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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  Cant Get Better Than This - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Reliability - July 21 - 3:00 pm

  I have had this vehicle for three years and, at 80K plus miles, I have not had a single mechanical malfunction. It drives great and has great roadability. It is easy to maneuver, even in small/tight spaces. The driver sits high and this provides great overall vision of your surroundings. In regards to quality, cant beat Toyotas quality or dependability.

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  Best SUV out there - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4Jogger125 - July 21 - 10:10 am

  Ive had my 4Runner for exactly 3 years and have done nothing to it minus your oil changes, etc. I have never had a bobble out of my Toyota. I actually do not have a 4WD, and it is top notch in the snow, so I could only imagine how great a 4WD would be. Im 20 years old and I drive hard, but my 4Runner can most certainly keep up. From my short experience as a driver, I am almost certain I will buy nothing but Toyotas from now on.

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  Still Reliable - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By RCOBB - July 21 - 7:00 am

  I bought this car with 97,000 miles in 2008 from a certified dealer. This is my 3rd Corolla. The Gas Mileage on the street is 30-33 mpg, only when I drive between 35mpg and 42mph. The cars elevated height has a PRO & CON. CON: when backing up (or making a turn at a low curb) it becomes difficult hard to judge the distance of the car behind me, or the curb below. PRO: rocks, curbs and parking blocks wont scratch the bumper, or my under-siding at all. The Seats are comfortable enough for a little car. And at 57, I can sleep in it, for a few hours, reclined. The sun visor hits the rear-view mirror. I change my oil before 3,000 miles. And I change Trans fluid once a year. No repairs so far.

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  2007 Camry very nice - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Lorenzo - July 21 - 5:16 am

  Im getting 40 mpg ave. on freeway and street driving. You have to use common sense too to save gas. If youre going downhill try to keep your foot off the gas pedal. Uphill, try if you can to use cruise control to 65-70mph and let the onboard computer regulate the gas - this will recharge the battery greatly. Cruise control is not recommended for those with poor reflex.

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  WOW!!! - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By tomhocutt712 - July 20 - 11:54 am

  Just got into a prius 5. I was a honda person for many years up until recently whle dealign with quality issues that I just could not work through. I wa considering a Mazda5 but gas prices suddenly jumped up and this became the more responisble purchase. Its smaller than Im used to but it wil get the job done.

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  AWESOME! - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Judi in Richmond - July 20 - 11:46 am

  Purchased with 112500 miles...no problems and I love the car. Smooth driving, high performance and handles great in the rain. Love having the top down and enjoying the fresh air. Cant explain why I waited so long to consider a convertible! Best decision ever made. Dont have a garage, but have purchased a cover for the winter months when I wont be using it. Have found 2 new (2008) models in Virginia but Toyota has now stopped building Solara. Too bad....I might want to a newer one in next couple of years. Best convertible on the market.

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  06 avalon review - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By steve - July 20 - 4:20 am

  This model avalon is one of the finest quality autos I have ever had the pleasure to own.this is based on at least 20 previous autos. It responds excellent on the highways as well as city driving. The navigation feature is certainly a plus and fun to use. You are surrounded with safety features which contribute to a comfortable ride.

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  Excellent Purchase - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Mike in Wisconsin - July 20 - 3:23 am

  Got the following features: leather heated power seats, JBL audio with navigation/bluetooth/XM satellite radio, moonroof, dual climate control. Accessories work well and have intuitive controls. Averaging 37.5 MPG combined city/highway driving. This car is equipped like any entry-level luxury car. Roomy interior, comfortable ride on expressways as well as bumpy city streets. Push button start and "Smart Key" feature is terrific! Gas engine works seamlessly with electric motor; you barely notice when the gas engine kicks in and no noticeable change in cars performance when gas engine shuts down when it isnt needed. This is our 4th Toyota product (first hybrid car). Very, very happy.

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  Not a "Granny Car" - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Marie Alexander - July 19 - 10:06 pm

  This car looks good, rides good, corners well, and has a wide turning radius. It has Inki wheels, a spoiler, power windows, bose speakers, cruise, tented windows, cold, cold air, lumbar control, no leather, and no problems. I use about 40.00 in gas every two weeks. At this time July 2007, gas is 2.89 (city). My children and grandchildren call it a "fine ride." It serves me well. Did I mention no problems. It is however a bit sluggish when floored. Wider than expected. Took some getting used to. You dont have to be young to drive this young design.

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  Drive to Save - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Patrick Hoffman - July 19 - 9:50 pm

  The thing that makes the 2008 Highlander Hybrid is the gas electric meter so you can monitor your gas/electric use. Very fun and a great way to max out the MPG.