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 Limited - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Mike - November 5 - 4:56 pm

  Great car so far. Would like 8 way power seat on passenger side. License plate is attached to plastic bumper, not metal and the hole is easily torn. The radio is not equal to the Bose system. Otherwise great car for the money.

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  My New 2005 Sienna - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Edna Thomas - November 5 - 10:40 am

  Feels like a luxury sedan - plenty of pep, handles easily, very stable in turns, smooth and quiet ride.

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  does very well - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Larry - November 5 - 2:09 am

  It has served me very well

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  Plenty of Room in the Back - 2009 Toyota Avalon
  By outskiing - November 5 - 2:06 am

  Weve had our Avalon for three months. We bought is as a family car and needed room for growing teenagers. Im 6"3 and can easily fit in the back. Its like riding in a limo and to us is a Lexus in all but name...who needs the big "L" on the front anyway? If you dont mind an understated car thats big on comfort and interstate composure, try out an Avalon.

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  2005 Toyota 4-Runner - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By o.m.c. - November 4 - 10:00 pm

  We get 22-23 MPG on highway driving and 19 in city. Ride is a little stiff but you expect that in a SUV. We have had only one minor problem and that was the low tire pressure light. It was fixed on the first visit to service. My wife loves the way the seats fit her back. My only problem is I have to duck my head to enter the front seats. I am 6 feet tall.

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  Very Reliable! - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By DL - November 4 - 8:33 pm

  Great running car. Roomy and very good visibility all around. This Toyota has been the family "work horse" for those everyday short trips to school and shopping. Comfortable, and quiet ride. Good gas mileage all around. I run 87 octane with no problems. Reasonable maintenance cost. Original owner... this is a keeper!

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  Awesome Car!!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By CHaywood - November 4 - 1:16 pm

  I love my Camry inside and out. Ive gotten so many great compliments. And it feels good to drive a car that is heads above every other car make. No complaints here. Give me a Toyota anyday! I got the LE trim in Barcelona Red Metallic. It sure is pretty and very fun to drive!

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  A Refined Car - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By theCarman07 - November 4 - 12:20 pm

  I have driven Porsches, Lotuses, Ferraris, and once a Maserati, thus I know what it takes to be a good sports car. Overall, the Spyder is my first choice. Why? No, my main reason in not the price, though it helps. The reason is the overall ride and the unique driving experience the Spyder provides. The Spyder puts the Boxster to shame. The interior puts cheaper Lotuses to shame. The exterior provides an aggressive that screams Im fast. I notice I get a lot less challenges from other drivers on the road, a lot less than my Camaro Z-28. This car is breath taking and gives a pleasurable experience that equals some Ferraris. If you want a sports car buy this one.

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  Love It! - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Phil - November 4 - 11:43 am

  I went from a Ford Explorer to the 2005 Avalon Touring Edition. I love it! Im 66" and even I would be comfortable in the back seat! I love how the Touring Edition hugs the road. By rotating my tires every 5,000 miles, I was able to get 60,000 miles off the original set. 2 years and 1 month of ownership the battery died. I am disappointed somewhat in the quality of the interior. The finish is wearing off on inside the drivers door handle and a few other small issues but overall the car is great and gets great gas mileage.

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  Nice SUV - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Antonio - November 4 - 8:10 am

  This is my first SUV ever. I bought a Toyota because I knew of toyota cars quality. The only problem that I can mention is that the driver seat wiggles a little bit if you take a sharp turn. I took it to the dealer and they told me that that was normal and that Toyota knew about it.