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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  I Love My 4-Runner - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By Bob B - October 19 - 7:26 am

  This has been my 3rd 4-Runner, and the best of the best. I have over 70,000 miles on it and have found nothing wrong. It gets used off road a fair amount and it still as tight as if it were new. One thing I have found about 4-Runners, they are very sensitive to kind of off road tires and vibrations caused by some tread designs.

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  An Example Of Quantity Not Quality - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Al - October 18 - 9:00 pm

  Tremendously powerful engine! Beautifully designed spacious interior is a work of art outclassing many expensive luxury cars. Exterior shape is sophisticated with character and has "presence" on the road. The slip, slide and bang transmission is totally inadequate. It is hesitant, confused and has sloppy throttle response making the Avalon difficult and clumsy to drive in traffic. Build quality is very, very poor. Many maddening rattles, creaks and noises emerge from every direction. Paint blobs in many places. This is not acceptable for a car in this price range. What happened to “Toyota Quality”? More road noise and harsher ride than previous model. Engine has valvetrain noise.

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  Some good, improvement possible - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By toy yoda - October 18 - 2:40 pm

  This is in no way a bad review. I love this vehicle and know exactly why I choose the 4 cyl but I think Toyota could have done a better job with the pep of the engine. This is not a vehicle I would use to make quick moves with on the highway. I am 64" with very long legs and I fit in this thing like a KING! The roominess is my favorite feature. Im a young guy (23) who is REALLY into technology and even I had to read the manual; they could have made the bluetooth setup a bit easier but its not bad overall. I think I may take mine in to have the dash looked at. Seems to be not set properly and the side airbag compartment isnt fit properly.

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  Fun Car - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Dave - October 18 - 10:20 am

  The FJ is a fun and relatively comfortable car. The only complaints are rear window visibility and height. With the optional roof rack, the car stands approximately 63" tall, which doesnt fit into some garages.

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  greatest car ever owned - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Larry Ketcham - October 18 - 9:29 am

  new tires 210000 miles

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  This car just wont quit - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By ECHOdriver - October 18 - 8:13 am

  I bought my Echo, as a new car, 6 years ago. I drive 80 miles to work, 160 round trip, 6 days a week. 50,000 per year. I have logged 300,000 miles on this car. Fuel mileage is awesome. 43 in the summer, 40 in the spring and fall, 38 in the winter when its below zero. Very few repairs. Rear shocks and O2 sensor at 100,000 miles. Front brake pads at 220,000 miles. Left front wheel bearing at 260,000 miles. These are the only repairs Ive had. Still has original struts, rear brakes, etc. I am comfortable in this car. The drivers seat is worn out, but still, 3 hours a day in my Echo and I can honestly say the car is comfortable. This car still drives great. No squeaks or rattles.

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  Almost perfect - 1997 Toyota T100
  By bob - October 18 - 8:00 am

  Ive owned this T100 for 8 years and have had not problems to speak of. I live in the mountains in Colorado with snow on the ground 6 months of the year. The 4 wheel drive works much better than the American work vehicles that I drive. It now has 225,000 miles on it and it runs and looks great. I would definitely buy another T100 if they offered at V8 version. My next truck will be a Tundra with a V8.

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  Buy Toyota - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By craig - October 18 - 7:56 am

  I put 145,000 on the truck and I bought it used. Ive done nothing to it but general maintenance. You cant go wrong with a Tacoma, its my second Toyota and I will be buying a third after I put 200k on this one.

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  Best Bang For Your Buck - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By ladydriver123 - October 18 - 2:26 am

  I bought my Highlander Limited recently after 4 months of looking and test driving lots other vehicles. Compared to the Lexus RX, Acura MDX, Lincoln MKX, BMW X3, MB ML350, and Infiniti FX and EX 35, my Highlander blows them away! Standard equipment includes: back up camera, rear seat change up into captains chairs, easy to read controls, AC & heat controls for the rear passengers, lots of HP, loads of trunk space (w/ 3rd seat down) and regular gas. The Blizzard Pearl color (w/gray interior) is gorgeous, and the ride is as smooth as my husbands RX 350! This car gives you a much better bang for your buck, is good to look at, and is in a class by itself. Try it, you wont be disappointed.

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  2000 RAV4 Needed Some Tweaking - 2000 Toyota RAV4
  By Betty - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Overall, this is a very good suv. But, when I bought it brand new, the drivers side mirror was distorted and had to be replaced. The gas gauge never accurately revealed the full capacity or empty capacity, even after warranty repair. The cruise control shows problems of racing rpms and engages in a jerking acceleration without warning. And as others mention, it lacks good starting acceleration. And, I couldnt believe that I had to replace the emblems for rusting