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:

• 

  Best Car I Ever Owned - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By JimG - March 20 - 7:43 pm

  My Avalon has been a dream come true. The car has been flawless and I have gotten over 34 mpg on the highway. I have no problems with interior noise as others have complained. I have had the vehicle for over a year and the only time it has been in the shop is for oil change. The push button start is great. I get annoyed when I have to take the keys out to start my other vehicle. My wife and I took it on a 800 mile trip to VA and the ride was very comfortable. I give the Avalon the highest rating.

• 

  Im a Rav4 Girl - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Jackie - March 20 - 7:10 pm

  Its so much fun to drive. I have never owned a suv b4, now I will never go back to a midsize. I owned a toyota before in the 1980s went to Honda, now Im back home. Its roomy, sleek in style, and drives like a car. Never was interested in the older models. Now Im very impressed.

• 

  So far I like it alot! - 2012 Toyota Yaris
  By toyotafan6 - March 20 - 7:03 am

  Ive only had my new 2012 Yaris 3 DR LE a couple of weeks but so far I am impressed. Has good visibility: sits a little higher than my 2001 Corolla LE - gas mileage pretty good, according to the display Im averaging 33 mpg, all city driving...Drivers seat very comfortable. I love the design of the dashboard/controls, all easy to reach and good-sized control knobs. The two-tone dash (black and soft grey) looks expensive and instead of being perfectly smooth it has a little bit of texture to it. Mine is the Wave Line Pearl color, a light blue. Tire are pretty good quality, Goodyear Assurance. I havent sat in the rear yet but it looks to be fairly roomy. Handling is good.

• 

  Surprised - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By sonja - March 20 - 6:16 am

  Ive had my car for 2 years and am extremely happy with it. I commute mostly on interstate 35 miles one way, and yes, it doesnt have the greatest punch on the gas, but its a great zippy little car. The off ramps are great! The trunk room is surprising and with the capability of dropping the back and front passenger seats down, it is amazing at what you can put in this car. Bottom line it is what it is- an economy car - wouldnt get rid of it for the world.

• 

  Awesome! - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By Kalan - March 20 - 2:00 am

  A truly tremendous car. For a used car it cant be beat! I love it. I have owned 28 vehicles and this is great!

• 

  Toyoto Corolla - 2000 Toyota Corolla
  By Susanta - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable and comfortable. Works great even in worst weather and road condition.

• 

  Great ALL AROUND CAR - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By tada - March 20 - 2:00 am

  I found this car to be great for an average joe. Yes it doesnt do 0-60 in 5 sec, and it doesnt cause head turns, but if you want something to get you from A to B, and have your proud, this is the car. Ergonomically it is ok as well, I have no complaints in that realm. Personally I would get the 6 cyc, the 4 has enough for a single person driver, but if you add on more than 1 more passenger things can feel sluggish.

• 

  From Ford to Toy - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Big G - March 19 - 3:56 pm

  I have never in my life drove anything but the blue oval. I have purchased 9 different ford trucks in the last few years, and now Im driving a new 07 Tundra Crewmax. I got tired of giving 30 some thousand for a truck only to find out it is worth 17 in only two years.

• 

  AWESOME! - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By Fatina - March 19 - 12:13 pm

  Ive had this car for 11 years and the only major work done is timing belt, water pump and starter. I have a little over 218,000 miles and it just keeps on ticking.

• 

  My Black Sand Pearl, 2009 Corolla S - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Lakesguy - March 17 - 3:50 pm

  Great JBL-6 disk w/XM stereo. Ride is controlled and solid, brakes are strong. Acceleration is pretty much the same as my old 2006 S. Car is VERY quiet on the road. Great gas mileage and great looks.