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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  Excellent Gas Mileage - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By ToyoYari - October 22 - 9:53 am

  Traded in my gas hungry SUV for a blue Toyota Yaris Liftback. Trips to the gas station have not been as many. The little bars that indicate the amount of gas that is left move down very slowly. Inside it does not feel as small as it looks on the outside. The sound system is more than enough and there is even a jack on the lower console to plug in an MP3 player, pretty awesome. The back seat is kept folded down so there is always plenty of cargo space to toss stuff in the back. The engine is fairly quiet for a small car with plenty of pep to make it move in city traffic and on the highway.

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  Luxury pocket rocket! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By gunnerjo - October 22 - 1:10 am

  I looked at the Mercedes 300, BMW 5 series, and the Lexus for my next car. I couldnt justify the pricing points of the German ubervehicles with the amentities they offered and, being in the mountains of New Mexico, was uncertain of the service quality I could expect. I looked at the Avalon on the way to the Lexus dealer and that, as the song says, . . .was all she wrote. I chose the Touring model for its firmer ride, larger tires, and different shift points and havent been disappointed. It is simply awesome to take a 35 mph mountain switchback at 60+. And to arrive at your destination without the usual aches, stiffness, and tingling nether regions.

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  Excellent Ride - 2013 Toyota Avalon
  By col411 - October 22 - 12:51 am

  This car made me double take. I saw the new design and finally toyota is targeting a younger demographic. I have the Moulin Rouge with the black leather interior. The handling is great, good acceleration to get around traffic on the interstate. The seats are very comfortable. Entune is nice, the navigation is easier to manage than my 08 Sequoia Limited. I dont have the phone charging plate which is a head scratcher. The side mirrors should be power folding.But other than that I would highly recommend the new Avalon for anyone shopping for a large sedan. i commute 160 miles round trip to work and i love driving now.

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  Outstanding car - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By dewey - October 21 - 2:20 pm

  Bought car new, just put first set of brakes at 75000 miles. Put an oxygen sensor in at 72000. No other repairs as yet, just normal service intervals and one set of tires, uses no oil. Well run it forever. Ive owned 8 Toyotas and this is one of the best manufactured; also have now a 2006 Avalon.

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  I love this car. - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By Jan - October 21 - 1:30 pm

  I am 56 years old and this is the first car I have ever loved. I am proud to be driving it. My average mileage over 86,000 miles is 49.2 and I have not had to replace the battery. Keeping the right tire pressure makes a difference of 2-3 mpg. It has plenty of pep on the highway, feels solid in the wind and on wet pavement, and will cruise at 70 mph. It is maneuverable in traffic and parking. It is bigger inside that it looks. Four ride comfortably. I have had almost no trouble with it. The warranty was generous and Toyotas service has been superb before and after the warranty expired. The 2005 has some nice features and a bit better mileage but I do not want a hatchback.

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  Affordable Luxury! - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Shannon Lasky - October 21 - 11:02 am

  We love this car! Such a smooth, comfortable ride. The 3rd row seats 3, which is awesome when carting around the kids and their friends. The technology is easy to use and so convenient.

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  ??????????? - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Blob - October 21 - 7:26 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned it is so awsome ours is top notch it is an XLE V6 and I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Its about time - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By frank - October 21 - 5:16 am

  Its about time someone has made a car that is safe economical and fun to drive. I remember seeing an article in magazine in the early seventies about a Chevy Vega conversion to electric/gas with a brake regenerative charging system. It seems American manufacturers have missed the boat again, and allowed foreign manufacturers to take the lead in technology we had been working on as early as the 70s. Be that as it may, Toyota has made another winner. As for my experience with the Hybrid, it does everything well, and the timing of Its introduction couldnt be more welcome. I find myself trying to get even more MPG out of it by utilizing the LCD display on the dashboard. Its fun too.

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  Full-Time 4x4, Fast, Fun, Fjc - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By love4cars - October 21 - 4:23 am

  Ive driven the 2009 Jeep & xterra both 6mt and neither compare to my fj 6mt; because of the full-time 4x4 it accelerates & handles just like a Forester xti. In heavy and deep snow 8-12" its amazing, no need to even touch the transfer shifter. Vsc and traction control are an excellent compliment to the full-time system. I love the waterproof interior. Im 5,11 & often have my 6,2 and 6,4 friends seated behind me comfortably, though not for 3 people. Under 60 mph and I get 22 mpg, over 65 and its about 16- 17 mpg highway. In my opinion the 6mt full 4x4 make it worth its awkward looks, if youre thinking 5 at your better off with an xterra same difference more practical unless you like fjs looks

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  Wifes Car - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By 5th Toyota Owner - October 21 - 2:50 am

  Bought this car for my wife who is just over 5 tall. She really likes the RAVs styling and visibility from sitting up high. We both like the point and go handling. Throttle is very responsive... I found the dealers internet sales program very positive. Straight-up sales person claimed price was $300 below invoice, but added approx $300 advertising fee, which put vehicle right at Edmunds listed invoice price (including dest charge). Other dealers wanted to play stupid games and need to get a clue... We tried to find a vehicle with leather AND side curtain airbags, but dealer said Toyota isnt building them (cloth was OK). Side curtain airbags should be standard not an option (hello Honda).