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 - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Old Body - October 12 - 7:10 pm

  We just returned from a round trip from Kentucky to Sun City, Az. The car was loaded heavily for our three month stay. The overall mileage going and coming was 29.96 mpg. We have been Lincoln Town Car owners for years and the seats of the Avalon fit our bodies better than the Lincolns.

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  Its a keeper - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By pat - October 12 - 1:10 pm

  Our toyota camry was the first foreign? car to come into our household. it wont be the last. My husband is so impressed by the workmanship and reliability. The only negative was the tires that came on it new. They only lasted about 12,000 miles. Not enough for our sedate type of driving. We replaced them with michelins and have had no further problems.

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  Fun car, excellent quality! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By rigator - October 12 - 9:50 am

  After owning Hondas all of my life, I decided to go with the Prius after driving the Civic Hybrid. I felt the Prius was unique, fun & an excellent automobile. Reading reviews of other satisfied owners reassured me that the vehicle is reliable and the right choice. I highly recommend a Prius!

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  My best car yet - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Terry Wisland - October 11 - 5:20 am

  This is the best vehicle Ive owned yet. Power is awesome, very comfortable, nice 22 MPG average fuel economy, Leather seats are comfortable. The cargo area is huge for a small SUV. I can fit a full size mountain bike in it in about 10 seconds. After 3,000 miles, Im averaging about 22 MPG, great for 269 HP and regular fuel. No complaints so far.

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  8k mile update on Kitty - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By luvtoyota10 - October 11 - 12:06 am

  My Venza is the best car i have ever owned. It is very reliable. I love the blizzard pearl color. It performed well in the snow. I never slipped. The interior is soo roomy. Very comfortable also. I love driving it. I have had no problems with the car. But the gas mileage is not great I avarage 22.7 mpg and i think city on the sticker is about 25 mpg but besides that. It is a beautiful car.

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  07 4-dr 2wd Taco - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By DS07Taco - October 10 - 9:33 pm

  Drives quiet and smooth, brakes seem a little soft; occasional "surge" at stop with foot on brake pedal, but nothing major. Great ergonomics and functionality in interior; bed is well designed/functional; lots of good standard features. Overall, a very good value for the price.

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  Couldnt Be Happier!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Steve - October 10 - 9:03 pm

  The car has run outstandingly well from the day I bought it. Theres been no mechanical or noise problems with it. Id highly recommend anyone buy this car if they are seeking an affordable, comfortable, reliable vehicle.

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  Toyota S--pure enjoyment - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By colleen6303 - October 10 - 8:53 pm

  I have had my Corolla S, with the bells and whistles, and have enjoyed every minute of it. Even my teenage kids think its a hot car, and the fuel efficiancy is wonderful too. Keep the BMW, Mercedes, and whatever else is out there... my next car down the line will be a toyota.

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  My second not my last - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Pam - October 10 - 2:10 pm

  As older drivers, comfort is of utmost importance. After driving for 8 hours we arrive without the normal stiffness. It is wonderful to handle and with the wonderful turning radius it will practically turn on a dime. Took a little practice parking as it handled a bit differently than the 1998. The auto doors work beautifully and makes it so easy to let guests into the van without getting in and out. The AC is great. I am a Toyota fan. I love the reliability and dependability that is standard with all Toyota products. Oh sure maybe it doesnt have all the trap doors but you wont see it by the side of the road dead.

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  Awesome - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Packman - October 9 - 10:20 pm

  Extremely reliable vehicle. Slim profile (compared to full-sized trucks and SUVs)and adequate ground clearance allows one to maneuver in tight off-road situations. Dependable, tight vehicle thats lots of fun to drive.