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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  Great Car Corolla S auto. no moonroof - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By ant - May 8 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased this car from dealer in GA for $16,300 included tax/dealer fee. Great car, very reliable just have 100 miles on it.

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  2011 SE Road Noise - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By GoHuskers - May 8 - 10:00 am

  It is a nice vehicle for the price. I got mine with the se package, msrp 25,569. Dealer agreed to sell for 22,500, with $1000 Toyota graduate rebate brings it down to $21,500 so I consider it the best deal in the class. Everything is nice, look nice, sporty, handle well, good gas mileage, big trunk, and really roomy inside.

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  Highlander Hybrid is a winner! - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Oakley - May 8 - 8:06 am

  The power on demand that the hybrid offers due to the direct drive system is the true beauty of the hybrids. 0 to 60 in 5 seconds is typical with the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Buy one and you will own only Hybrids from now on!

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  Expensive Repairs - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By David Brandt - May 8 - 3:56 am

  I bought my Avalon two years ago. On the whole, I do like it, but I am not impressed with little things that break, or more to the point, my dealerships response to it. Ever since I bought it, the lever that controls the steering column keeps slipping out of place and steering wheel gives way. Just now, after two years of ownership, the lock assembly on the trunk broke. Because my warranty is on 3/36, I have to pay $450 to have a lock fixed. If Toyota quality is so great, why doesnt the company stand behind its product with a more substantial warranty? Also, why should such a small problem cost so much to fix. A two year old car should not be having these problems. I am not impressed.

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  Good price- Good return - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Chris Cunningham - May 7 - 2:13 pm

  Thought I would buy a Honda Civic but dealers were not anxious to negotiate price- Toyota dealers were able and willing to hammer out the best price and I suggest working 3 dealers against each other. First full tank of gas produced 32MPG which is great- Speaker system (6 speakers) is incredible. Great price- Great value

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  Underpowered but great truck - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By yodusty - May 7 - 2:04 pm

  I love my truck and wouldnt trade my truck for anything, but I have been spending lots of money for a little more horsepower and gas mileage. I am leaning more towards a turbo which are hard to come by because its too new. Im not sure other Toyota models have more horsepower than the Tacoma. Other models include the Camry, 4-Runner, and FJ Cruiser.

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  Great compromise - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By swampcollie - May 7 - 6:33 am

  Have had my runner for a couple weeks. Came out of a ford supercrew which i loved, but needed something with better gas mileage. I get off road some and pull a utility trailer with my atv or mower on it. I did not want one of the car based SUVs and the 4runner seemed like the perfect fit for how I use a vehicle. I miss the room from my truck but am tickled with the gas mileage improvement and the the sr5 drives and handles great on and off road. The ride is quiet and smooth while still being a true truck based vehicle. I am quite happy. The vehicle I got happened to have a moon roof. A feature I would never have ordered, but really enjoy it.

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  Best SUV On The Market - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By Jeff - May 7 - 12:46 am

  Just purchased a 4 cylinder Highlander for "Invoice" and not only am I happy about that but the vehicle overall. Are you ready for this, Im getting over 30 MPG combined city/hwy. Of course Im not driving like a have a race car either. There is plenty of power when you need it. I own a Prius and have learned some techniques by utilizing the "Cruise Control" as often as I can. I compared the Highlander Hybrid model mileage to the 4 cylinder Highlander and for $20K less, I am getting better mileage. Invoice cost was $26,014.00 plus tax & license at 2.9% financing. People have got to be insane to pay upwards of $48K for a Highlander Hybrid (Limited).

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  Excellent Sedan - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By Chris - May 6 - 5:16 pm

  This sedan is excellent to drive and take passengers around in. The features are great and it is quite inside. Leather & Heat seats are nice features during the winter.

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  Solid truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By glen - May 6 - 7:53 am

  I would recommend this truck to anyone. Good power & handling , good fuel mileage. Its an excellent truck overall.