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 superb luxury car - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By volts amous - July 12 - 2:00 am

  A smooth beautiful car that gets head turning looks and has plenty of room and nice appointments.

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  Im surprised everyone doesnt own one - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By g-force - July 11 - 12:43 pm

  Avalon is amazing. Where else can you get a full size luxury sedan, with V6 280 ponies, yet gets 31 MPG? No where else but Avalon. Its like riding around in your living room while sitting in your favorite recliner. Only thing missing is the 58-inch plasma. JBL stereo pumps, top of dash layout is a throwback of the 1970s (which I personally love), yet console is very modern/elegant. Car lifts up, takes off, as quiet as a sleeping baby. Buttons nicely placed, awesome visibility, adequate handling, elegant front/rear design. This car will never annoy you, and youll arrive calm and relaxed. Avalon makes daily work commuting one of the highlights of my day. Alot of car for $30K, unmatched.

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  Love it! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By pretty in a prius - July 11 - 12:26 am

  I LOVE my Prius. Previously drove an Audi, so was used to a bigger car. I get an average of 46 mpg, driving 100 miles per day, highway and city. I love the roominess and how the car handles! I would buy another in a heartbeat!

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  Love my Prius - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By lucky lindy - July 10 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car; quiet, comfortable and efficient. What a difference from the 14 years I had driving a minivan. Love to go to the gas station and get money back!!! I feel I am contributing to the environment with this gas/electric vehicle. Thank you to my ecological daughter for talking me into viewing (and buying on the spot) this wonderful car.

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  My Sequoia - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By John601 - July 10 - 10:00 am

  This is a nice riding vehicle and has plenty of room. I have to rave with the Toyota line and wouldnt drive anything else. My overall experiences, throughout the years have been excellent.

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  JDBs Review - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By jbrough - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle handles well, with the 16" tires it has a good ride.

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  2004 Rav 4 - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By NewRav4 - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I just bought the 2004 Rav4. The exterior has been updated and it is much sharper looking than the previous models. The interior is also great! Although it is a small SUV, it feels like you are driving a full-size SUV. It has great pickup and drives very smooth!

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  Ho Hum -- Its Perfect - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Unicornguy - July 10 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Avalon. Traded in my 8th new Cadillac on the 2000 Avalon, because I was tired of poor quality. The fit, finish, and overall quality of the Avalon impressed me as much as that of the Lexus 300 sedan -- and its a bigger car, with more room for back seat passengers.

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  Really nice truck - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tommy T - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Love this truck! I have two kids and a very large dog and we all fit comfortably. I have driven over 65,000 miles in two years without a problem. The clock cannot be seen because of its location in relation to the steering wheel, and accessing the arm rest console cannot be easily done. Overall a great truck!

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  Toyota Avalon - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Don Marts - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Having owned other Toyotas this is outstanding in appearance and comfort. My only problem will be keeping it within the legal speed limit as it takes off like a bird.