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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  The definition of Refinement - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By redneb - September 24 - 8:33 pm

  Smooth, quiet and comfortable. I have owned this car for 7 months. Previous car was a Chrysler Sebring Conv which I owned and drove for 7 years. Solara is far quieter has good interior space including trunk, nice 5-speed auto trans [although I would prefer a stick.] Confidence inspiring brakes...Toyota reliability. Good size fuel tank and excellent highway MPG of about 30.

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  2005 4Runner 4x4 - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Sean - September 24 - 2:00 pm

  A great vehicle at a great price. After much research, this was the choice for me, and no regrets! I opted for the new third row seating, and what a blessing. It is easily the nicest vehicle I have ever owned, and the build quality is like that of cars and SUVs costing thousands more. Even in SR5 trim, the thing is pretty much loaded, and the ride comfort and creature features for a 4x4 cant be beat.

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  Love my rav4 - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By palmettosweettea - September 24 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased a 2003 pre-owned RAV4 after owning a 4Runner Sport V8 for over 8 years. I loved my 4Runner and hated to sell it, but it was time to "downsize" to something smaller with better gas mileage. I couldnt be happier!! After one week, I still cant wait to drive it the next day. Its the perfect size for me and fun to drive. I love the large front windshield visibility, tight steering, and turning radius. I look forward to owning this RAV4 for a long long time!! Im a Toyota fan forever!

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  Love My Car! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By AuntieD - September 24 - 10:00 am

  Purchased our Yaris to use as a second car. What a spacious and fuel efficient car!

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  4th Avalon - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By donb - September 24 - 10:00 am

  Just picked up a new Pearl White/Ivory Limited. Traded in my 2005 XLS on it. I like almost everything about the car. Did much cross shopping with LaCrosse, Genesis and ES350. All great cars. Was down to the ES and the Avy. I went with the Avy over the ES because I felt I got more value. The 4 yr warranty and great dealership experience was basically matched by the 25,000 mi 2 yr free maintenance. The past experiences of my 3 previous Avalons was the deciding factor. I am dead center in the target audience for the Avalon and I appreciate many of the features, like clarity of instruments and displays. The car is full of goodies I am still finding. Really enjoy the improvements from 2005.

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  Great Truck! - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Corey - September 24 - 10:00 am

  First off this is the best truck I have ever owned! tons of power, room and design. who ever doesnt like this truck is simply a huge MORON!

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  Finally a fun SUV - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Tom - September 24 - 12:40 am

  Very happy with the vehicle. Great styling, superior handling for a Sport Ute, and power to impress with the V8, even sounds good! No problems so far, didnt expect any either. Very comfortable, quiet interior, AC and heat distribute nicely, great stock sound system. Could not be happier. Plenty of headroom (Im 64") as well. Combined street/Hwy mileage 19.1

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  Best bang for your buck - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By DERRICK ZOCK - September 22 - 6:00 pm

  Very firm footed, great drive, so very smooth. I have owned many cars but I must admit that this one of my best buys ever.

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  My Favorite Car Ever! - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By Clark - September 22 - 2:43 pm

  I bought this car by accident, while waiting for a Nissan 350Z to arrive at the dealer. After driving it for a week, I canceled the order on the Nissan and saved $26,000. This is a reliable, efficient and great looking design. I dread the day it no longer runs.

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  Best Vehicle I Have Ever Owned - 2013 Toyota Prius v
  By giantsfan58 - September 22 - 12:11 pm

  After driving a 2nd Gen. Prius for 6 years, I foolishly traded it in for a 2012 Kia Optima EX. After 11 months I came to my senses and traded that in for a 2013 Prius v. The v drives great, is comfortable and can haul a lot of cargo. I cant speak for the other models, but the 5 has everything I would ever want. They say MPG is 44 City and 40 Hwy, but I average 45-47 MPG per tank. You need to drive it a bit differently than a traditional gas engine car, but once you learn the technique it is easy to outpace their estimates. The sound system is fantastic and the bluetooth is crystal clear. The moon roof is a great feature. This vehicle has it all.