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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  2005 Corolla S - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Gemini1 - January 15 - 10:00 am

  This is my second brand new Toyota, and I love it. Good handling and very roomy for a small car. True to Toyota for being "economical" on gas.

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  Honeymoon was over after 19500 miles - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By la_rav4 - January 15 - 7:43 am

  I got mine Dec. 2008 after long research and traveling for a deal. Got one (2Grands under invoice $). Cars great to go uphills and snow, MPG(25+ hwy after 1year) and fun to drive, big cargo space. Many features like luxury equals. As someone said, Road noise is terrible AND rolling on the road, just as a boat on the sea. Dash design and cup holder locationre stupid. i.e, you have to move the cup to push Emergency button or 4wheel lock button, audio power, & engine start button are all together with similar look so you have to be careful to push one of them, etc. Battery died w/o any reason. Been at the dealer 3 times this month. I lost one roof rail w/o using it(hwy? dealer?)

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  Conflicted. - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By VictorV. - January 15 - 7:40 am

  My first choice was a 2009 Ford F150, but could not make a deal. Bought my Tundra in Monterey, Ca and drove her home to Las Vegas, NV. I drove my truck through a multitude of highways, and this is what I learned. More power than I will ever need. Going up the grade past Baker, CA, the Tundra did not break a sweat. Drive was smooth and comfortable, but, pay attention here, there is bed bounce. Just on certain type of roads, not enough to get rid of the truck (my Dodge Ram had the same issue) but it might cause other drivers fits. Very quiet truck, cannot hear roadnoise. All in all, the best bang for the buck in its segment.

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  302K and Still Going - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By Jim - January 14 - 6:53 pm

  I purchased this car new in 1996. It was driven daily over the past 14 years. Only replaced brakes, and normal wear stuff. Just recently replaced transmission with one that had 145k miles. Just replaced both knock sensors to get the engine light off. It has been a great pleasure to drive. Just wondering if I can get it up to 400K miles. Due to the great experience Ive had with this vehicle, Ill probably buy another one when this one stops running.

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  2016 broke tacoma - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By broke tacoma - January 14 - 2:23 pm

  I picked up a new limited 12/31/15 drove it 62 miles and the check engine light came on took it to the dealer on 1/2/2016 and its still there 1/17/2016 .they are working with toyota to figure out the problem they cant seem to get the parts for repair. wish I had never bought the truck and would never buy one again

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  Happy with my choice - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Kenny G - January 14 - 12:13 pm

  I could not be happier with the new Corolla. I am pleasantly surprised with the XLE trim. Here is my summary: Overall feeling: it feels like a upscale sedan with all the bell and whistles while still getting over 30 MPG. Ride: the ride is very smooth. A lot less noisy than previous models. Steering is very sensitive, perhaps a bit too much. Interior: the car is a lot more spacious than previous models. This trim looks elegant. Other features: very nice Bluetooth system, voice activated dialing, dial by number. Very good sound and XM radio. Lots of storage space. Huge trunk. I feel like I am riding in a mini-Camry.

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  New old Tundra - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By fossilfinder66 - January 14 - 10:20 am

  Because it was such a beast to park, we traded our 2004 Tundra crew cab for a new Frontier but later missed the cushy Tundra ride. Several weeks ago we purchased a 2006 Access Cab with only 12,800 miles. It has the very comfortable captains chairs with the short console. What a pleasure to take a trip in this baby. I was leary of getting the V-6 but the 5 speed automatic is programmed to work very well with this engine. Every power option works as a Toyota is expected to work. Even the back seats are large enough for small adults or grandchildren. This is a "real truck" without the bulk of other full size brands or the bounce of the smaller trucks.

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  My first Toyota - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By SoCal - January 14 - 2:53 am

  I havent had this car for long but has a smooth ride and clean spacious interior. Im not the typical demographic age for this car almost 30 with 1 child. I wanted a large ,comfortable, and safe car for road trips around the coast, mountains, and deserts. So far I love my new Avalon in Blue Mirage.

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  Comfortable, Reliable and Bland - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By AZDave - January 14 - 1:16 am

  We purchased our Avalon with 13,300 miles on it in August 1996 and sold it in September 2007 at 94,000 miles. My wife wanted a mid-to-large size sedan; this car replaced a 1986 Mercedes 300E. It was not purchased as a "glamor car." We bought the base XL model and added alloy wheels and pinstriping to spruce it up a bit. For 9 of the 11 years we owned it we lived in Southern CA; the last two years weve been in Tucson, AZ. Total cost of maintenance (including 14 tires) was $5,200, about $40/month. Usage was about 80% around town and 20% on the highway. The 192 hp engine proves good (but not blazing) acceleration. Overall a good - but not great - car.

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  Rattles, Squeaks, Noises, Nonstop - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By halfpast6 - January 14 - 1:06 am

  This could have been a great car, but some issues keep it from even coming close. For one, this is the loudest car Ive ever owned. It rattles, creaks, and squeaks like no other. On a typical drive Ill hear rattles from the sunroof, dashboard, some random panels on the drivers side, and the cargo area. The brakes make a grinding noise every morning when I depress the pedal. Some of the noises are so loud it makes the driving experience miserable, especially for a 2011 model. If youre considering one of these, I highly suggest driving with the stereo off so you can hear for yourself. Ill likely never buy a Toyota again after this experience. Ive driven 15 year old cars quieter than this.