks much better. At 65, Ive never before been able to sit in and drive a car with a sunroof. I can sit in this car with several inches to spare.

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  Great car - 2013 Toyota 4Runner
  By runner33 - August 17 - 4:33 am

  This is my second 4Runner. I love this car.

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  Great Value - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By JohnR - August 17 - 2:23 am

  This 2011 Camry is a tremendous value for the money. Compared to the main competition (Accord, Altima, Sonata) this vehicle was clearly head of the class.

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  Happy to have it! - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mike - August 17 - 1:23 am

  I bought this pre-runner for my wife and I love it. Ive always like Toyotas and have owned several. The new style is great and the size is better. I got between 20 and 22.5 MPG on a trip I just took driving 75 with A/C. Not as good as advertised but OK. Weve ordered some nerf bars to help my 53" wife get in and a camper shell to transport the dogs. I wish we had power mirrors and locks but it isnt a problem once you get use to it. Rides well on a long trip and the A/C will freeze you! Overall we couldnt be more pleased. This one is a keeper.

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  Great Car for A Great Price - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Josh - August 16 - 3:53 pm

  I am a college student, and I bought this car because of the great styling, reliability, and high gas mileage. I have had this car for almost a year and I have been very pleased with it. The outside styling is great- more than you would expect from a $16K car. The LE interior is very upscale with sport well-lit gauges, two-tone interior and comfortable seats. There are plenty of storage compartments for just about everything. Some tall drivers may find the steering wheel a little too far away- but not bad for an economy car. There is a decent amount of backseat space and a lot of trunk space. The engine is more than powerful enough and the transmission is smooth through all 4 gears.

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  Tundraddiction - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By degenr8 - August 16 - 2:36 pm

  I love this truck more and more everyday that I own it. This was my first Toyota purchase ever, had always been a diehard GM man. Well this truck is just everything my GM was not. I go out of the way to run errands just to drive this truck as much as I can. I actually chose the 4.7 over the 5.7 because I didnt need that much towing power nor the increased chance of speeding tickets.

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  Avalon - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Joe / Orlando - August 16 - 2:20 pm

  I almost passed this car up in my search for a replacement for my 98 Camry with 150K miles on it. I just decided to drive one before I went on to the Mercedes dealership to buy the E- Class that I drove the day before. A close look told me that this was not the boxy, bland Avalon of old. What an amazingly exciting car Toyota has assembled here! Power to spare, and it is silky smooth. Interior design is beautiful and very comfortable. Best seat design for a big person that I have seen. The dual zone a/c is a little confusing at first, but I figured it out with practice. I would like to see a nice looking door guard worked in, but otherwise, this car is outstanding in every way. Big and roomy!

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  tejjtjtj - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By wrjd554 - August 16 - 1:43 pm

  This vehicle is just AWESOME. I just love the sleek design and I love Toyota because theyre vehicles are the MOST reliable out of all other makes. The only car I would ever buy is a Toyota. The XLE model has many advanced features and the best thing, they arent at all hard to use. Toyota is just awesome. I bought a USED Corolla in 1995 and currently it has around 110 K miles and is still running great. I would recommend Toyota

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  Car Of The Future Today - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By railroadjames - August 16 - 10:56 am

  Im an old pro with my 04 Prius and think it worth mentioning that, with 4 plus yrs under my belt, I can best serve others by telling an experienced well learned opinion of this phenomenal hybrid car. Mileage is excellent ranging from a low of 42-44 wintertime and 47-53 summers. Flexibility with fold-down seats is a blessing. Roominess front & back. Very good quality & dependability. Toyota has achieved a mark of excellence that I never b/4 have seen. I literally am amazed by the tranny, brakes that seem to last forever. Overall look of the Prius: beautiful (must be or Toyota would have revamped it by 08 and yet it still looks the same as my 04.)