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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  Fantastic car - one year update - 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By hayguy - December 7 - 11:51 am

  After owning this car for one year and 16,000 miles I I must say it is the best car I have owned. I have owned many cars. Among them Corvette, Lexus, Mercedes, and several BMWs and although each has their own claim to fame the Avalon hybrid Limited overall is the best. Comfort, quietness, interior and exterior styling and quality, handling, power and features, and best of all mileage put this in its own league. I consistently meet or beat EPA mileage estimates even at freeway speeds of 80 mph plus. I can easily travel for several hours without stopping and in complete comfort. My next car in three or four years will likely either be another Avalon hybrid or the Lexus variant.

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  Very satisfied - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Pat - December 7 - 5:56 am

  Very smooth driving and comfortable car. Easy to take on long trips without being worn out on arrival. Large enough for 5 people if necessary, roomy back and trunk.

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  A week with our new Sequoia - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Lee - December 7 - 2:53 am

  Just finished the first week of ownership of our Sequoia. We have driven about 330 miles with the tank of gas the dealership included with the car purchase. So far, we are very happy with every aspect of the Sequoia from the actual purchase of the car (via the net with a Fleet Sales Manager, almost $2K less than the TMV), the high build quality and the great feeling you get driving it. If you are looking for a full size SUV, I highly recommend you consider the Sequoia ... you wont be sorry.

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  Would Not Trade My 4Runner For Anything! - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Kev - December 7 - 12:13 am

  My 4Runner is amazing. I love the buttery smooth V8. The interior is perfect. Comfortable and supportive drivers seat (I have a bad back) great sight lines (easy to see all around the vehicle) and gas mileage that is within an acceptable range for me. My local dealership experience is 1st class, from the salesman to the service dept. I am not a Toyota freak. I have owned vehicles from 9 different major companies. This truck ROCKS!

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  One year completed and going strong - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Sanjay - December 6 - 4:43 pm

  I bought Prius in May 2007. In one year I have driven about 17,000 miles and thought I should write something to benefit other potential buyers. I am extremely happy with ride, comfort, performance etc, but most of all with fuel efficiency. I have been consistently getting 52-53 mpg for last one year, with air on 7 months out of 12 months. The best mileage I have received so far is 62 MPG, while the worst was 47 MPG (when I drove 90 miles/hour long distance, full load and AC on.) Settled on Prius for its high power engine and electric motor, uniqueness and last but not the least, a Prius is Prius!

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  2007 Camry SE V6 - Excellent for us... - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By metal - December 6 - 4:43 pm

  We have about 2200 miles on our SE V6 and we really love this car. It is a very comfortable car that gives us options that we never had on previous vehicles. I highly recommend the V6...it is a very nice engine and so far we have enjoyed every aspect of our car. The rear seat leg room is quite large, moonroof is great, and the handling of the SE is much better than I ever expected from a Camry. My wife drives this car more than I, but I always want to go places when the car is available. We test drove other cars such as the 2005/2006 Accords, 2005/2006 Altimas, 2005 Jetta, and 2005 Camry and found the 2007 Camry to have everything we wanted.

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  My Favorite - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Lynne - December 6 - 8:23 am

  Love this car! Traded in my Sienna AWD Van- 16 MPG- argh. Love the gas mileage so far! Tired of running to the gas station and shoveling out over $60 each time. Looking forward to less visits there.

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  Baby blue - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By hot in arizona - December 6 - 4:43 am

  Brought it used in June. My grandkids were with me and we named it Baby Blue. Its a great little car. Went on a 1300 mile trip to California. Baby blue performed great. Went up mountains with no trouble; A/C was great. Seats are very comfortable. It drives like a bigger car. Lots of room for luggage. The radio was best of all the small cars I have owned.

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  My Third Corolla - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Richard - December 5 - 7:06 pm

  The 2005 Corolla replaced a 10 year old Toyota Tercel with 250,000 miles on it and is my third Corolla since 1978. Ive owned the Corolla for 14 months and have 45,000 miles on it now. No problems-very reliable. The car gets about 36 mpg. Ive driven to both the East Coast, West Coast and Florida from Chicago. The car did great in the mountains and through the California desert. The Corolla looks very stylish in charcoal grey. I love it. Looks like my next car will be a Corolla too, but Im planning on getting a quarter million miles out of this car too.

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  Little Red - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By oldguyaris - December 5 - 9:03 am

  The Yaris climbs our bluffs at a respectible 60 mph. Then again, I didnt expect a 1.5L to boil tires. My thoughts regarding room in the Yaris. I am 62" and 320 pounds. Nuff said on that. My Yaris is a blast to drive on our back roads. Other owners smile and wave at you when they go by. It has been a long time since Ive owned a car that I liked as much as the Yaris. I will recommend to any one, try this little "sports" car. Mileage to date, 29.76 city and 42.36 highway. And it doesnt even have 400 miles on it yet.