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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  Great Buy - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By whaltiwanger - June 1 - 1:20 am

  Excellent buy! The Limited model is a bit pricey, but is an excellent choice. We love our purchase so far, and the gas mileage has been impressive. We have gotten better than said on the first tank! All of the bells and whistles are really convenient, such as the Smart Key, Bluetooth phone, and auto front and rear A/C. It has good power and is fun to drive. I would highly recommend anyone in the market for a SUV to check out a Toyota, just not only for the comfort, safety, and dependability of the Toyota brand!

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  awesome! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By lluc - June 1 - 12:43 am

  The best auto ive owned.

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  Toyota #4 - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Wenatchee Bill - May 31 - 2:56 pm

  83 Supra, 91 Previa, 01 Sienna and now the Venza. All purchased new and all (less the Venza) driven at least 135,000 miles. The Venza is primarily for my wife. She loves it, cares for it meticulously, and allows me to drive it once a week or so. She feels the Silver color is thin, ie: anything that touches the body leaves a mark. The road noise (4000 miles) is worse than our Sienna. Probably related to 20 inch wheels w/lo profile tires. This is probably our last new car purchase. I hope when the Venza is 8 or 9 years old and has 100,000+ miles that we will have enjoyed as we have our previous Toyotas.

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  2005 Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Jmtdmt53 - May 30 - 6:36 pm

  We live in Western New York (Buffalo). We took delivery of this vehicle in November of 2004 after a wait of 4 months. We were originally told that the order time could be up to 6 months. We have found that the average mileage since delivery is approx. 42 mpg. This is less than the sticker estimates. I spoke to a Toyota product specialist for Prius at the the Detroit Auto Show in January and he told me that the cold weather could be the biggest factor affecting MPG at this time. I have spoken to 2 other Prius owners in this city and they are getting similar mileage. Otherwise we are very pleased with the quality and design of the vehicle and are happy with out purchase.

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  Guilt Free Luxury - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By voyagers - May 30 - 11:40 am

  Call it a compact car if you like, but it can haul a ton of people and stuff. Take the rear covers out and fold the seats down if you need more. It survived the NW winter like a champ. Hot-soak thermos feature for the cylinder head keeps heated coolant for 3 days and pumps it in for the cold start. Just 1 of dozens of great features. Synergy drive rocks. Some w 300k already. Our 18000 mi average is just under 52 mpg. This summer well beat that. Think theyre slow? Prius does teach you to conserve but if you need the torque try 82ft.lbs. from the engine and 295! from the electrics. 13 to 1 compression ratio with variable valve timing, regenerative braking... can you tell I like this car?

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  My Sienna - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Robert Ruddle Jr. - May 30 - 11:06 am

  I Have been enjoying my new Sienna. Sometimes however, I find it does not seem to steer straight. It wants to pull to the left. This is my first big vehicle and it does take some time getting familiar with how the van handles. It is a super smooth ride but be careful, this van glides so smoothly that you do not realize how fast you are going! My power sliding door is making some noise it did not before. ( Sound like it needs lubricant ) The folding seats, removable seats are wonderful. I hauled a queen sized sofa bed in it and had plenty of room to spare! I get about 23 mpg so far with 93 octane fuel and about 20 with 89 octane. The engine is louder now than when new.

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  Auto climate control /Beware - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By nov1853 - May 30 - 10:00 am

  I have been quite happy with my XLS after having purchased used with 70k miles. However I was very disappointed with Toyota design with Auto Climate Control. Servo motor on blower system went out due to design flaw admitted to by Toyota in a technical service bulletin which directed dealers to replace entire workings of Auto Climate control system when $35.00 servo motor failed. (Cost me $1000.00)I was forced to replace entire system. Toyota incidentally redesigned entire system for 1999 model years but would not back up 1998 defective system. Shame on you for sticking it to us 1998 owners.

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  Owner - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By Steven Chandler - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Purchased new. Now has 110,000 miles and has had no problems whatsoever. The only mechanical repair has been the replacement of an O-2 sensor which the dealer replaced free with the unit 30,000 mile out of warranty. Absolutely great vehicle

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  great Prius Great dealership - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By alanlpa - May 30 - 10:00 am

  I really love this car It does so many things other cars dont. espically love getting over 50MPH.

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  Excellent Car~ - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By muzz - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Nothin to say but so good!