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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  Best Kept Secret - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Mike Sloan - March 22 - 8:40 pm

  This car doesnt get the fanfare that it should. Absolutely the best car under $40k and just as good as most cars in the $50k range. From the roomy interior to the vast technology, this car continues to impress while providing the prestige that I look for (without being gaudy). Im having a difficult time keeping my wife out of my Avalon, and she drives a Lexus!

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  We Love Our Venza - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By John & Luanne - March 22 - 10:33 am

  This vehicle is Great! Love the looks, features, ride, and versatility. We bought the V6 and love the power vs gas mileage. We averaged 22 mpg over the first 7k. The dealership has been a pleasure from the start. "Great Deal"! Very roomy and comfortable interior. The leather is a great option. We use the power tailgate much more than I imagined. Keyless option also a must, we love it! The only complaint we have is the very slow to move front power seat. I am 6, and my wife 5. Much adjustment necessary when we switch. Memory seats would really help! We looked at other crossovers, and we still believe the Venza is without a doubt the best looking, and best value in its class.

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  Toyota 4runner - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jim Broker - March 22 - 8:23 am

  The Toyota 4runner is a fine SUV. When I took delivery of the 4Runner the very first thing I noticed was how smooth and quiet the ride was it was something I didnt expect. Second is the comfort you seem to melt into the seat and I have the manual adjust seats. The sound system I have is outstanding. it has surround sound - man is it the best. Ive talked to a lot of owners of other SUVs and the toyota stands out because of all the creature comforts. So I rate the 4runner high because its hard to beat

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  Yaris S 18 Wheels - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By barja2008 - March 22 - 6:30 am

  Great car for the money. The upgraded interior and exterior in the S package was worth the extra money. My car gets a lot of looks especially with the 18 wheels. I was getting 38 mpg with the stock wheels, after the 18 wheels were installed the car dropped to 33 mpg. I am ok with the difference because i was driving a 97 4x4 4runner that was getting 16mpg before the Yaris.

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  Mini Luxury Sedan - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Kevin - March 22 - 5:50 am

  Traded in a 1997.5 Infiniti J30 on this car, and so Im dealing with culture shock. Nonetheless, so far, Ive been impressed with the car. The quality of materials is excellent overall, and the car has a luxury-car feel even though its a compact, high-mpg commuter car. Handling is a little mushy in turns, but that might be related to the Goodyear Integrity tires, not the suspension. Road and wind noise are surprisingly low, and engine noise while cruising is also generally low. Ive averaged about 30 mpg in mixed driving. Trunk space is excellent for a car of this size, and interior comfort is high. Lack of standard ABS and side air bags is disappointing, given the competition.

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  Great Truck - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Keith - March 22 - 2:56 am

  This is the first Toyota I ahve owned. 4x4 V6 5spd that get 19.5 mpg and 21 on the highway. The ride is what you expect from 4wd - upgrade shocks asap. Interior is a little utilitarian - not much fluff, but gets the job done. Most reliable truck I have owned and I am 2nd owner. Get the v6 for any trailering - pulled 4900 trailer with draw tight no problem. I pull boat almost weekly with no problem

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  Great Truck - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Keith - March 22 - 2:56 am

  This is the first Toyota I ahve owned. 4x4 V6 5spd that get 19.5 mpg and 21 on the highway. The ride is what you expect from 4wd - upgrade shocks asap. Interior is a little utilitarian - not much fluff, but gets the job done. Most reliable truck I have owned and I am 2nd owner. Get the v6 for any trailering - pulled 4900 trailer with draw tight no problem. I pull boat almost weekly with no problem

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  Best small SUV - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Fabb - March 22 - 12:33 am

  Best small SUV, Rav4 is easy to park, fun to drive, nice interior I loved the trunk space.

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  Great so far - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By RB - March 21 - 10:00 pm

  Prior car was a mid-size SUV. Absolutely no problem with the difference in size.The Prius has plenty of pep, is comfortable and handles extremely well.Do not feel that I am in a small car. I do mostly "city" driving and have been getting 40 plus mpg! Looking out the back window takes some time to get accustomed to.

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  Got Game - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By BIG D - March 21 - 10:33 am

  No doubt about the Echo, its GOT GAME !! The car has guts, its a lot of fun to drive in the city, easy on the pocket book, and comfortable for a 63 soccer coach. I strongly recommend this car its solid, safe, and sexy. Ok forget the sexy... but you wont regret the decision.