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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  Dream on wheels - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Rocky P - August 16 - 1:40 pm

  Ive been reading consumer and auto magazines for close to a year and finally splurged. The Avalon Ltd. is close to the Lexus with about $5,000 savings in your pocket. Everything was standard. Ride incredable, reclining back seats, more gadgets than you can imagine, all with Toyota reliability. Used prices are actually more than the cost new from the dealer. Mileage 29-31 400+ miles between refills.

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  Homerun for Toyota - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By LBeane - August 16 - 1:36 pm

  Ive had it for just over a month (06) and can only say that I enjoy everytime I walk up to it and it automatically unlocks, the seats adjust to my position in memory and it gobbles up the asphalt effortlessly and luxuriously (even with the low-profile tires-215/55/17). It executes every maneuver very well. I havent driven it hard in corners but I know it will do ok if pushed. The gas mileage is phenomenal for a car of this size and power. I cant say enough good things about it except that I would buy another one in a heartbeat. And oh yeah, the leather is top notch, makes leather in American cars look cheap. I really feel like Im being pampered from the time I first walk up to the car door.

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  Better gas mileage - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Bend Frank - August 16 - 6:10 am

  I traded my 2005 Tundra for a 2008 Tundra so we could tow a travel trailer. We have the trailer, but have not had it on the road yet. However, careful recording of fuel consumption (not towing) reveals that we get nearly 18 MPG on the highway, and 17 around town, which is quite a bit better than the older Tundra. The new one has the 5.7 liter V8. Bring the trailer home over The Cascades, the truck had no problem maintaining speed up the steep grade to Government Camp on Mt. Hood, although we are restricted to 50 mph for the first 500 miles of towing. Were very satisfied with the truck.

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  My 3rd Toyota - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By EdmondOklahoma - August 16 - 6:06 am

  Ive owned a Tercel and a Camry and both were great cars, but the Highlander is my favorite Toyota. I bought a 2001 in 2003 and have had no problems. LOVED it when I bought it and still love it 3 years later.

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  Awesome truck! - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By toyotaman - August 16 - 2:36 am

  I previously owned an 04 Nissan Frontier, which I immediately regretted buying, so I traded it for an 05 tacoma 4cyl. PreRunner. I loved that truck so much that when it got taken away from me by my father who was the cosignor, I had to have another one. So I bought an 06 PreRunner, this time with a v6. I absolutely love this truck! I wouldnt trade it for anything except maybe another Tacoma. wouldnt change anything as far as design goes. I just wish Id spent the extra for a double cab long bed 4x4. Otherwise, I love my truck. Unfortunately so does my girlfriend, and we often argue over who gets to drive it.

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  Nothings perfect but this car is close - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By The Pope - August 15 - 10:40 am

  My wife just completed a trip and averaged 46 mpg according to the cars display window. a lot more than we thought we would get. Some people on this review page are very hard to please. This is a very nice car, I only have trouble getting into it. Im not the tallest guy on the block but I have to work on getting into it. Our local dealer is hard to deal with, so went out of town. he is always telling me he pays the same as the other dealers, but I have to remind him he doesnt sell as low as the other dealers. We like the car, fun to drive. We just are hopeful for many miles of out of it.

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  2013 highlander limited used - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By Ken Kubu - August 15 - 9:39 am

  Just picked it up. Super ride and comfort. Tech.package voice activated ( were learning). I have a 2001 4runner we kept, and traded a 2009 Avalon xl with 62 k on the clock for the highlander. If this vehicle performs like my others we will be very pleased. This was a lease car turn in with 20 k miles, price was right. Bennett Toyota in Allentown Pa very nice people to do business with. As for Tom Doherty.

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  An Excellent Lux Sporty Car - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By dannychen - August 15 - 2:00 am

  An excellent luxuary sporty car... a good car for people age 40+... But I love it... though Im only 30...

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  Great car! - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Tyree326 - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had this car for a week and love it! I was looking at BMWs, VWs and Audis but the Camery SE(Sport Edition) V6 had just as much to offer with a much lower price. More horsepower too! The 3.3 liter V6 offers 225 hp! And an automatic 5 speed transmission.

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  MY CAMRY - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By BRENDA SOLTERO - August 15 - 2:00 am

  iVE ALWAYS BOUGHT A CAMRY. NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEM WITH THEM. I DONT CHANGE THEM FOR NONE OTHER.