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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  Like the Tundra - 2014 Toyota Tundra
  By bretn - January 4 - 8:41 pm

  Overall I like the Tundra, have a 6"lift on it and it looks nice. The turning radius is not quite what I would like it to be. Like someone else said, the carpet is a little thin, which means it will wear fast, if you dont put some liners in. The back seat is the roomiest I have ever seen (the kids like it better). We have had other Toyotas and have been pleased with the overall satisfaction. The stereo could be a little better, I like my music loud and its not loud enough, though the sound is good. Power booster maybe?

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  The Best you will ever own - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Dave - January 3 - 11:33 pm

  Superb build quality, handling, braking, reliability, mileage and looks good too!

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  Watch out F-150 here comes Tacoma! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Zak - January 3 - 11:00 pm

  When I first purchased the car I was amazed at the size. Prior to purchasing I was only able to view the 4-cylinder 2 wheel drive models. Let me say that the 4-wheel drive Pre-runner V6 looks more like the size of a F-150 then anything else. The front end of this baby is intimidating. The grill looks hard and the fog lights are well placed. The skid plate on the underbody is shown off to make an amazing looking front end that anyone will be jealous over as you drive down the road. The power in this truck is very pleasing. The 245 horses under the hood give great pick up and the torque is great for getting out of any tough situation (and I mean TOUGH)

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  Loving it - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By Loving it - January 3 - 1:50 pm

  I purchased my Avalon XL new from the dealership. I picked the silver color because it looks clean when its dirty. The ride is very smooth. The interior is exceptionally quiet within the city, but the wind noise picks up on the highway and interstate. I purchased the 6yr/100,000 mile warranty with the vehicle. Toyota guaranteed if I never used the warranty I would receive a full refund at 100,000 miles. They refunded me a check for $1,187 2yrs ago. The paint still looks like new. The interior is excellent. The Avalon has enormous room. The dash forward design is genius. Ive seen the latest model and they made it with more room. This is definitely the flagship of the Toyota brand vehicles.

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  Excellent car despite all the negativity - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Scrubs220 - January 3 - 11:10 am

  I purchased my Camry about 6 months ago and I have to say that I absolutely love it. It is my first new car and after driving other comparable sedans, I think this is the smoothest family sedan at this price out there. The plush ride quality is more evident if you drive some other car after this one, and straightaway you will notice the difference. The fuel economy is great, interior is great, overall a great buy. and the 2011 is identical.

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  Camry SE V6: Fun to drive and own - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By smed1065 - January 3 - 8:33 am

  I checked out all cars in this area and found this to be the winner. Fun to drive, inexpensive insurance and can handle 5 people, if some are kids.

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  We Love Miss P! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By gustafsonjohnc - January 3 - 5:23 am

  I was skeptical when we first got Miss P. last year. I had never driven a small car and I was afraid it would not perform well on the highway. Was I wrong. She keeps up with any other car. We drove her to Florida (from Virginia) and we were able to pack plenty of luggage. Passengers have remarked how roomy and comfortable she is.

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  2007 Car of the Year - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Angie - January 2 - 10:36 am

  I bought this car because I knew it would be reliable transportation for many years. Its a great value for the money. Gets good gas mileage. Its dependable and economical, yet sporty. Interior is very nice. Controls are all in perfect spots for driving convenience.

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  Cute and dependable - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Iris - January 2 - 3:10 am

  I bought this car used in January, and I have been extremely happy with it! I can honestly say that it has exceeded my expectations. I regularly got around 38-42 mpg during the huge Cleveland snowstorms we had in February, and that was even with letting my car run idle for 10-15 minutes to heat it up and get all the snow off. The ABS was a godsend in those storms too. I love how solid and roomy it feels for an economy car. I did test drive the non "S" version, and the doors didnt feel as solid, which is what prompted me to go with the "S". I live in an apartment and have to park on the street, so its easy maneuverability and folding side mirrors are great too.

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  Classy Ride - 2013 Toyota Corolla
  By gigit - January 2 - 1:15 am

  I owned a 2011 Mazda 3, and my husband leased a 2010 4 door Yaris Sedan. We traded in the Yaris for a new lease on a Corolla. My husband now drives the 3 because its financed and not leased as he puts a ton of miles on, and because my work commute is shorter I got the Corolla. My model has a moon roof, wood trimmed interior, heated seats, and other bells & whistles. Everyone says how much better the 3 performs, but I disagree, its only a slight difference. I LOVED my 3, but I also love my Corolla. I also find the two tone beige interior of the Corolla to be nicer than the all black interior of the 3. The Corolla is a classy ride - mini Camry! The Yaris was a lousy car. Drove like a tin can