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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  Nice Car - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Solaraisgreat - April 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car certified after 48000. Still feels brand new. Design of car is appealing and earns a lot of compliments. The interior has a hint of Lexus in it, which makes it comfortable and inviting. I did have one problem with a rattle in the front of the car, which did not affect the performance, but was kind of annoying. Acceleration and power in the V6 is GREAT, but handling and power does not feel as sporty as the design suggests. However, the steering is VERY tight and responsive. Overall GREAT CAR!

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  Avalon - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Hugo - April 8 - 2:00 am

  Great Car! The best car I have ever owned. alot of car for the money. Would recomend to anyone.

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  Lexus Specs at a Toyota Price - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By kstitt - April 8 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is very impressive. I looked at all competitors. I liked Lexus GX 470 (I have an LS400), but a loaded 4Runner with similar features was $12,000 less out the door. Most specs are the same except for headroom, wood int trim, third row seat and DVD entertainment system which I didnt want. Offers plenty of power, great ride, handling & off-road capability. Great machine and fun to drive!

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  recent purchase - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By mofire - April 8 - 2:00 am

  highlander is everything we were hoping it would be. quiet, tight build excelent ride and extremely comfortable.

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  Outstanding midsize car for the $ - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By just do it - April 7 - 9:46 pm

  I needed something that gets great mpg and looked stylish enough to take to appointments in my job. It has leather, nav, and bluetooth. The interior is way roomier than the M35 I had previously. I actually like this nav better. This car is perfect for what it offers relative to the price. It looks classy and is more comfortable to drive than my m35 was.

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  Very Impressed - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By David - April 6 - 7:20 pm

  I have had the 2008 Package 6 for a little over two weeks and so far, I am very impressed overall. We had to turn in a leased vehicle so the timing was right to get something that made the most sense. After checking out everything out there, my wife and I chose the Prius. Very quiet, fun to drive and see how high you can get the mileage up to, and impressed with the thinking that went in to this car. As we are now seeing oil climbing at a stupid pace, each time I fill up I am reminded of the quality purchase I just made. It is too bad other companies have not been more proactive, like Toyota has been, with this type of technology. The competition has dropped the ball big time!

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  Space Car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By pir8fan - April 6 - 3:40 pm

  Sleek and fun to drive. Average 49 mpg city and 53 highway. Multi-function display is great as well as the nearly heads up display. Upgraded sound system is very good. Ride is smooth and quiet with only noise being tire noise. No wind noise at all under 75mph

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  Initial review after first trip. - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By JohnAE - April 6 - 7:20 am

  Within the first week of ownership completed a one day 830 mile trip. Really smooth, quiet, comfortable, fuel efficient car. Computer said we got 29.9 mpg at 70++ mph. Not a canyon carver but handles well enough for legal speeds. Braking is okay but not stellar, best you could say is it gets the job done without drama. JBL sound system has excellent separation and frequency range. Blue tooth is a plus. Floor mats are black, a little strange. All dash controls are easy to reach and well lit even in bright light. Manual tilt and tele. Seats are supportive even though flat but sit a little to low even when adjusted as high as they go. Headlights light up the night.

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  Amphi-prius - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Spectra - April 5 - 2:16 pm

  Replaced an aging Jeep Wrangler with the Prius, and never looked back ... except to remove the Thule roof rack & install it on the Prius. This way, I can carry a kayak & 2 bikes at once. Hence "Amphi-Prius" Its the most basic model, right off the lot, but light years ahead of the old Jeep. Great Fun! Quiet, smooth, roomy. Terrific A/C. Now that Ive got the technique down, am consistently getting 63 MPG (!) at moderate speeds on secondary roads.

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  My Favorite - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Bird - April 5 - 2:03 pm

  My 2007 Toyota RAV4 (6 cyl) continues to amaze me. This my third Japanese vehicle and will probably exceed my expectations in terms of reliability. Toyotas do not break - no expensive repair bills, no frustration. The 2007 RAV4 is destined to be a favorite for decades to come.