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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  One year update with my 2000 Toyota Avalon. - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By hondaacura21 - August 9 - 1:16 am

  Its been exactly a year since I bought my 2000 Toyota Avalon XLS from a private sale. I purchased it with 124,000 miles and its been very reliable with not a single problem. It is really impressive that my 13 year old Avalon still provides a silky smooth drive and is very quiet even compared to never cars. This Avalon is a "poor mans" Lexus. I drove 26K miles in this year: 450 miles a week due to work, a 1750 road trip from GA to TX, and 7000 miles of small mountain trips. Even with both leaky valve cover gaskets, leaky cam seals, old timing belt and water pump and blown struts this Toyota has never left me stranded and drove excellent. Before I give this to my mom I will repair it.

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  I love my Rav - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Deborah - August 9 - 12:26 am

  If you didnt know this was a four cylinder vehicle, you wouldnt know by its performance. It has far more useful extras, even in the base model I have, than any of the competitors. It also has more storage, hidden, accessible and functional storage - all three. The tailgate is easy to open and the drive is smooth for an SUV except at extremely low speeds (under 20 mph) and even then not bad. I love this car and am glad I chose it. Fuel economy seems to be greater so far than specified on the government websites. Seats are extremely easy to fold up and they fold up flat and low - better than any other model I looked at, and I looked at a lot of them. This is important as I have dogs.

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  Great truck! - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By ufd403 - August 8 - 12:46 pm

  Leave it to Toyota to make such a great truck. The quality, size, power and features of the truck make it the best truck on the road.

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  39MPG - Im still waiting :) - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Ivan - August 8 - 7:30 am

  Replacement for my 88 Corolla FX HB after it blew up. This automatic 2 dr LB is a perfect commuter car for me - point A to B with no nonsense. Plenty of room-I take it to Costco. Parks almost anywhere and turning radius is awesome. Although pricy,$16K out the door, but I really wanted auto windows & doorlocks. Im 64" and there are very few cars, even full size, thatll accomodate me. In this car my head, legs, knees, and elbows have room to spare. Major complaint - rated at 39MPG yeah right, at 1500 miles Im only averaging 34 which is great but I only drive freeway with very little stop and go & follow all the recommendations to get better mileage but havent gotten to 39MPG as others.

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  Love my Venza - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By LAL in Charlotte - August 8 - 5:03 am

  I have been in love with this car since it debuted at the Detroit Auto Show in Jan, 2008. I wanted an upscale car with just two rows of seats, but with the cargo area of an SUV. This fits my needs perfectly. Ive got almost 1000 miles on it now and I look for excuses to take it out for a drive. Its easier to get in and out of than my former SUV, but Im sitting higher than in a car. The front hood slopes so that all you see in front of you is road and I feel like I have good vision all the way around. The transmission is silky smooth and it has more than enough power. Getting ready for a trip this weekend I appreciated the low load-in height in the cargo area. Fantastic car!!

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  Great Value - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By davek49 - August 7 - 4:36 pm

  I chose the 4Runner Sport V6 RWD based on reliability and looks despite the RAV4 Sport V6 getting better gas mileage and sports-car like performance. This is my first SUV (on my 9th car in 17 years of driving) and I am getting used to sitting high up and the car with more of a truck-like feel (Tacoma versus the RAV4). Keep in mind my view is based on previously driving an Audi A3 and BMW 3. The Galactic Gray Mica is beautiful and I get compliments (brighter with blue sparkle than most dull grays). The V6 has plenty of power for urban driving and I get a respectable 22mpg hwy (19.5 mpg mixed). The X-REAS suspension works very well, providing for a comfortable ride on twisty roads.

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  tacoma - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By Daniel - August 7 - 2:46 pm

  My mom bought this truck brand new in 1998. She gave it to me my freshman yr of high school which was 2000. I have put 90,000 miles since i got it, and now it has 150,000 and the engine has never been touched. I have added lift and performance parts and accessories and it looks sharp. I tow my boat and cattle trailers with ease. I recommend this pick up to everyone.

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  RAV4 - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By cindym1 - August 7 - 10:00 am

  this is the best toyota ive owned. i have had a camry and a corolla

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  Slamming SUV - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Eric F - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this SUV on 4/28/03. I was in serious negotion at the Lexus dealership for the GX. The GX was more SUV than I needed and the RX was built on a camry frame and wasnt as versatile. I drove the 4 Runner and loved it. I had an Infiniti G35 and totalled it. I feel so much safer and to tell you the truth, this SUV drives smoother than the G35. (more weight holding it down I guess). I got the base model and figure that the money that I saved, I could invest in a cobra kit car later :) .

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  Love my baby Lexus - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By BabyLex - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Bought a 03 Corolla for my wife in January. Love that car so much, I bought one for me in March. Build quality is excellent, its quiet, smooth, refined. The engine is peppy, Im getting 28MPG in the city and its not even broken in yet. Not enough can be said about its exterior styling...I turn heads everywhere I go, people are shocked to learn its a base model Toyota. The steering is precise, the brakes are excellent, and there is a ton of trunk space. Im not that tall, but theres plenty of leg room, both front and back. The dash and controls are well laid out, very logical. Overall I am SUPER happy with these cars!