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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  Its not your fathers sedan - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Warren Richards - February 14 - 8:07 am

  Nice car at reasonable price. My cons would be that the seats in the front do not raise enough for me at 59 and also the stereo system in the LE model sounds like a portable radio. Ive had a have a Camry LE years ago and the stereo system sounded like it belong in a midsize car nice sound. The sound on this system is not very good with radio and CD player

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  Great Family Sedan - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By jaegan - February 14 - 6:40 am

  When picking a sedan to replace my 350Z, I selected the Avalon over the G35, Altima and Camry. One might think G35 would have been a closer match to the Z but no sedan can match sports car handling - so I got the car that offered the most of everything else. The Avalon has a good bit of power, cavernous rear passenger space, reclining rear seats, excellent build quality, and a luxo-plush ride. Ive noticed that it takes some throttle modulation to "help" the car find 1st or 2nd gear. Cloths seats are far softer than leather. You can get over 30 mpg on the highway (at 65-70 mph). Conversely, 19 mpg in the city is common. Overall, a surprisingly great value in XL trim (paid $25K).

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  Corolla wagon - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By mark - February 13 - 11:16 pm

  Love the car. Best car I have ever owned. I have owned a 1995 5speed witch is better than an auto witch I have now. I bought it with 165,000. It runs like a new car.

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  great SUV for the price - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By shao - February 13 - 8:20 pm

  I got my Rav4 yesterday, 2008 4 cyl base model with roof rail and 17" wheels. Today I added 250 miles on it through moutain roads and freeways. The 4 cyl responses quick and provides sufficient power. The enginee is not quiet but sounds sporty. Handling is fantastic for a SUV at this price. It actiually handels much better than many sedans i drove. The ride is a little bit stiff tho. I think its the trade off of good handling. Interior space is bright, roomy and functional, the design and materials are nice but not the best in class. Overall, I am very happy with my purchase.

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  Wish Toyota still made it - 2015 Toyota Venza
  By jims - February 13 - 3:48 pm

  The Highlander has probably replaced the Venza but if you want sportier handling, slightly less cargo space and car-like comfort and convenience seek out a Classic Venza. Quality, reliability and convenience couldnt be better. Fuel economy on FWD is about 25 mpg overall.

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  A Great Vehicle - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By Stinraymo in AZ - February 13 - 2:56 pm

  This vehicle is an all around great car. Performance is excellent both off the line and out on the highway when passing. It is very comfortable to drive (I am 6 5"). Gas mileage is as advertised 17-23. I have never gotten as low as 17 and it averages 21-22 in a combination of city/highway driving. The S/E has about everything standard that you could want. The only option that I elected to get was the XM radio receiver. I would highly recommend this car to anyone. My only other Toyota was a 1970 Corona which was a drive to work car. Kept it 14 years and 140,000 miles and it never failed to start one time. Best car I ever owned. Hope this one is as good.

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  I love this car - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By Echo lady - February 13 - 3:26 am

  I bought my car new in 2000 and have been very happy with it ever since. Have had oil and fluids changed regularly. Had timing belt and tires replaced. Otherwise, no problems. Always starts right up.

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  2 weeks and great gas mileage - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Teresa - February 13 - 1:50 am

  We filled it up for the first time in the two weeks we have had it and average getting 37 mpg, mostly city driving. Fun to drive, handles easily. I suggest DRL on all vehicles and a little better seat quality on Yaris, but what can I expect at this price point. My husband and I cannot decide who gets to drive it. We both love it. I think the radio sounds great. Cup holders are fine for summer because I drink iced tea. Lots of storage places. Needs one extra 12v outlet.

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  Slow & sluggish - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By SandraDee - February 13 - 1:43 am

  I thought 220hp meant a little performance. Honestly, my 150hp Pontiac had better acceleration & performance than this thing. It is slow, sluggish, hesitates with acceleration, downshifts when I dont want it too, and jerks like a kid learning a stick shift (its an automatic) at slow speeds. The dealership tells me there is nothing they can do about it, that it is the "drive by wire" throttle system. Well, I HATE it. I would like to be able to accelerate into traffic without worrying about getting hit by oncoming traffic because my car didnt respond when I hit the gas. The dealer promised me that I would "LOVE" my Toyota, but Im ready to trade it in with less than 5k miles on it!

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  2010 Prius bought June 2009: cost, etc. - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By quist55350 - February 12 - 2:46 pm

  After two days, I am averaging 43 MPG but have driven less than 100 miles and have not gotten to study my manual yet or really practice my skills. Solidly built. Fun to drive. Comfortable. Paid just slightly below the MSRP at $22,690 + tax in Minnesota.