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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  Best Sedan on the Road - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Mecedes Guy - June 26 - 6:30 am

  I have driven Mercedes S class cars for 20 years. When I test drove the new Avalon Limited I immediately said "I gotta have this car!". It is the largest, smoothest, most technologically advanced car I have ever driven. No, it wont impress those who want certain labels on the front of a car, but it will certainly impress the anyone sitting inside of it. And one more thing, I took the 40 grand that I saved and bought another car with it!

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  its great - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By siennaowner - June 26 - 5:33 am

  i love this avn its good for all soccer moms if you have to drive your kids to soccer youll love this vehicle

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  Wow! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Gus - June 26 - 4:53 am

  I have owned BMWs, Mercedes, VWs and Hondas. This car far surpasses them all in value.

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  Thanks Toyota - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By ronnie - June 26 - 4:43 am

  This is the second tundra that I have owned. The upgrades on this one are great. I love the horse power and the transmission. I get an average of 17.5 mpg thats great for this size engine. The ride and comfort is also great. I looked at the Ford and Chevrolet before I purchased the tundra. I liked the tundra better.

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  Beyond all expectations! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By EricH - June 25 - 5:00 pm

  I am coming from a 2001 Grand Am GT which I had purchased new in 2001. THe difference between the cars is night and day. Everything in the Camry has a sense of refinement and quality. The noise and road isolation is awesome, but the car still handles wonderfully. The Camrys acceleration with the 4cylinder is still great, even compared to the near 200hp Grand Am. I would highly recommend this car to everyone I know (if you like sporty, perhaps check out the Camry SE). I will definitely be buying another Camry in the future when I want to replace this one. I cant stop raving about this car!

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  Our first luxury car - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Bernie - June 25 - 10:46 am

  This was a stepup for us. We were very impressed with the reviews and the styling, but skeptical about the gas mileage. Wow! The gas mileage has been better than expected. We have yet to get below 24 mpg. And with my wife driving, we got 31 mpg on a longer trip. Comfort and space are excellent, as is the power and acceleration. We are really enjoying the navigation system, it has really come in handy, especially when you are in an unfamiliar city. We are ready for the first oil change (3750 miles) and we will have to see if all things remain the same after a year of ownership.

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  review of 2002 avalon xls - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By joyce - June 25 - 10:00 am

  stopped by dealership on the way to test drive a mazda. the toyota avalon ride was so superior that we went right back and purchased the 2002 avalon xls. the last new car we bought was in 1989. we keep a car forever. my husband says i still have a silly grin on my face when i drive!!!! i dont care for the lower front. i have to be careful when parking while facing a curb so that i dont hit. it isnt always high enough to clear.

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  GREAT CAR - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By kamal - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Toyota has lived up to my expectation. I did two month long research and compared with nissan, honda, and other manufacturers. I settled with toyota because I have been driving toyota since 1998. Tried GM and Ford buty had to take severe financial hardship due to repair costs. Only problem I had with this corolla is that the driver sit cannot be adjusted higher or lower. other than that this is a great car.

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  Exceptional Stationwagon - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By LH - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Traded a Mercedes ML320. Mercedes is probably more capable off road, but Highlander is quieter, more comforable, and just easier to live with every day.

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  Reliable, reliable, reliable. And comfy. - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By joe_kickass - June 25 - 1:02 am

  The best vehicle Ive ever owned. Smooth, powerful, comfortable, and above all else, RELIABLE. Quietest cab Ive ever ridden in. Ive got 114,00 miles on this 8 year-old truck, some of which have been very hard miles. Like 2 yards of concrete in the bed kind of hard. (Ive got air springs in the back, increasing payload and improving handling). Theres not even a rattle in the cab after 8 years. Tight as a drum. This thing has never needed anything more than standard maintenance. Ford, GM, and Dodge can say they have the better rig, but read the comments on those used trucks on this very website. You wont want anything but a Tundra when you do. Unless youre a dumb redneck.