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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  I love my gutless wonder!! - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By blaisex22 - February 25 - 3:58 am

  I bought my 4Runner from a pawn shop 6 years ago at 135,000 miles. It gets crappy mileage and wont get out of its own way on the highway but for around town and off-road its awesome. Im now at 210,000 and have had only the head gasket issue. I did the head gasket myself and now Im off and running again.

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  I love my Avalon! - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By pennyj - February 24 - 7:49 pm

  I have not had my Avalon too long, but for the time I have had it...I adore it. I have had many other cars, from Ford to Buick to Chevy, etc. I am in love with this car. It drives like a dream. I slammed on the brakes in the rain and it stopped on a dime. If I were in my van I used to have or my truck...I would have wrecked my car. I am so satisfied, I cant believe it.

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  Love car. Not happy with dealership - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By Alice - February 24 - 6:30 pm

  I have had the blindspot monitors go out twice now and have only had the car 2 years. I specifically got this feature because I have loss of range of motion of my neck due to surgery. Now the dealer is unable to fix. Did not even call to tell me before I picked up. Has any one else had problems with their blind spot monitors?

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  Great SUV - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By ck_b2001 - February 24 - 6:26 pm

  Great SUV, Lots of power. Acceptable fuel economy. Lots of space. Handles like car. Great engine and transmission. Lots of std features. Build quality looks solid.

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  Not a vega - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By jack - February 24 - 5:46 pm

  Totally surprised with the snap that this 4 cylinder engine has. Wife feels very safe in this car; have been in pickups the past 10 yrs and ready to downsize. Toyota quality and reliability brought me to the car; retiring next year and this is the sensible solution to fuel economy for a non hybrid. Plenty of nooks and crannies to put things, net assembly and cargo cover have out of the way place for storing. This car gets there now, no problem getting up to and over speed limits; runs so quite and handles so well you can be up to 80 mph before you realize it. Im a big guy and the driver side is roomy and comfortable, selected the liqui-cell leather seats for my disabled lower back.

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  My first Car - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By mary kate smith - February 24 - 5:05 pm

  2007 RAV4 was the first car I ever owned! And I loved it, Im sad to say that I totaled it after three years. I never had any problems with it at all, I put one set of new tires on it and had oil changes and that was it. Comfortable, spacious, good turn radius, decent gas milage and cute. Just dont t-bone a blue mustang and it should last you a really long time like most toyotas.

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  My 05 Prius (3 Months & 800 Miles) - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Al Abanes - February 24 - 4:30 pm

  Not to picky on color, top notch finances got our Prius sooner. Zips through traffic, turn radius good, and easy to park. Urban, rural (2 lane hilly) and interstate milage 45-50 mpg. Cruise control good but goes out of range on down hills at times. Climate control excellent. Voice command system ok. Repeat commands necessary at times. Nav system usually gets you from point "A" to "B" but not necessarily by the shortest, safest route. Use common sense when traveling or planning route. Back seat uncomfortable on long trips. Front seat VG. Interior material will dirty up fast and cost in trade-in value. Prefer leather. Side air bags prevent use of full seat covers. I will buy another Prius.

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  2 problems, engine noise and battery problem - 2009 Toyota Avalon
  By bigmac5 - February 24 - 3:00 pm

  Over all, good car. When started in the morning and accelerating up the hill where I live, makes a sound like the old valve lifter lash before hydraulic valve lifters. 2nd problem is the starter would not rotate when first pushing starter button, but did on susequent trys. Found 1/2 x 2 inch corosion under the cover on the positive post of the battery and cable. Toyota replaced altenator with rebult one and replaced cable connector. Similiar problem about 3 weeks later. Replaced termial connector again. 3 weeks later now and begining to corrode again.

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  Exactly as Described! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Dave T. - February 24 - 11:33 am

  Everything on this vehicle works, fits & functions perfectly. No rattles wind noises etc. etc. The vehicle is the perfect suv in its class IMHO. I couldnt be happier in my choice to select this vehicle!

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  Try It - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By PC Charger - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Traded Infinity G20 for Avalon. At the outset, felt the difference, in the ride, entrance and exit factors, comfort, accommodations, fuel efficiency was even better than the G20. The interior of the cabin and the trunk space was tremendous. May not be the best in outward looks, but I dont think any one would steal this car. Try it, you might like it and buy it.