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:

• 

  Avalon 04 - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Stan Mills - March 19 - 11:13 pm

  The feel and roominess are great, the noise level is very low. Handling is very good, and the ride is smooth. The power is adequate. The only item I am not happy with is the low actual milage compared with the listed average, which is 26 highway though listed at 30, and the town mileage of 20 which is not close to the 26 listed. Highway mileage at 60 mph average is 32, at 75 it is 25.

• 

  Greatly Recommend this vehicle - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By George C. - March 19 - 9:17 pm

  After driving for more than 21,000 miles I believe that it is a good vehicle. It is powerful enough on hills. It is comfortable to drive. My complaints: poor driver mirror design, you need to be careful when changing left lanes. Do not trust the mirror. Radio Preset station hard to change. Cannot check transmission oil level. It is a closed system. You need special tools to check.

• 

  225,000 miles strong! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Joan Williams - March 19 - 7:28 pm

  After 225,000 miles, it still runs like new. No noise, leaks, or oil burning. Ive only had to replace tires, battery, and timing belt (recommended every 90,000 miles). The seats are still very comfortable. There have been no other repairs.

• 

  Broken Front Coil Spring - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By sonnyjames - March 19 - 2:29 pm

  My 2006 Avalon hit a small dip in the road and the right front coil spring snapped (thankfully at the very bottom) . I removed the broken part and was disappointed to find out it is a very light weight spring and looks like & feels like it was made out of pot metal. And my Platinum Extended Warranty (that I never used and cost me an extra 1K) is over the time limit. Car has 94K and we bought it new. As far as Toyota Service goes they have been a disappointment , they try and get a person to have expensive un-needed work done on their vehicles . I will call Toyota in the A:M and plead my case. Anyone else have this happen? if not beware these coil springs are junk.

• 

  First Impressions - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By ceprise - March 19 - 8:13 am

  My wife drives 20k miles/yr on business. Shes put 90K on a Grand Marquis in 4.5 yrs. She likes my 08 Santa Fe, but wanted something more stylish with a high sitting position. She loves the Venza! High style, room of an Avalon for adult business associates and friends, space for occasional hauling projects. An Avalon wagon!

• 

  rate the best trucks - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Denise Amendola - March 18 - 9:23 pm

  I love the style and looks of the double cab...The truck is very large on the inside..lots of room

• 

  Great Vehicle! - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Tom Negri - March 18 - 4:33 am

  Fun and Easy to drive, Great Pick-up, very smooth ride.

• 

  Why buy Lexus? - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By ltjggillespie - March 18 - 2:20 am

  I had spent weeks researching different sport-luxury sedans including: TL, G35, Azera, Maxima, and ES330 but had never considered the Camry until we saw it up close and personal. This is not your fathers camry! Other than the name sake, why would I spend another $10,000 plus for an ES330. This has most of the same amenities including a 268 HP engine, similar low-depreciation, and a 440 watt sound system (which is the best factory system I have ever heard, better than TL 5.1 even). Honestly, if youre in the market for one of the above models, do yourself a favor and take a look at the Camry; I dont think you will be disappointed and youll have another $5,000 to $10,000 to spend elsewhere.

• 

  Excellent Car - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Excellent Car - March 17 - 2:43 am

  This is an exceptional vehicle from the outside styling to the inside floor plan. Easy to carry 4 big adults including height. We take our car on the road and what a wonderful way to travel, easy to carry your luggage with the seats down and a clothes rod in the back. Recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for simple, quality and a good investment.

• 

  Best Car Ive Owned - 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Jerry - March 16 - 11:20 pm

  I have had my Highlander for 11 months and have little over 12,000 miles. The car is great to drive it handles better then any if my previous SUVs (Suburban, 4 Runner, 2002 Highlander Limited). The mileage in town (all city driving) is between 23.5 to 25. There is a sweet spot for the EV at 35-40 MPH.