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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  LoveMyNewLandcruiser - 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By jeaninek - March 22 - 1:24 pm

  This SUV is such a great combination of having a truck and luxury at the same time. The fact that you dont see too many of them on the road is nice too. It really stands out. Its so comfortable and FUN to drive. Plus, it has all the amenities you want for making long trips or off road trips a pleasure. It handles exceptional for a heavy vehicle, very tight and responsive. I purchased my Land Cruiser at Huntington Toyota in Huntington Long Island, and they were absolutely wonderful to deal with.

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  Update on Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By OKJoe - March 22 - 8:13 am

  After just over 1000 miles, we took a trip to OK City on Friday. We got 330 miles out of exactly 9 gallons of gas for a total of 36.7 miles per gallon, all highway on cruise control, going about 74 MPH. Everything is great so far. I have the same complaints as my first review. I have to agree that the seats are not as comfortable as Id like on long trips. They might break in though after a while. A minor complaint is that the turn signal auto shut off could be more sensitive. I seem to have to shut it off manually on slow wide turns. Otherwise we both love the car!

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  Just one word "Impressed" - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Charles - March 22 - 7:40 am

  When we were looking to buy we were leaning to the Buick Lucerne my wife wanted the Avalon which we purchased the ride is very stable and engine noise very quiet compared to the Lucerne,we made a 2000 mile trip driving at 65 mph and got 37.3 mpg on the trip we have not driven a trip at 75 yet so I can`t give you a mpg at that speed but I`m impressed with the handling and overall quality and design of the 2006 Avalon excellent auto

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  Hot Fun in the Summertime - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Daddy cool - March 22 - 7:26 am

  An outstanding overall vehicle. Superb ride, comfort and performance. Luxurious yet sporty. Room for 4 adults, luggage and golf bags. Convertible top operates flawlessly and is quiet when up. Put it down and its hot fun in the summertime.

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  I would buy 2 more today! - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Steve - March 22 - 1:36 am

  Over age 45 driver. I drive 70 miles a day rt. WOW-what a fun car to drive. Getting 34+mpg on mixed highway and city driving weeks after about 1500 mile break in period. Getting 40.4 mpg on pure highway driving trips now! Car has plenty of get up and run! No car is perfect..but I promise you will enjoy this car

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  Drive with Confidence - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Going Grandma - March 21 - 1:36 pm

  Reliable front wheel drive in all weather but snow and rainy wind storms in particular. Moved from east to west coast -- handles great, climbs mountain passes like a champ. Trac system a plus driving in ice and snow. Can cruise along at 80 mph with the rest of the traffic. Fine for city driving parallel parks with ease. Nice stylish car.

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  The family loves the new van - 2015 Toyota Sienna
  By Todd - March 21 - 10:51 am

  Overall a very good van. The ride is smooth and the seating is comfortable. Im 63" and have plenty of head and leg room. Accelerating to highway speed is quick (for a van) and stable. I havent played with the sound system or bluetooth so cant give an opinion on those. The only negatives Ive noticed are that the rear seat headrests slightly block the view out of the back window, but they can be folded down when not in use. It would also be nice if the center display screen was angled towards the driver a bit, or able to pivot left and right. Not a deal breaker at all, just wishful thinking.

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  A Super Reliable Good-Looking Car - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By tigerfork - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I have had no major problems in eight years, put lots of miles on it and it still looks like new!

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  I love it... - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By ericoria - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I used to drive a Mitsubishi Eclipse (a disaster that cost me a fortune in repair costs and eventually ended up with a cracked engine block). So I am extremely happy with my reliable Corolla S. It has great gas mileage and is very well built. I would highly recommend this car to anyone!!

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  The Best SUV - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By NNair - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I tried many other SUVs like Pathfinder, Explorer and Passport before buying this great vehicle. This is oen of the best products from Toyota, It combined the ruggedness of a 4 Runner and comfort of a Camry. I really like my HIGHLANDER