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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  Better than expected - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By CJM - March 20 - 6:33 am

  This truck is very nice. There are no rattles, this is a very SOLID truck, lots of power and torque. Sound system is crisp road noise is minimal. Plenty of room in the back of the double cab for two full sized adults (on short trips) to sit comfortably. Lots of storage compartments in the drivers compartment for stuff. I traded a 2005 Infiniti QX 56 for my Tundra, the ride is just as nice!

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  Nothing better for the money! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Russell - March 20 - 5:10 am

  We researched and test drove many cars trying to decide what to buy. The 2007 Camry stood out and we are Chevy people.The XLE has more features for the money than any car we looked at. The new styling is awesome. Gas mileage for us will be what it is rated, maybe a little better on highway on the flat open roads of West Texas if you dont put your foot in it all the time. The V6 can really move you down the road. Can blow by big trucks for passing with plenty of power to spare. Im 61" and have plenty of room. Interior is extremely quiet on the hiway. We are extremly happy to date with our 2007 XLE Camry!

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  My Baby - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Drea - March 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought his car at 5 years old with only 29,000 miles on it. I have been very happy with it in the 7 months I have owned it. True, it can be a little noisy but that has never bothered any of my conversations. I love driving a hybrid and how smooth and quiet it is on the battery. The gas is good, we get about 45 MPG. It is very roomy, my 66" brother can sit comfortably in the back seat while the people in the front have leg room too! The digital speedometer right in the drivers line of sight helps me keep my speed under control and I feel so safe in a car with side curtain airbags. Seats are fine, read some negative reviews about them but I have napped just fine on them. LOVE TOYOTA!

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  Great Value Performance Comfort - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Oscar - March 19 - 10:00 am

  We researched the purchase of our next car for 7 months. Choice was narrowed down to the Honda Crosstour, Ford Edge, Murano, Lexus RX350 and the Venza. The Venza won out for performance,Design,Comfort, and Toyota Quality. The V6 has more power than anyone would need in normal driving. I have a bad back and getting in and out of Venza by far was the most comfort. Looks ahead of it time with 20 inch tires. All in all just a great car for the $$$$$

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  Excellent vehicle for the price! - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By MOBLYW - March 19 - 10:00 am

  The 2011 Toyota Camry overall presently is the best vehicle on the market for the price when adding rebates, and I received a 2.9% interest rate from Toyota also. This vehicle has all kinds of safety features now. It has no wind noise, handles great, and is comfortable on trips. There probably are vehicles that are a dad better out there if one wants to pay again what this vehicle cost me. These camrys have always been reliable. This is my 3rd one and I have owned a lot of other brands over the years. This one I am staying with since to me it is the best priced vehicle out there for what you get in return.

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  Prius C One - The ultimate Econo-box - 2013 Toyota Prius c
  By tk1971 - March 19 - 9:57 am

  Most people see the C as a downgraded Prius. I see it as the ultimate Econo-box. Even in the basic trim (One) this car has built in bluetooth, turn signal indicators on the side mirrors, mp3/usb, a digital speedometer, and that 4" color screen chock full of information. Best part? 49-50mpg with A/C blasting in the summer and the heater blasting in the winter while driving it like a regular car (from stop & go to FWY speeds). Feels about the same as my previous car, a manual transmission Yaris Hatchback with a way more modern / techy feel and design. Price-wise, the cheapest C is comparable to the highest trims of the Yaris or Fit. Looking @ newspapers, Ive seen the One advertised for ~$17k.

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  Functional and reliable - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By dinola - March 19 - 9:53 am

  I have had many toyotas over the years and the prerunner has continued to be a reliable vehicle. It gets good gas milage for a toyota tacoma and is a safe truck to drive. I expect to have it for many years.

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  Love our new Avalon - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By coman - March 19 - 9:23 am

  We love our new Avalon. It is roomy, comfortable, quiet and smooth riding. I am apparently one of the few who like all of the new styling updates as well. Maybe that’s because at 66, I’m in their target demographic. I think it’s the best car I’ve ever owned. It’s remarkable how much power it has and yet I get 22+ mpg in town and 30+ mpg on the highway. It’s a great car for road trips.

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  Very pleased with our purchase - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Leadfoot - March 19 - 2:03 am

  My wife and I entered into the hybrid ranks on June 1, after placing our order a couple months earlier. We were the very first customer to drive off Longos lot with this third generation Prius. We fully understand the compromises one makes when driving a hybrid, with somewhat sluggish acceleration probably topping the list. With that in mind, we based our driving experience against the likes of the Honda Insight or the 09 Prius. In our opinion, Toyotas new version surpasses both, in terms of power, handling, electric/gas transition, features, quietness, and interior comfort. Toyota did it again! It will cost a couple grand more than these other hybrids, but it is well worth it.

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  2010 4runner Excellence - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By cutephil - March 18 - 8:19 pm

  This is my first Foriegn car ever and it is truly amazing. Hate to admit it but it just goes woithout any issues