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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  xrs rocks - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By coogar - January 15 - 10:00 am

  this car is really fun. can be driven like a a family car or played around with. acceleration is very good when at 6,000 RPM, but moderate getting there. overall a very good package. its practical, versatile, and reliabe.

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  2005 Corolla S - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Gemini1 - January 15 - 10:00 am

  This is my second brand new Toyota, and I love it. Good handling and very roomy for a small car. True to Toyota for being "economical" on gas.

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  302K and Still Going - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By Jim - January 14 - 6:53 pm

  I purchased this car new in 1996. It was driven daily over the past 14 years. Only replaced brakes, and normal wear stuff. Just recently replaced transmission with one that had 145k miles. Just replaced both knock sensors to get the engine light off. It has been a great pleasure to drive. Just wondering if I can get it up to 400K miles. Due to the great experience Ive had with this vehicle, Ill probably buy another one when this one stops running.

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  Happy with my choice - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Kenny G - January 14 - 12:13 pm

  I could not be happier with the new Corolla. I am pleasantly surprised with the XLE trim. Here is my summary: Overall feeling: it feels like a upscale sedan with all the bell and whistles while still getting over 30 MPG. Ride: the ride is very smooth. A lot less noisy than previous models. Steering is very sensitive, perhaps a bit too much. Interior: the car is a lot more spacious than previous models. This trim looks elegant. Other features: very nice Bluetooth system, voice activated dialing, dial by number. Very good sound and XM radio. Lots of storage space. Huge trunk. I feel like I am riding in a mini-Camry.

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  New old Tundra - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By fossilfinder66 - January 14 - 10:20 am

  Because it was such a beast to park, we traded our 2004 Tundra crew cab for a new Frontier but later missed the cushy Tundra ride. Several weeks ago we purchased a 2006 Access Cab with only 12,800 miles. It has the very comfortable captains chairs with the short console. What a pleasure to take a trip in this baby. I was leary of getting the V-6 but the 5 speed automatic is programmed to work very well with this engine. Every power option works as a Toyota is expected to work. Even the back seats are large enough for small adults or grandchildren. This is a "real truck" without the bulk of other full size brands or the bounce of the smaller trucks.

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  My first Toyota - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By SoCal - January 14 - 2:53 am

  I havent had this car for long but has a smooth ride and clean spacious interior. Im not the typical demographic age for this car almost 30 with 1 child. I wanted a large ,comfortable, and safe car for road trips around the coast, mountains, and deserts. So far I love my new Avalon in Blue Mirage.

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  Great midsized sedan! - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Pete Stephenson - January 13 - 3:20 pm

  After my 1992 Mercedes 300D turbodiesel got totalled, I was in the market for a reliable, spacious midsized sedan. After much research and test-driving, I settled on the 2006 Camry LE. Ive been impressed by how quiet and smoothly it drives -- it gets eerie sometimes as it seems like youre floating rather than driving. Acceleration and pep from the 4-cylinder engine is more than adequate for my driving needs. Cloth interior feels far more luxurious than I expected. Fit, finish, and quality of all parts is excellent, as is the comfort and roominess. My familys owned Toyotas before, and weve been impressed by their durability, reliability, and safety. The 2006 Camry is no exception.

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  My car has 341000 miles - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By Myriam - January 13 - 2:13 pm

  Happy that my Corolla has 341000 miles and runs well. I absolutely love my Corolla!

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  Super Sweet 07 Camry SE V6 - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Shawyn - January 13 - 7:46 am

  I was super lucky to come across a 2007 in Super White. My Camry has the optional sunroof but doesnt have the optional JBL stereo system which looking back is definitely an option to have because of Bluetooth. I have a really long commute and the ride is awesome even with the Stiffer Sport Shocks and springs. Braking cam be improved with changing the pads and rotors, diy project coming soon. Overall this is a great purchase at $9,000 -$10,000 with 100,000 miles. The details are in the options so take great care in choosing correctly.

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  So Happy I Bought This Car! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Toni - January 13 - 12:23 am

  Initially, I looked at the 05-07 Toyota Corollas, but once I test drove the Yaris, I was impressed by the sporty and comfortable driving experience. In my search for this car, I read posts from other owners, and now I am happy to add my very favorable opinion on this car. The purchase of this car is one of my best spending decisions, and likely to be yours once you decide on the model (sport/standard), color and transmission (auto/manual). Overall, it was the multiple tests drives of this car that convinced me to buy a new Yaris instead of the used Corolla.