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 truck BUT... - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Baron - September 24 - 10:00 am

  I love my Sequoia. I think it is the best looking of the full size SUVs and I usually get 18-20 mpg which is good for an 8 seat SUV. However, I have not found my Toyota to be as well built as my Hondas. I am constantly replacing interior trim pieces that and have replaced all of my interior door handles. My overall maintenance bill his higher with this vehicle than with my Hondas too. It it is not an O2 sensor dying or a CV boot splitting it is my bushings for my rack and pinion steering or something else. This thing eats break pads like dessert. Nonetheless, I still like the truck but just have some $ set aside for maint.

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  Love my rav4 - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By palmettosweettea - September 24 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased a 2003 pre-owned RAV4 after owning a 4Runner Sport V8 for over 8 years. I loved my 4Runner and hated to sell it, but it was time to "downsize" to something smaller with better gas mileage. I couldnt be happier!! After one week, I still cant wait to drive it the next day. Its the perfect size for me and fun to drive. I love the large front windshield visibility, tight steering, and turning radius. I look forward to owning this RAV4 for a long long time!! Im a Toyota fan forever!

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  Econobox - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Johnny Boy - September 24 - 10:00 am

  For the price, I really cant complain. Have had some build quality issues, but they are all minor. It does make a lot of engine noise, and tire noise is also annoying at times- but then again, it is an econobox. I hope to get at least 200,000 miles on it before any major repairs have to be done. I sense that Toyota has slacked off on some of its products, but I think the Yaris is worth the buy.

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  Great Truck just getting broken in - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By jeff s - September 24 - 10:00 am

  This is a well built and good looking truck. I am a bit of a neat freak but i do still get comments 7 years later on how good this truck looks. The paint, body and style has held up really well. 2 minor recalls, it has never failed. I have the TRD off road, its a bit bumpy but thats what you pay for!

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  Love My Car! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By AuntieD - September 24 - 10:00 am

  Purchased our Yaris to use as a second car. What a spacious and fuel efficient car!

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  Ughhhh - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By akristakat1982 - September 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Corolla brand new and have had issues since the first month I had it. My tire pressure light goes off every time theres a slight change in temperature, even though the PSI is what its supposed to be. I was told by the service dept. that it was a faulty sensor, and they didnt know if it would be covered by warranty. Then there has been the recalls, which happens with any manufacturer. However, today I brought my car in for my 30k mi. service and they discovered my water pump was leaking (covered by warranty) and my drivetrain belt needed to be replaced. I bought a new car, and specifically a Toyota, to avoid having constant issues while I was paying on it.

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  4th Avalon - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By donb - September 24 - 10:00 am

  Just picked up a new Pearl White/Ivory Limited. Traded in my 2005 XLS on it. I like almost everything about the car. Did much cross shopping with LaCrosse, Genesis and ES350. All great cars. Was down to the ES and the Avy. I went with the Avy over the ES because I felt I got more value. The 4 yr warranty and great dealership experience was basically matched by the 25,000 mi 2 yr free maintenance. The past experiences of my 3 previous Avalons was the deciding factor. I am dead center in the target audience for the Avalon and I appreciate many of the features, like clarity of instruments and displays. The car is full of goodies I am still finding. Really enjoy the improvements from 2005.

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  Great Truck! - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Corey - September 24 - 10:00 am

  First off this is the best truck I have ever owned! tons of power, room and design. who ever doesnt like this truck is simply a huge MORON!

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  Great so far! - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By smokey10 - September 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought my RAV4 7 months ago and Ive never liked a car better than my new one. Ride is smooth enough and all these things I read on reviews about vibrating and stuff, never experienced it except when Im driving on rough roads and unpaved ones, quite expected I would think. My car is the limited model and the convenience of the features really fits me well. The only thing I dont like about my car is how much I paid for it. Gas mileage is very reasonable since Im primarily the only passenger plus my little dog, were so happy to go out of town occasionally on weekends with comfort. I agree its no escalade nor a Land Rover, but it certainly fits most responsible,low profile people like me

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  Interior Material is linty - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Billie Barrett - September 24 - 10:00 am

  I read where someone else wrote about the interior material having the lint problem. I am too and feel the fabric choice is very cheap feeling and should have been a higher quality. Unfortunately, I didnt notice it until I bought the car I am very disappointed in the gas mileage because Im only getting 28 when I thought I would get over 30 easy.