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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  2001 Toyota Avalon XL - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By mdp - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Car seems to want to hydroplane in heavy rain. Battery had to be replaced at 10,000 miles. Dealership had to order some parts for car and they took a long time to come in. Dealership said parts were out of stock at supplier. Smooth ride and no rattles. Excellent gas milage. Car does not have pick up like my 1989 Acura Legend when I accelerate to pass. Exterior paint job does not seem to be equal to Acura. Overall very pleased with car.

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  We love our Truck! - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By toddfish14 - July 20 - 10:00 am

  My husband wanted a truck to help with his construction business. I wanted a second family car. The Toyota Tundra meets both our needs. He uses the truck to carry equipment. We use the truck for home improvement projects and shopping trips. We had a Jeep that I was not comfortable driving. However, I feel very comfortable driving the truck. Sometimes, when I can sneak it away from him...I get to take it to work!

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  My Sequioa - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Aida - July 20 - 10:00 am

  We absolutely love this car. It drives great and the seating is wonderfull. We can pack up our kids and friends and be on the move. A couple frustrating things about the vehicle is the long reach from the driver to the console. The CD, radio and A/C buttons seem so faraway. I am 55 and have to physically move forward to reach the controls. The other, is how awful the stereo system is. The sound is awfull... do something about this Toyota. We would more than likely buy another Sequoia but those will be the little things we look at. Overall, it is a great car. Love it, Love it, Love it....

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  NewSUV - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By SUV4ME - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Overall good reliable SUV. Smoother ride than my wifes Expedition. Handles road well. Very roomy interior with comfortable seating. Pleased with basic performance, however disappointed with quality of leather and carpeting. Sound system mediocre. For 40K price tag, features are somewhat of a disappointment.

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  Awesome Truck - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By resq173 - July 20 - 10:00 am

  I love my truck.............not one problem right out of the dealer.....runs like a top.

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  Truck or Car - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By ravenjred - July 20 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 2 previous toyotas and loved them both. I had to get out of my Solara due to back problems. When I first drove the highlander I couldnt tell that I was in a truck, it drove so much like a car. I have had the highlander since November and I absolutely love it. It is worth the extra money for the limited, it looks alot nicer and I love the leather. It drives much nicer than the 4-runner and since it is built on a Lexus chassis, it is great for my back. There is nothing I dont love about this truck. Outstanding value, superb ride and Toyota quality. I would buy another one tomorrow.

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  Difficult to get past the issues - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By JMLEW70 - July 20 - 9:56 am

  I bought my 2007 Camry in Aug 2007 and it seems like I am having issues with reliability. The transmission is "driving" me crazy. It shifts erratically between gears and it stays in a lower gear when it should be shifting to a higher gear. Hesitation during acceleration is a problem. While the transmission is downshifting you can feel it thumping through the gears and an audible banging sound can be heard coming from the trans. The dealership said there was nothing wrong. The radio display has gone dark on me. After tapping the dash directly over the radio it comes back on. I even had a problem with the horn sounding when the headlights were switched on. None of these issues are resolved.

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  A Fun and Fantastic Ride! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Psykew - July 20 - 8:06 am

  Bought this car for both fun and family. All in all it has worked out perfectly. I thought it might be a little difficult getting an infant seat out of the back doors but I can do it even without adjusting the front seats. It gets up and goes with the slightest pressure on the gas pedal which makes it great if you have to zoom past someone to exit the freeway. Interior is really wide and you have a ton of headroom. Suspension rides like a dream. I take this crawling every other weekend and it takes every bump with ease.

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  06 Tacoma 4x4 Double Cab LB - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By ED - July 19 - 7:16 pm

  I received the truck with 8 miles and now I have 1100 miles. The quality is as expected-Great and Dependable. Which were the reasons for its purchase. Power is adequate but somewhat dissapointing in what I thought it would be. Gas mileage is between 18-19mpg. Rather plain inside, no thrill or gadgets which is OK. Truck is a lot larger than pre- 05. Very similar to the Tundra in size. Love the composite bed and the 4 doors are so handy. So far the truck has been wonderful..glad I bought the Tacoma. Toyota makes a great vehicle.

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  Fun and reliable - 2015 Toyota Corolla
  By Miss - July 19 - 6:21 pm

  I recently traded in my Hyundai Tucson for a 2015 Corolla LE. The ride and features are far better. The Hyundai looks nice but in comparison to Toyotas they look and feel so cheap especially from the inside. The Corolla has lots of leg room in the front and back. The Corolla accelerates smoothly and maintains speed. On the highway, I have been getting over 40 mpg and when on cruise control its even higher. I love this car. The controls on the steering wheel are easy to use for changing radio stations and I really like the car screen that allows you to see exactly your mpg at the time. It handles curves really nice even at higher speeds. The ride is smoother and quiter than the Tucson . I know its not a luxury car but it does feel like it. The quality is outstanding. I was looking for a safe and reliable car to get to and from school and something safe for my 6 year old and I. I really love it and I cant say that enough!