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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  Disappointed & Frightened - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Michele W - July 20 - 11:50 pm

  When I purchased my Highlander, I told the sales rep I needed a safe, dependable car for my 6 grandchildren who I taxi almost daily. In the snow, my brakes seem to lock the front wheels after a thumping noise. I have sailed through three intersections; did a 360 spin in a roundabout doing 20mph with an inch of snow on the ground; came within a hair of hitting a utility truck in a snow filled parking lot; and have spun around while turning a corner. I live in the northeast with snow from November to March. On 1/14/10 my dealer said, "Cant find a problem and -no- snow tires are not the answer." Im afraid to have the grandchildren in the car and am now scared to drive in the snow.

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  It just keeps going - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By CVargas - July 20 - 9:26 pm

  We purchased this new and it currently has 257,000 miles on it. Recently replaced inner tire rods and thats all.

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  One of the best cars that I have owned! - 2015 Toyota Venza
  By Janice - July 20 - 6:18 pm

  I purchased a red 2014 red Venza. I had a 2010 green one prior and I only traded it because I wanted a red one and I wanted more features. The Venza handles well and is a comfortable ride. Very happy with this car and sorry to see it discontinued. If I ever replace it I probably will go back to a General Motors car. Toyota doesnt have anything else that I like. I already had a Rav4 and I like the Venza much better. I just traded the Venza for a 2017 Ford Escape Titanium. Even though I really liked the Venza I owned two and it was time for a change.

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  Wonderful car - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By ambi - July 20 - 5:40 pm

  No doubt about it, I will purchase another Avalon. This car has more comfort in the rear and front than most of the largest. Everyone who rides in the rear seat is amazed at the comfort.

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  Best, not an SUV - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By evilclown1962 - July 20 - 4:32 pm

  If you purchase the Land Cruiser for its intended use it cannot be beat. For low maintenance and off road, on road ability it cannot be beat in the long run. It is not intended to be a grocery getter. All are built in Japan and intended to last 300k miles. They are shipped all over the world for tough off road conditions. Enjoy your Cruisers. I have owned 5 throughout the years. Do your research and you will not be disappointed. Look at the vehicles diplomats are escorted in dangerous situations around the world and you will notice a large majority are the Cruisers.

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  Love this vehicle! - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Marilyn - July 20 - 3:50 pm

  This is my 5th Toyota and probably the most fun and most economical one Ive owned so far. I bought it off the lot with the options that came with it and I was very pleased that it came with more than just basic options. It is great on gas, handles very well, easy to maneuver, surprisingly great pep for a 4 cylinder, tons of cargo space and storage, very user friendly with all dash controls and love the design and the Pacific Blue metallic is a beautiful color. I love that the rear door opens to the side rather than raise like a hatch-back, it makes loading and unloading so much easier. The only complaint I have would be that it didnt come with the rearview camera.

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  A poor quality car - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By Greg - July 20 - 2:50 pm

  I bought it new. I had emission problems with it. The computer failed. All these repairs were very expensive for the parts. By 35k, the soft suspension was shot. I had to drop the suspension and go through all the bushings, and upgrade the struts. Now it handles well. I have been "wrenching" for 30+ years. This auto is not well built, relative to toyotas of years ago. Several times I have had to buy expensive, special tools to work on it. It is very hard to work on. Our 94 Accord is a better car. We have a 4+ year old xterra thats much higher quality. I have owned some good fords (ranger), two nissans now, and one Honda. I will never buy another Toyota.

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  Will it die? - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By toyotasonly - July 20 - 10:03 am

  Bought this Sienna van used a couple months ago. After driving a couple of weeks the trans started making a grinding/whining noise, (shifts okay), almost like a bad differential. I took it to a trans shop where they gave me the bad news. Trans needs to be replaced; $1,400. Oh well, Ill keep driving till it drops. So far, 4000 miles and steady as she goes. I guess the trans repair will pay for itself. Having never owned a minivan, this one is a blast. This van never lets me down when there is somewhere to go; bad trans and all! Ive never had a Toyota let me down yet; 98 Tercel, 05 Taco, 07 Yaris, 99 Sienna. Bullet-proof van, only had to do routine maintenance so far.

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  Bye Bye Explorer, Hello Quality - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Wild Weasel - July 20 - 10:00 am

  My previous two vehicles were Explorers. Each one ranks as junk next to the 4Runner. I cannot describe how much of a HUGE increase in quality this vehicle has been. I am so happy I bought this vehicle. I do not plan to ever sell it. My only complaint is that the drivers seat would go 1" lower, as I have a tall torso. But, that is not a big complaint. I would recommend this truck to anyone I like, the Explorer to anyone I dont like. I bought it now so I could order exactly what I wanted before the redesign. This has always been my favorite looking SUV, and everything else about it has fallen in line...

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  Great car - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By tonyrhino - July 20 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. It is very roomy on the inside. Smooth ride on the highway. Great JBL Stero system. I got the sport luxary package and am glad I did.