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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  Love it! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Caryn - August 5 - 4:26 am

  I have loved every minute driving my Prius. It looks great, handles great, is fun to drive. It took no time at all to get used to the controls. Getting used to driving it in snow took a bit longer - have to be very gentle with the gas pedal, but once I got the hang of it, I have no complaints, especially at the gas pump. The technicians when I had my first oil change were enchanted with it!

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  Fun to drive - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By widow25 - August 5 - 1:10 am

  I love this vehicle - its reliable, both maintenance and durability wise. They could have done a little bit better with mpg and the horsepower. I think those are really the two major areas it was lacking in, but other than that I think its a great car just like the rest of the models Toyota makes. Now the interior... I accept its a little outdated but its not that bad; they should had put a better stereo system on it. Exterior wise I think Toyota did a great job.

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  small car, but so roomy inside. - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By i like driving now - August 4 - 5:23 pm

  I just got my Yaris and I couldnt be happier! My explorer was only 2 years old, but the gas prices were killing me and it was just too big. I enjoy driving now. I never have any backseat passengers anyway, so i put the backseats down and its like a mini-suv. I even fit a desk and chair back there. I love all the cubby and stash places. I dont like things loose in my car. The doors are big its alot easier to get in and out than I thought it would be. Didnt realize it tells you what gear you are in on the computer screen. Mom drove it in 3rd. Now we got it figured out. It has a great turn radius so 3 point turns are a cinchOutside. They put a lot of thought into this little car!

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  Great car to own - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By Rima - August 4 - 10:00 am

  The car is very reliable. I bought it new and in the 7 years I owned it, it only broke once (minor repair - starter cable wore off). It gets great mileage, both in the city and on the highway. It is comfortable to drive, and spacious enough for 5 people. Good investment if you ask me.

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  BEST SUV EVER! - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By Houseman - August 4 - 10:00 am

  This is hands down the best suv that I have ever owned (had 3 explorers, blazer and trooper). Every aspect of this vehicle has quality written all over it, never had a problem with it, rides extremely well on and off road. Dont let the size of the engine fool you it has more power and pep than any 4 litre explorer and it TOWS LIKE A DREAM!

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  Solara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By armor - August 4 - 10:00 am

  Great car and handling, excellent mileage, nice styling and quality, seems to have the same v-6 engine as the 330 Lexus.

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  Perfect if u want a "luxury+sporty car" - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By DD79 - August 4 - 10:00 am

  My first car after i graduate (drove a 88 volvo, but that dosent count). Compared it with Celica, Acura RSX, Accord coupe but Solara was the best you can offer for the price. The main features i wanted in a car were: Good looks and Smooth drive without being deprived of "standard" stuff, like on-steering controls, everything automatic, etc. Its everything of a luxury car that a coupe can offer.

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  Cant go wrong! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By stubaby - August 4 - 10:00 am

  We have a disabled child and we had looked at other vans but,we decided to wait on the 2004 Sienna we really looked at the Odessy but kept going back to Toyota we have own 6 and never had a problem with any of them and they,re so classy too.

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  2007 Avalon XL - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Arnold Melnikoff - August 4 - 6:23 am

  So far with 11,000 miles it has been a great car, fantastic mileage on the interstate 32-34 miles per gallon at 65-70 miles per hour. Mileage drops to 30 at 75 miles per hour. Very comfortable car for long road trips Lots of room front and back seats Great car for the money.

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  2005 Improved in all ways - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Doug Robinson - August 4 - 1:13 am

  This is my 3rd Avalon, and with each new one they have done wonders in their improvements. The new 2005 with 280hp is much quicker and responsive. The interior is just fine. I got the GPS navigation - and while I do not NEED it, I love it. My area in Vancouver BC has high detail mapping and it is accurate to a few feet, quick and actually useful! The fine tuning on handling the shifting ability of the transmission makes it very quick and responsive. Sound system works fine. Ive had it about 6 weeks (1st in Canada) and have had not one problem. These cars work very well every day.