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 Car for A Great Price - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Josh - August 16 - 3:53 pm

  I am a college student, and I bought this car because of the great styling, reliability, and high gas mileage. I have had this car for almost a year and I have been very pleased with it. The outside styling is great- more than you would expect from a $16K car. The LE interior is very upscale with sport well-lit gauges, two-tone interior and comfortable seats. There are plenty of storage compartments for just about everything. Some tall drivers may find the steering wheel a little too far away- but not bad for an economy car. There is a decent amount of backseat space and a lot of trunk space. The engine is more than powerful enough and the transmission is smooth through all 4 gears.

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  Tundraddiction - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By degenr8 - August 16 - 2:36 pm

  I love this truck more and more everyday that I own it. This was my first Toyota purchase ever, had always been a diehard GM man. Well this truck is just everything my GM was not. I go out of the way to run errands just to drive this truck as much as I can. I actually chose the 4.7 over the 5.7 because I didnt need that much towing power nor the increased chance of speeding tickets.

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  Avalon - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Joe / Orlando - August 16 - 2:20 pm

  I almost passed this car up in my search for a replacement for my 98 Camry with 150K miles on it. I just decided to drive one before I went on to the Mercedes dealership to buy the E- Class that I drove the day before. A close look told me that this was not the boxy, bland Avalon of old. What an amazingly exciting car Toyota has assembled here! Power to spare, and it is silky smooth. Interior design is beautiful and very comfortable. Best seat design for a big person that I have seen. The dual zone a/c is a little confusing at first, but I figured it out with practice. I would like to see a nice looking door guard worked in, but otherwise, this car is outstanding in every way. Big and roomy!

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  tejjtjtj - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By wrjd554 - August 16 - 1:43 pm

  This vehicle is just AWESOME. I just love the sleek design and I love Toyota because theyre vehicles are the MOST reliable out of all other makes. The only car I would ever buy is a Toyota. The XLE model has many advanced features and the best thing, they arent at all hard to use. Toyota is just awesome. I bought a USED Corolla in 1995 and currently it has around 110 K miles and is still running great. I would recommend Toyota

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  Little worker. - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By dbenhur - August 16 - 11:36 am

  Comfortable for passengers even carrying four 6 adults. Solid build, reliable. A little underpowered, but adequate. Highly fuel efficient _for_ an SUV. Great traction in light to moderate snow.

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  Car Of The Future Today - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By railroadjames - August 16 - 10:56 am

  Im an old pro with my 04 Prius and think it worth mentioning that, with 4 plus yrs under my belt, I can best serve others by telling an experienced well learned opinion of this phenomenal hybrid car. Mileage is excellent ranging from a low of 42-44 wintertime and 47-53 summers. Flexibility with fold-down seats is a blessing. Roominess front & back. Very good quality & dependability. Toyota has achieved a mark of excellence that I never b/4 have seen. I literally am amazed by the tranny, brakes that seem to last forever. Overall look of the Prius: beautiful (must be or Toyota would have revamped it by 08 and yet it still looks the same as my 04.)

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  Highlander Great Buy - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Douglas - August 16 - 7:00 am

  We purchased a Toyota Highlander the later end of 2004. We looked into several types of vehicles and decided to purchase a Toyota Highlander. The MPG is pretty good given that the vehicle is an SUV. It handles well and the interior is very easy to maintain. My family feels safe and comfortable in the vehicle.

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  Best car i ever owned! - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By Jose B - August 16 - 12:56 am

  I bought this car used with 36,000 miles on it in 1999.It now has 182,000 and still in great shape. Never changed the timing chain or transmission oil. Car was always reliable and never left me stranded anywhere. By far the best car i ever owned.

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  2007 Camry LE - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Michelle Tokar - August 15 - 11:20 pm

  This is our second Camry and they keep getting better. It is stylish with a more sporty look for 2007. It drives and handles like a car priced thousands more. It is roomy with a very quiet, solid ride and the 4 cylinder provides plenty of power. We were sold on it at first glance and with a test drive our decision was made. The 07 Camry is a high quality car at a very affordable price.

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  No wonder its the best seller - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Hideyfish - August 15 - 7:00 pm

  This was my first Toyota and I bought it for good design, durability, economy and reliability. It has more than rewarded me. It has 85,000 miles on it and I expect it to last another nine years. My ONLY complaint is some clunking suspension noise on rough pavement in cold weather. This car gets a reliable 30 MPG, cruises comfortably at 75 on the interstate, runs smoothly and quietly, handles like a sports car on back roads, and still has a new car fit, finish and feel after 9 years.