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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  Sharp Truck! - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By TMac - September 24 - 4:16 am

  This is my first truck and I love it. My last car was a 2-seater convertible and decided to go the opposite direction this time. The Tacoma has exceeded my expectations on almost everything. Toyotas design outranks all competitors and the performance is great. Plus you can trust that Toyota reliability. A+++

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  My New Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jeff - September 23 - 11:26 pm

  I bought this car several weeks ago. I check other economy cars, and found the Yaris to offer the most in comfort and drive. The cup holders are not good, they are not where they belong, but the rest of the car, fit and finish and drive is suberb for a tiny car.

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  The more I drive it, the more I like it. - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Al - September 23 - 10:06 pm

  I originally planned to get a used Camry or Accord but found that vehicles 2 years old with 40-60k miles cost more than my new Yaris. When I first saw the Yaris I almost laughed as I am 64" and I thought "No way will this work". I got in and was quite surprised at the room for my legs and head. I also had tried out a Scion HD and my head was touching the ceiling. And to be honest, I really liked the Honda Fit....but not for $3,000 more. First tank I got 37 mpg and I have had it a month now and have filled up twice. Dont miss the weekly visits to the gas station. The manual trans is smooth and fun and the center instrument panel and controls are just fine. No regrets!

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  A Bentley couldnt make me more proud - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Lou - September 23 - 5:03 pm

  We took possession of our Avalon LXS on 11/30/05. We have always owned Buicks but did not care for the exterior look of their new cars. We saw an 05 Avalon in a parking lot and both the exterior and interior blew us away and we knew this would be our next new car. We absolutely love this car and if we had any criticism it would be that the ride is not as smooth as my 1997 Buick Century.

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  My First Toyota is Great - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By M Gamble - September 23 - 12:13 pm

  38.9 MPG. Do I need to say anything else? I travel 30,000 highway miles annually and since purchasing the 2009 in July of 2008, the LE is providing great fuel economy, reliability, technology and above average comfort. The only design flaw is the lack of proper location of arm rests for the drivers seat. This really comes in play on the highway; not as much in the city. Suggestion: If you log the high miles, purchase the bumper-to-bumper package. For the additional $700.00 it will pay itself off in the off-chance this Toyota has a major mechanical failure. Signed Satisfied Toyota Owner

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  My 2006 Toyota Corolla CE w/ Man. Trans. - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Dean - September 23 - 10:30 am

  This is a very nice compact car. It is small, but rides nice. Its easy to park in tight places and will fit in any garage. It is easy to drive. For a small engine, it does have some pep. I would recommend this car as excellent transportation for those who are not large people, want the best car for the money, and those who want a car that will last them for many years without trouble.

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  great car - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By pphill - September 23 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle for comfort, power and economy. Performs well in mountains without downshifting on upgrades. Drives like a sportscar with flat, sure tracking and cornering. Maintenance is negligible and at 132,000 it still does not use any oil but has a very, very minor oil drip (probably from a valve cover gasket).

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  This vehicle saved my life - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By CEOCAOCEO - September 23 - 10:00 am

  I was hit by an out-of-control Explorer doing 80 mph. It slammed my Sequoia into a water-filled ditch and we hit the guard rail sideways. I was going 70mph and the Sequoia did not roll or falter. It truly saved me and my daughter. I will never own anything else.

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  LOVE MY SOLARA! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By AMERICAN ESCROW - September 23 - 10:00 am

  THIS CAR IS LIKE STEPPING INTO A FANCY AND CLASSY HOTEL-IT IS QUIET, SLEEK AND SPORTY. WENT TO BUY A RAV4 AND WALKED AROUND THE LOT TO LOOK AT OTHER VEHICLES AND TEST DROVE EVERYTHING. THIS WAS THE LAST SOLARA AND I SAT IN IT AND IMMEDIATELY KNEW THAT I WOULD BE TAKING IT HOME. DROVE IT UP TO THE DEALER DOOR AND TOLD THEM TO WRITE IT UP. I LOVE MY TOYOTA SOLARA!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Good but not Great - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By TampaFlorida - September 23 - 10:00 am

  Overall, its a good car. It seems to appeal to the older crowd from what I noticed. Not very exciting to drive and it doesnt turn heads. TV tends to make it look more exciting than it really is. Gets pricey when fully loaded. None the less, its a good car. One major problem on my car. The sunroof binds and makes horrible noises. This is not at all what youd expect from a Toyota! Ive made 4 visits (going on 5)to the Dealership over the last 6 months to have this problem fixed. The frequent visits are mostly due to an incompetent dealership. Very dissapointing. Ive gotten to know the Courtesy Driver very well. That cant be a good thing?