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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  4Running to the hills - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By NWSkiBum - May 8 - 3:56 am

  Wow! I tested everything (Pilot, Element, Outback, Pathfinder, X3, Explorer), read just about anything I could get my eyes on about mid-sized SUVs, and nothing could beat the 4Runner. Comfort, drivability, looks, price, and overall value - it just really offers the best of on-road and off-road performance. The first week I owned the car I took it on a three hour ski trip through two mountain passes in harsh winter driving conditions. It performed effortlessly in the snow and ice and quite frankly, turned what would have normally been a pretty stressful drive into a fun one! The 4WD and traction system are fantastic.

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  Nice and easy - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By RBUCK - May 7 - 12:20 pm

  This is a great auto that is as roomy as any ball room. And the gas mileage was better than advertised.

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  great vehicle, very poor software implementation - 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  By Bob - May 7 - 6:35 am

  i was very impressed with this car. living in oregon, i was not expecting the car to reach it’s milage standard (ethanol blend gas) but so far we’re averaging about 34mpg combined. on a road trip to CA the milage was more towards 38mpg. the sound system, handling, styling are all great. the only negative, and it’s a big one, is their entune software system. it’s a “substitute” for apple/android carplay. it just doesn’t work. it doesn’t remember your phone or password and will randomly shut down. it’s time for toyota/lexus to support apple/android carplay and give up on this entune nonsense. reading reviews in the app store will give more than enough info on the subject.

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  Nice Ride - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Matt and Malias Dad - May 6 - 5:33 pm

  After 5 months and 7500 miles of driving, I have a pretty good feel for the Sienna. Its a nice ride! After several trips to Las Vegas from LA fully loaded, it didnt even break a sweat going up the Baker grade, even with the AC going. The real test of a nice ride is how you feel after a long drive and I never felt any fatigue at all. Its very roomy inside. Able to throw lots of people and gear inside with room to spare.

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  great car - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By JL - May 6 - 4:40 am

  a pleasure to drive, very comfortable and creature friendly, an over all sharp car value packed

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  Unexpectedly Luxurious - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By LZJay - May 5 - 8:16 pm

  Im a traveling salesman and I used to rent these on the road. Then I decided to buy one cause it was so comfortable and drove so well. Its definitely a big car but it doesnt feel OR handle like one. It handles like more like sport sedan though far from sports coupe. The back seat is huge which is great if you take clients out for meals or have kids who like to kick your seat: their feet dont reach! Love the heated/AC seats and the moon roof. The NAV and LCD screen is great. The trunk is big enough for all of my sales material, a car seat and my golf clubs at the same time. The 7-speaker JBL sound system is great. It has the same look and feel as the Lexus GS but is priced smartly

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  Still looks great - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By Bruce - May 5 - 7:52 pm

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  Great Truck - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By trmckin - May 5 - 7:40 pm

  I purchased this vehicle for hauling mountain bikes, light yard work, camping and the occasional light towing job. Thus far, I have not been disappointed. Everything is well laid out and the storage is awesome. Plenty of power to enter Houston freeways with ease or tackle any jeep road. Purchase the sound shield and paint shield. Paint seems a little thin and scratches easily but hey, its a truck! Highly recommended. Serves my purposes and then some.

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  What a nice car - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By itchyscratchy - May 5 - 7:13 pm

  I bought the CE manual because I wanted an econo car that was reliable. Man, did I get one. Its beautiful, its blue, its a heck of a lot of fun to drive. Let me mention the price- $13.8K out the door - and this was AFTER I bought insurance at the dealer for the 1st month. This car is awesome. Its pretty - has a great sound system, though only a 1 disc CD, its not slow at all, and it gets amazing gas mileage. Ive only owned GM cars previously. Never again. Im keeping this car for a long time. Only gripes: no side airbags, rolldown windows- my fault because I wanted cheap. Could have gotten them. If you want a great car for a great price, you wont be sorry with this one

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  I Just Love It - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By georgie - May 5 - 10:00 am

  This car is wonderful, fun to drive and the only problem is that it is too easy to drive over the speed limit without ever knowing it....it is so smooth.