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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  Teen Offroader - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Jacob - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Overall this vehicle is great. When I first test drove one I expected it to have a bouncy ride and be bad in the corners. Prior to this vehicle I had a 1999 Land Rover Discovery and it took corners horribly. Now the Fj takes the corners like its a car. The back-up sensors are great due to poor visibility in the back. I bought the car with 80,000 miles on it and it still feels like its a brand new car. The only thing it doesnt have that my Land Rover had was luxury, but if you want luxury thats what the Land Cruiser is for. Ive had no problems at all and probably wont ever. Pulling loads is a breeze with the powerful V6. It easily pulls my two wave runners. Perfect affordable offroader.

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  A home run! - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By Neil - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned and run a BMW shop for 33 yrs. but for many reasons my last several new cars have been been Toyotas, three of which have been Avalons (02XL,05Touring,11Limited). After 5 years of owning the 05, I looked extensively at alternate brands, but decided on the 11. Toyota changed it just enough for me not to feel it to be a clone of the 05(which Ive kept). Beautiful inside and out, excellent assembly, up to a calculated 33/34 hwy MPG (on 87 octane), as fast as an 86 Buick Grand National muscle car I bought new way back when, tomb- like interior quietness, reliable track record, JBL, very competitive pricing. Wow, whats not to like?! Best "full" size sedan value on earth.

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  Lexus Beware! - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By Charles Cohen - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Being in the tire business and an auto enthusiast, I was skeptical at first as I had looked at a Lexus product also. This car has a smooth ride, amazing back seat room, a powerful engine and just delivered an amazing 32.1 MPG on a recent interstate drive. This auto is a "well kept" secret that needs to be unleashed on the automobile public who enjoy a smooth ride, volumes of interior room, etc. and is competitive with Lexus in value and features!

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  Excellent Quality - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jake - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving the 2011 4Runner for about a week now and every single time I hop in, I like it even more. The ride is smooth, even over not so favorable roads (Dirt/Sand/Holes). I have been averaging about 19.8 MPG mixed driving. The engine puts out a lot of power for a V-6. By the way, I tried the pathfinder, pilot, and a couple of crossovers and this 4runner blows them out of the water. Toyota did a great job on this model.

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  Trip Mileage - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Lou - August 30 - 6:00 am

  I recently came off a trip and the mileage I got with my Toyota Matrix was 40 mpg going and 41 mpg returning. Its no bull. I couldnt believe it myself. I never drove over 62 mph; used cruise control; and I was the only person in the car. The car operated flawlessly. Im 73 and this is probably the best vehicle I have ever owned. I have owned many.

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  2006 TRD Sport 4x2 DlbCab SB - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By texastacoma2006 - August 29 - 1:16 pm

  I love my Tacoma. It is excellent truck. I researched all mid-size trucks and test drove every model out there. I have owned 4 Toyota sedans, but was open minded to other manufactures. I narrowed it down to Nissan or Toyota, b/c Chevy, Ford, Dodge dont compare. Nissan Frontier was comparable, but didnt like the interior, or the sales tactics of the dealer. Toyota brought everything together in a nice package. I bought the TRD Sport 4x2 but wish I would have got the 4x4 since I off road a lot more than I thought I would, next time. The borla exhaust and high flow intake that came with the TRD package REALLy makes a big difference, +20hp, making it sound cool and haul balls.

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  Value Captures Performance - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Bob - August 29 - 11:10 am

  Have owned an 01 Avalon, 02 Camry, and 06 Avalon w/ highest regard for my purchases and vehicle performances. Purchased 07 Corolla 3 weeks ago. The Corolla fits into the same value and performance as those Toyos of previous. Clearly not a sports car. Clearly not the most vivacious exterior. Clearly not my 06 Avalon. However, this vehicle matches my travel needs extremely well. My auto tran is delivering 36 mpg with a quiet and smooth ride. I drive 700 miles per week for business, and this vehicle exceeds expectations for travel and value. I highly recommend the 07 Corolla to anyone in need of a driving machine that delivers and keeps you driving vs. in service shops.

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  98 Avalon is the greatest car! - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By steel magnolia - August 29 - 10:16 am

  90,000 of the 121,000 miles on my Avalon are highway and interstate miles, driving from Illinois to Tennessee to care for my ill father, and to SC to build a house. Also drove across the counry horizontally twice. Never a problem! This is a fabulous car--feels like it will go another 121,000 miles easily. The comfort has my Lexus owning friends envious. The AC is the best on any car and keeps a black car with black interios cold in August in South Carolina, with no tinting on the windows. All I do is take it to the dealership for each major service. Gets 32 mpg hwy.

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  I love it! - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Tim - August 29 - 8:23 am

  This vehicle is beyond wonderful. I highly recommend purchasing one before the 2007 hit the market. I look forward to using it for camping with the family!

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  My Sequoia - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Arvella - August 29 - 12:36 am

  My Sequoia is wonderful. I purchased it in April 2006 and it had 36,000 miles on it. I have had to pay only for oil changes. I rotate the tires every other oil change. I now have 83k miles and I have purchased a battery. I will purchase tires this winter for the first time. Gas is expensive. When you drive a V8 gas is expensive. You can not purchase a more reliable SUV. You get what you pay for. It rolls on the freeway like ice. It is smooth. If you like heavy vehicles this is the truck for you. Its very classy and stylish. I have five children and we ride very comfortable. So do all of your research when you are getting ready to purchase a SUV. You will be satisfied with a Sequoia.