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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  Just O.K. at best - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By jbradabadowski - September 22 - 10:46 pm

  My 2004 Sequioa with 130,000 miles isnt that great when compared to my 2003 Tahoe with 258,000. When comparing the two, the Sequioa isnt nearly as powerful, fuel economy isnt as good, and the towing capacity pales in comparison. The Sequioa doesnt ride or drive as well as the Tahoe. Many of the plastic pieces are falling of of the Sequioa, but I guess the worst thing for me is the drivers seat. If you are over 6 feet tall with long legs then you can forget about being comfortable while driving because the seat will not move back far enough. I will definitely buy the Chevy Tahoe again. Its a great truck. The Sequioa, I doubt that Ill ever buy another.

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  Adult-Sized Slot Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Lou & Sue - September 22 - 8:33 pm

  We now have 600+ miles on our loaded liftback. Both wife and I are impressed with its comfort, handling and design. We have mostly stick-shift cars over last 35 yrs, including 3 ALFAS & a Ford Fiesta. This car is similar to the Fiesta, and gets thru the turns as good as the Alfas, maybe better. Have not pushed the engine or brakes yet, but appears they will do quite well. Only 1/2 way thru 2nd tank of gas; got 35.5 MPG on first tank. It gets lots of looks on the road.

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  Excellent Changes - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Bears - September 22 - 8:40 am

  Handles and responds like a car, but has the feel of an SUV. Great to drive.

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  VERY Good - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Jenny - September 22 - 4:53 am

  I bought my SUV in 2005. It has no problem at all. I read other consumers comments about tires. My SUV did not replace tires until 56k miles. Right now its 99k and havent replaced 2nd tires yet. The condition is very good. Interior is very comfortable and spacious. I really love it so much.

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  Love my Toyota Highlander!!! - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Wiola Aniello - September 22 - 3:10 am

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  I luv my FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By mom04084 - September 21 - 8:50 pm

  I luv my FJ! I traded a fully loaded 03 yukon for this vehicle and cannot say I have any regrets so far. I love that this truck really can do all it advertises and still get me to work. I get looks for all around. I am hoping to get this paid off and rack up 300,000 miles!!

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  Better than my Caddy - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Guyaurora - September 21 - 7:03 pm

  I replaced a 2002 DTS with this Avalon Limited. It is light years ahead of the caddy. Ride,detail, handling. I have everything except nav because I use a portable GPS. The laser cruise control is awesome once you get use to it. I will have the body side molding installed once Toyota finds a new vendor. We also own a 2002 Highlander and Toyota quality and service cannot be matched. This is the best value on the road for a quality full size vehicle. I have driven the lexus and aside from expensive options this car is as good as if not better than the Lexus. I also love the fact I dont have to carry my keys only the fob to open and start the car.

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  The VW that VW couldnt build - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By al taloma - September 21 - 3:50 pm

  The misunderstood Echo. If one compares the Echo with, say, a 69 VW Bug, its reason for being becomes obvious. Its an old bug, with twice the horsepower, much quieter, easier to drive, air conditioning, twice the fuel economy, but with almost all the features we grew to love in the Bug. Toyota saw the market, and went for it. Funny looking, yes, even cute, cept its a mouse, not a bug. Goes like stink, fun to drive. Mileage around 40+, 43-47 if you featherfoot. Comfortable. Lots of cubbys. A joy to commute in. Does everything the bugs did, and more. No wonder most who own them love them. And yes, many people give them names. Mines "Dinky". Shes a joy.

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  Best car ever - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By Shanna - September 21 - 2:46 pm

  I bought a used 4Runner with 34k miles and was the best decision I ever made. This car required absolutely no maintenance other than oil changes. The cargo space was great. It was fun to drive and the safest SUV in its class. The 4Runner saved my fathers and my life when we hit a rough patch of interstate and I lost control and collided with an 18-wheeler. The crumple zones and side impact beams saved us, as the safety features performed exactly as they were supposed to. I am thankful for having paid a little more to get such a quality vehicle. I recommend this car hands down to anyone considering a mid-size SUV.

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  CrewMax hits a homerun - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By mlj283 - September 21 - 11:00 am

  Tundra finally hit a home run with the 2007 with the 5.7L/6AT Limited model. I spent the extra $$ to get this package (along with the Nav. and 20" wheels) and have not regretted it in the least. The drivetrain on this 2007 Tundra is perhaps the finest combo ever put into a production model pickup. The advertised 16/20 mpg is accurate unless you have a heavy foot, and the cabin quietness is Lexus-like. 40 grand is a steep price for a half- ton pickup but anyone in the market for a high-end truck would be crazy not to go to your local Toyota dealership and test drive a Tundra.