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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  2006 Toyota Sienna - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By ED PARTYKA - August 27 - 3:36 am

  Great minivan, gas mileage is not as good as I expected. I average about 17 mpg around home in the suburbs.

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  Awesome Vehicle! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Dave - August 26 - 5:50 pm

  Lots of fun to drive. I love the way this truck looks and it is built with excellent Toyota quality. We purchased the 6 speed manual which has full time 4WD. We live on a ski mountain and encounter fairly extreme weather, including very slippery icy roads. It goes through rough terrain very smoothly - a joy to drive.

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  THE BEST OF THE MINI-VANS - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By arnie98683 - August 26 - 1:30 pm

  This is the best car I have ever owned! It is a dream to drive. The turning radius is amazing when I need to do a u- turn in a parking lot! It is quiet, smooth and comfortable. When I am tooling down the road, I feel like I am in the lap of luxury. I have had friends who owned mini-vans, but this one feels like a car, compared to theirs and is so EASY to drive.

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  Best Avalon yet - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By W Nelson - August 26 - 12:23 pm

  I started buying Avalons in 1995 and this is my 5th one. It is by far the best in amenities, performance, design and fuel economy. The things I would have improved on, from the past models, they addressed and more. I am extremely pleased in every way.

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  Better than expected - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Markku Tuhkala - August 25 - 11:10 pm

  Mileage average is 27 GPM. Seats are very good, material has traction to keep the posture. Engines power is amazing. Gearbox shifts real smoothly and accurately. Toyotas quality follow-up is very strong, I know that they will make sure I stay happy with Avalon.

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  Cam sensor - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By stash - August 25 - 9:30 pm

  Before purchasing my 2010 Tunda 4.6, I did read some reviews about the engine light coming on shortly after purchasing from other reviewers. I purchased the truck based on Toyota quality based on past purchases. Well after 6 days and 370 miles, I said to myself no engine light should be good. Well day 7 engine light on brought to dealer and told them about previous reviews. Said engine oil was the problem. Waited 15 minutes and was given a loaner to use until the cam sensor (most likely) will be replaced.This is an assumption being that its Friday and they will not be able to completely check the problem until Monday. Very disappointed in Toyota due to years of quality work.

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  Great Fun - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By atsena - August 25 - 8:16 pm

  This car is a joy to drive. Nimble with a very tight turning radius. While many reviews complain about the lack of performance, I am totally delighted with it, and dont expect better in a car with this good a fuel economy. I am 63" and weigh over 200 pounds, yet the driving position, the seat, and getting in and out of the vehicle are all extremely easy and comfortable. Also love the instrument panel in the center, which I thought I would hate. The rear seats are comfortable, and folded down give me a great cargo area. And the clean design of the interior is great looking. Love the all manual windows and door.

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  Solid, Reliable Car - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Brandon - August 25 - 7:03 pm

  This is an overall great car. Never any problems, only routine maintenance. I drive hard and it still responds like it did 70k miles ago. It may not be the most exciting car in the world, but you dont have to worry about taking it for repairs all the time or paying a ridiculous amount for gas. Its nice to have a paid off car that it still somewhat modern looking and you know youll be able to drive for another 100k+!

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  Amazing Vehicle - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Ron - August 25 - 5:10 pm

  Wow! What a car. Have owned it for a month now. Just finished a 1500 mile trip. Smooth, quiet, comfortable. Mileage per tank ranged from 29.5 to 30.8! Incredible for a 280 hp engine. Tremendous room. Awesome passing power which you never even hear in the cabin. Have never owned, or even seen, anything to match this car!

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  Great mileage for a SUV - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By very happy - August 25 - 6:46 am

  Very happy overall. Very quiet, very good MPG 1st tank 26, 2nd 28, 3rd 28 and fourth 31 MPG! True, lots of LA traffic involved to get those numbers. We also own a Prius so we have practice at driving hybrids. Im 63" and have lots of leg room. Front seats could have a bit more thigh support, but still very comfortable. Would have prefered black leather interior...not offered. Ive owned lots of Toyotas this one is by far the best.