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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  A Highlander Fan - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By edd - May 13 - 3:56 pm

  Economic: longer trips: 60 mph - 25 mpg, 65 mph - 24, 70 mph 23-24, around town - 19-22. Like monitoring driving habits with fuel monitoring gauge. Had a 2002 Highlander, may have bought the 2009 sooner but the exterior look was a bit dull due to the boring side door panels. We compromised with side moldings that seemed to break up the monotony. Very comfortable and pleasant to ride and drive in. The front seat ride seems better than the back seat ride. Both are spacious. Rear window washer blades dont lift up for easy cleaning (weird). Interior is very nice but mad that Toyota makes you pay extra on top of the Limited price just to add satellite radio. Overall a great car.

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  More than I expected - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By redj88 - May 13 - 2:46 pm

  The V6 is blast, fast and responsive. MPG on first five tanks, 22.5, 23.5, 22.0, 23.0 and 24.5. The 24.5 was a full tank at 50-80 mph, the others where a mix of city and hwy. Interior is roomy, well put together, and very comfortable. Heated leather seats are very nice, moonroof, 9 spkr JBL, bluetooth, mp3, all add to the very nice driving experience. Although the brakes are competent, they feel soft when braking from high speeds. Not enough to worry about them working or not. If you test drive one of these, open the two rear passenger windows at freeway speeds. It gets loud, a reason why you should consider getting the moonroof as I did. All in all, well worth the money spent.

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  Its Time for Toyota - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Rob - May 13 - 8:43 am

  Ive been waiting so long for a truck like this to come along, MAN do I love this Truck! I have always liked small trucks and wanted one for several years but, up until now, the small truck market was just too impractical (small) and wimpy (underpowered). I have a family and need to have a roomy cab, a powerful engine, and good cargo space but I dont work construction so I want it in a right-sized package. Finally it had to look cool. This Truck just hits the nail right on the head. Its actually fun to drive, tons of torque and acceleration, great road feel plus great gas mileage. This truck is a head-turner and its my first Toyota, why did I wait so long????

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  Satisfied - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Satisfied - May 13 - 5:30 am

  I currently own 2 American cars and my Camry is the first semi-American car Ive owed. I love this car! Its got a better ride (to me) than a very popular America luxury car. I am impressed with the color, body style, and options. For what I paid, I couldnt have purchased a better car! Which leads me to what I call the "I dont know why that happened (IDKWH)" issues. After I drove off from the dealership, car stalled. I took it back they said, "IDKWH". Fine, then check engine light again. Take it back. Charcoal canister. Fine they fixed it. 4 months after the stall, it stalled again, take it back, "idkwh". I love this car I hope they car fix it or give me a new one. Buyer-b-aware!

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  We love our Yaris! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By ToyotaOwner - May 13 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle! We traded our 2002 Tacoma for the Yaris, and so far we have no complaints (we just had our 10,000 mile service yesterday)! The car is fun to drive, gets great gas mileage, and for the engine size and fuel economy has decent power. The car is roomier than it looks, and is a head turner wherever you go. The price is not too high considering it is a Toyota and it will last forever. Anyone in the market for a new car should test drive a Yaris.

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  Work Truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By HL - May 12 - 11:16 pm

  I bought the standard cab V6 6 speed manual new as my work truck. It currently has 118000 miles with the original clutch and has only required the standard maintenance (tires, oil, filters, spark plugs, brake pads, rotors). With the tool boxes and welder it carries an extra 1500 lbs in the bed at all times with no problems.

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  great buy - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By sammy - May 12 - 7:16 pm

  I have been a Subaru legacy fan for years and decided to go Toyota this year. Despite the publicity I bought the venza. 2.7 L AWD and love it!! The car proved itself through several heavy snowstorms in NC with excellent snow performance . Would recommend this vehicle without reservation

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  So this is Toyota! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By First new Toyota - May 12 - 6:06 pm

  My first new Toyota and in fact first new car! Never before have I been so divided. On the one side this car is well crafted and has a sweet V6 engine. Interior room is good. Dash is easy to read. Like the auto headlights too. Then on the other hand many annoyances abound. The rear seat doesnt split fold. The rearview mirrors are fixed. No door protection moldings on a 28K car! No bluetooth option. Transmission has been quirky. More road noise than it should have on the open road. Mileage not what advertised. Door insulation held on by cheap plastic and it falls off on occasion. Trunk is tiny! And the back seats are more comfy than the front ones on long trips which is really weird.

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  midlife fun - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By bert - May 12 - 4:40 pm

  live in the midwest and just became empty nesters. time for us!!! this car handles great good pick up great cornering excellant with stabilizer no problems at all even with $3.50 gas aand a prius in the garage which i drive for work...havent looked forward to the weekend like this in a long time just turn up the beach boys and zoom

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  A great car overall - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Mark Y - May 12 - 1:36 pm

  Combines comfort, value, smooth ride and quality in the best package I have seen in 34 years of driving. Smooth ride, excellent visibility, especially on longer trips. I bought the 4-cyl model since my daily commute is under 5 miles one way, so I feel a bit underpowered on the 1 or 2 days I get on the freeway. However, at higher speeds, it has passing power and feels smooth even on bumpy roads. Did I mention the smooth ride of the car?