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:

• 

  The best car so far. - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Alex P - April 22 - 1:10 pm

  Handles very nicely. The Prius easily gets 50 miles per gallon, meaning it can go for more than 500 miles before you need to refuel. Slick aerodynamic design and HID headlights add to the attractivness of the car.

• 

  Love It! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By JSF - April 22 - 8:13 am

  I commute 100 miles every day and really enjoyed my first year in my Avalon Limited. Only slow driving cell phone talking left laners interfere with my total enjoyment!

• 

  Toyota Camry - A GREAT BUY - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Joel - April 22 - 4:46 am

  Ive had my Camry approximately 3 1/2 years and its the best car Ive ever had. If you want reliability, its there. If you want extras, its not bad. If you want comfort, it does the job pretty well. If you want performance, it can handle pretty well. For economy, it is pretty good. The value retension seems to be good. All around, this car is a pretty solid buy! I know what my next car will be. Another Toyota.

• 

  Lexus of AWD Toyotas - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Value4Money - April 21 - 12:56 pm

  This is the best AWD vehicle in its class. Traded in a 2004 Lexus RX330 which was a great car and thought we would stay with the RX350. But the Venza is built on a newer platform, has more room and costs $8000 less fully loaded with NAV and including all the features we care about. Handled well in late spring snow and does equally well on twisty mountain roads and city driving. Plenty of back room for three teenage boys who all top 6 feet.

• 

  104K Still Going Strong - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By flyingrc12 - April 20 - 5:23 pm

  Bought this vehicle new in 2003. Oil changes every 3k, brakes around 54k, all needed service completed. Water pump replaced, on my 3rd set of tires. Intermediate steering shaft needs replacement, not a safety issue just annoying knock sound. My a/c light blinks from time to time lately causing the a/c to not work. This appears to be a relay that needs replacement which is common. Other then what I would call minor issues with a vehicle with over 104k miles on it, its treated me fantastic. Still getting 34 mpg highway 25 mpg around town. Engine sounds just like the day I bought it, amazing. Honestly, the car is just as sound today as the day I bought it! I would buy another in a sec.

• 

  A Quality Truck At Last - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By TONYS - April 20 - 2:23 pm

  Most comfortable, useable vehicle of the more than 100 I have owned. Great power and road presence with mpg that is very good considering weight to get 19-20 mpg with reasonable, adult driving. Spacious interior and level of comfort make it ideal for long road trips. This is the 36th truck I have owned and it gets rated #1 for the reasons above, plus, it just FEELS right, like I am more at ease in going from point A to point B. Highly recommend for any purpose, but especially for long trips and hauling heavy loads. A winner!

• 

  The Best Mini Van in the Market - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By samal - April 20 - 7:46 am

  No other Van in the market can beat the performance and the features this van has got. More comfort and standard items than a Honda. Great van for a family. Kids use their Xbox and wireless headphones gives real peace for us.

• 

  Wish new cars were this good! - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By scoile - April 19 - 7:10 pm

  Bought it new back in 00, have put just under 195,000 on it. Still love it. Had five O2 sensors replaced (4 under warranty). All other service routine and repairs reasonable for age, mileage, and my driving, Id think.

• 

  2011 Prius Level 5 with all the electronics - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By Ranger Rick - April 19 - 5:14 pm

  This vehicle is excellent overall. The ride is good and the noise level is good (not as good as the Lexus RX 350 but still good for its class.). Gas mileage is about 44 to 45 most of the time in the Florida traffic. The level 5 in Barcelona red and the level 5 wheels make an excellent package. I would buy this vehicle again. The new Prius is not nearly as good looking as the old body style. I have not had any trouble at all with the mechanics, and the vehicle has only been in for 3 oil changes, one every 10K. The oil is synthetic and cost about 60.00 bucks each time at the dealership. I think besides that I replaced the air conditioner filter also on the dealers recommendations. I just purchased a new set of Michelin All Season tires at 30000 miles. The headlights (led I think) on this vehicle are excellent. They were just rated best of all vehicles. They are bright white at night and really light up the road. Toyota / Lexus make fine vehicles with excellent reliability.

• 

  One Happy Toyota Family - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By Danlson - April 19 - 2:16 pm

  After one month and 1300 miles Im still very impressed with this vehicle. I had a Chrysler Town & Country Touring and the Sienna is so far above that it is unbelievable. The quietness is the first thing I noticed. The wide screen DVD system keeps the kids quiet too. I was so happy to find wireless headsets for that! Some have written about cheap plastic in the interior but I dont find it offensive. Different but not awful. Performance has been great.