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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  2012 Prius V - GREAT vehicle - GPS terrible - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By rickity1 - March 31 - 8:55 am

  The 2012 Prius V is an outstanding vehicle ... lots of cargo space, 50 mpg [CAN gal] [5.2 l/100km] .. great audio system, heated seats - seriously, a GREAT vehicle. So - why would Toyota put such a lame GPS system into such a great vehicle? Seriously - why? I have a $150 Garmin GPS that is twice as good and that I will use over the Prius GPS every time. The interface is awkward; the software usually does not "speak" street names and when it does it mispronounces them; it frequently is unable to find locations or POIs that are there but it cannot discover in its data listings .... Toyota - PLEASE reconsider [replace] the GPS system in this wonderful vehicle. And PLEASE replace mine!

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  Great Car - few caveats - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Deanie - March 31 - 8:30 am

  My fist Avalon and the only highly reliable Japanese branded car with true seating for three across in the rear - which saved me from having to buy an SUV or Minivan (yeah!). Theres no better car within $5-7K of the Avalon. Great engine, fuel economy, comfortable ride, great brakes, great JBL stereo, virtually every safety feature in existence. But tranny ever so slightly hesitates between gears at low speeds (5-15mph)when stepping on the gas (not flooring it) to get up to 25-35mph in a hurry, though is smooth as silk at all other speeds/situations. Avalon compares favorably with or is notably better than many premium German sedans costing tens of thousands more - seriously!

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  My search is over! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Ladybug - March 31 - 8:23 am

  The Corolla promises to be a reliable, fuel efficient car. It is peppy, comfortable, with storage for everything within easy reach. The air vents provide more directional adjustment for heat and air. Two trip odometers, one for gas mileage and the other for actual trip length. No frills, nothing fancy, but I dont need all that. I need a comfortable, reliable car that wont cost a fortune to drive.

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  Definite Eye Catcher - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Bob - March 30 - 11:20 pm

  My SLE convertible is silver with the black top and when people see it coming they take a second look due to the styling. I have the navigation system along with the XM radio and the car is fun to drive around town and the open road. The car is quiet with the top up or down. I previoulsy owned a Sebring Limited convertible but it cant come close to the ride and over all performance of the SLE. Take a test drive and you will see how this car is the best convertible for the money.

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  Still Going Strong - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Moonlight293 - March 30 - 10:03 pm

  Bought mine used back in 99. Have made several trips back and forth from Chicago to Delaware; no problems at all. Now has 155,000 miles on it and starting to replace things. Reliable and dependable, the only 2 things I care about as a single female owner. Good gas mileage, comfortable ride, nice functional features. Only thing is that you have to keep it locked up or even the side mirrors will get stolen.

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  Bye-bye gas station - well kinda - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By PC - March 30 - 4:43 pm

  I have had my Prius for about 2 weeks and love it. I really thought it was going to be lame in terms of speed, especially on the freeway - the car is surprisingly speedy and fun to drive. The freeway driving is much better than my Jeep Cherokee was. All of the cars gadgets are easy to use and do not distract you from driving. When I finally did go to the gas station was so happy it shut off at $27 to fill my tank. I am used to paying almost $70.

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  Nice ride - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By RICH - March 29 - 4:46 pm

  So far so good. Even my 15 yr old daughter and her friends love this car. I have the Limited. Great stereo. Almost as good as my TLs 5.1. The only problem I have is that the dual exhust dosent seem to match the other side. One is higher. One is set out more... Great ride....

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  Tried and true - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By LP - March 29 - 9:38 am

  Equivalent to high end luxury without the high end price tag. My car has been a gem after owning for nine years. It is still an enjoyable ride and drive.

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  It is GOOD! - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By DJ - March 29 - 7:23 am

  Great vehicle! Could have left off the ashtray--no smoking in my vehicle! Great ride, very roomy and well designed.Would like to consider the Hybrid except for the big price difference--hard to make up that much even by saving on gas at $2gal. Would highly recommend the vehicle but as with all cars the purchase process is a pain.

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  What a mileage - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Bikram - March 29 - 5:43 am

  With storage space and leg space as much as a Camry, Prius is superb car. Dont expect V6 performance, but what more do you want once you see that the average mpg is 41. excellent egronomic design, and expect questions posed to you about the car in the parking lots.