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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  Average SUV - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By BILL - March 25 - 10:33 pm

  Disappointed in the ride - a little rough - feel every bump in the road - not kid friendly - Toyota makes you pay extra for safety ex. side curtain air bags - not an option, its a step up to a more expensive vehicle - Ill trade this car in for a Murano soon.

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  Amazed with this vehicle - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By dcboater - March 25 - 8:23 pm

  I had 3 requirements - A/C seats, GPS, Laser Cruise Control. Laser Cruise is awesome, drivers seat cushion extension is dynamite, voice activated GPS is too cool, smart key is superb, I am averaging 31.4 mpg at 75 mph with A/C on --- can you beat that ? Plus 280 hp, 0-60 in 6.5 secs, 15.0 second 1/4 mile - UNBEATABLE. The Blizzard Pearl White with Ivory leather is absolutely gorgeous, Ive had many compliments. Compare the interior dimensions on the new Avalon with ANYTHING out there and you will be sold. The A/C seats are superb and the 260 watt JBL stereo is outstanding.

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  Best car ever - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By gabe - March 25 - 3:36 pm

  Hands down the best car I have ever owned. I wouldnt trade it for anything on the market right now. This is the smoothest, best-looking and unbelievable car out right now. I cant believe Toyota has gotten this good. If you want a car that knows how you drive and tells you how to improve it then look no further. Wow.. unbelievable! This car is the real deal for 2007. I got sick of hearing all about technology that is coming soon. What I needed was that right now. I get 37 mpg average right now. A little bit of the window sticker but I can handle that. Everyone should rush to Toyota and drive this before they decide to buy anything else.

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  We Upgraded From BMWs to the Avalon - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Joe-Fix-It - March 25 - 5:13 am

  After seven BMWs and several other German cars we got smart. No more arrogant service department and $1500 bills to fix something. We upgraded to the Avalon. A summer vacation trip with four adults and lots of luggage saw mileage range from 29 to a high 36 MPG on regular. The rear reclining seats are worth the price of admission. The Bluetooth is simple to set up and use. Best of all is the interior room and comfortable ride. We are a very tall family (Im 6 2" and the shortest one). After @18000 miles we have had NOTHING that needed fixing or adjusting

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  Cool ride - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By chip - March 25 - 1:43 am

  Wow, after owning a BMW that kept having all kinds of little annoying problems, this car fills the bill for me.

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  Really Like my New Rav4 - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Ron Hoehn - March 24 - 11:46 pm

  Good Practical Vehicle. Not Flashy. Solid.

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  Wish I stayed with Honda - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Typo - March 24 - 10:20 pm

  Disappointed after 7 months. Interior plastic trim is already breaking and seems to scuff easily. 2 major repairs (sunroof rattling & seat height adjustment would not hold). Seat is still not working correctly. Sound system not great. No rear dome light, no glove box light or lock, no lights on visor mirrors. Cloth upholstery is a dirt magnet (unless you buy Toyotas protection package). Wipers dont work when theres frost on the window, until the car warms up. I bought this to replace my gas guzzling Honda mini van. Corolla = about 30 MPG with mixed freeway and street driving which I consider very good. Wish Id stuck with Honda. Had looked at the Fit. More bang for the buck.

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  Just what I wanted - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Toyota John - March 24 - 9:13 pm

  Looked at every truck available and almost got a Honda. The Toy was not as nice but much more fun to drive. Im on the fwy every day in LA traffic and love the 6 speed, original tires have 65k and will last another 8K months, clutch is solid as the first day. Overall quality is first rate. Interior room is fine but not spacious. I am 64" and my sons are 65" and they love to drive it. Plan to buy the exact same when youngest son takes this. Toyota no longer sells a 6 speed in SoCal so Ill go out state to get one.

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  30,000 Update - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By okedoke - March 24 - 8:10 pm

  Just hit 30K. Car running strong, developed rattle in front dash, fixed by dealer. Had Toyota service per manual, plus alignment, replaced OEM tires with Fuzion HRIs. These tires make a big difference in handling, the car now sticks like never before. As of this writing, the best car I have ever owned. Avg MPG in summer 48-50, avg fall through spring 42-44. Change oil @ 10K intervals, use Mobil Full syn 15K rated oil. Oil is still pretty clean at 10K, and still shows 100% full on the dipstick as it did when filled at the last change. Engine seems nice and tight after 30K. If they keep building them this way, Ill be getting another when time is due. Solid car!!

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  Couldnt be Happier - 2000 Toyota RAV4
  By Tom & Lois - March 24 - 10:00 am

  We watched Rav from day-one. In 2000, my husband surprised me for my B-day with a RAV4L (ltd edition). I love the large windows & almost no blind spots; I sit up high enough for a birdseye view without needing a ladder to get in! I love the smaller steering wheel and it turns on a dime; park it anywhere. The mileage cant be beat for highway road trips; city isnt bad either. Seats are formed & back- supporting. Everything is at your fingertips. Its a dream to drive. I love my RAV4L, can you tell? Get metallic green!