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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  Great Work Toyota! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Tyrone Bookman - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Im new to the 4 Runner but not to Toyota. This is my fourth and my best experience yet. When I test drove the V-8 Limited I was was sold. My dealership provided pricing that was very competetive accompanied with Quality service. Just took it up the coast.....loved it!!!!

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  Just What I Needed - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Paws Nursery - August 23 - 12:30 am

  This machine is more that just a rugged farm implement for which I bought it. It is also comfortable around town. Shifting is harder that in a front-driver, but once used to it I found it quite enjoyable. Engine has both low- and high-end so it doesnt matter the gear, itll accelerate with ease. The 4WD and TRD Off-Road package make it more suited than some Jeeps. It is very capable, has a huge bed, and is designed to last 300,000 miles. Oil filter on top of engine makes replacement easy.

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  the fuel and fun of a prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By nbird - August 21 - 11:13 am

  We got our prius the first of May. We had to travel over 200 miles to get it. So we decided to make a fishing trip of it also. We were surprised with going up alot of hills we averaged 49.9 miles. We have already put almost 2,000 miles on the car and we are getting 55 around town and highway. So buying this car has been the best ever for us. Oh we dont live in a flat area.

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  Awesome Car-Youll Love it! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Al - August 21 - 2:56 am

  We love our 2007 Camry. Its fun to drive, gets great gas mileage, and its a lot of car for the money. We test drove a 2006 Hyundai Sonata, a 2006 Honda Accord,& a 2006 Camry and this was by far our favorite. The ride is smooth and the features of the car are great! We love it! Check it out, I think youll be impressed with the redesigned 2007 Camry. It aint your grandmas Camry anymore! The 2007 Camry SE is so sporty and such a nice looking vehicle. It is realiable too!

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  Great car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Darrel - August 21 - 2:36 am

  Bought the car and was apprehensive about the gas electric, but the car is really fun to drive and very comfortable. I am going to buy a 2nd one next month. Lots of room for 4 big adults and am getting right at 48 mpg all around driving.

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  Venerable 4runner! - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By VPM - August 21 - 2:36 am

  I stumbled upon this car because I needed an SUV after moving to Chicago (very hasty purchase). We had just purchased a house, had a baby and my wife was not working. I drove Honda ( till it was stolen), and 5 german vehicles prior. This 4runner was 15 years old with 126000 miles and affordable ($4K out the door after trading in my Audi A4). I went straight to my mechanic and Replaced the Timing/drive belts, gasket, fuel filter, plugs, battery, and wires. I also poured sea foam into the gas tank and vacuum lines. I also replaced the rear front rotors, pads, rear drums and cable lines (a year later). All in all, $2500 in preventative/replacement maintenance work and $1000 on Dura-trac tires (5). It has been a very dependable, low maintenance vehicle. The only problem I have is an intermittently working digital clock (and If you have ever owned European vehicles, this is laughable or even "cute" problem...REALLY!) I had very little expectations of they vehicle and Toyota in general as I (honestly) snubbed the brand. This truck/runner has been a true winner and worthy vehicle. The 3rd generation build is simple, and ruggedly handsome per-se and I have truly come around to appreciate it greatly (just like Glocks!). I was so impressed that I purchased a 2011 Toyota Highlander for my wife, which we later traded for a Lexus GX 470 (we preferred the body-on-frame V8 - a superb vehicle based on the 03-08 4runner). Back to the subject. What makes this a superior vehicle is the simple design! It drives like it is new, no squeaks or rattles. I will not hesitate to drive this thing to the ends of the earth (literally because parts are readily available world-wide). The engine is amazing! It is not sluggish like the older 4runners/Land Cruiser 80, nor is it as peppy as its modern V6/8 counterparts but It is ample at best. The best thing about the engine is that it is a "non-interference engine" which means that if the TIMING BELT breaks, your engine will just STOP and NOT BE DAMAGED!! I really love this truck and have decided to have the frame sand blasted and undercoated to extend the service-life (whats the point of a 500,000 mile engine when the frame succumbs to rust right?) My mechanic and I have come to the conclusion that my only future repairs will be the bearings/bushings (whenever it goes), regular maintenance and wear replacements. As the blue book value drops, one be sure that this vehicle can command a higher value given the condition. I will most probably never let go of this gem and simply pass it down/on.

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  2005 Avaoln Limited - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Bart - August 20 - 10:53 am

  Our previous Avalons were 1997 XLS and 2000 XLS. Each newer model has been a little better handling and quieter, our 2005 Limited has much better performance and handling than previous, and the highway mileage is over 33 mpg. 2005 Limited has super features, auto dimming mirrors with turn indicators, ventilated front seats (nice in 100 degree AZ summers), great stereo, nav system, laser cruise, tilt/telescoping steering column, heat/air system performs great, auto leveling headlights, and is a very comfortable road and town car. It looks great too.

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  So Far So Good After 3 months - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By L. Howard - August 20 - 8:03 am

  Ive had my RAV4 now for 3 months. Overall getting 23.5 MPG consistent around my area, with little highway. Havent had a trip yet, but when mostly highway, some local, only getting 25 MPG, so a dissapointment. Understand V6 doing as well or better so i should have opted for it.Ordered body side molding, not sure why cars dropping this. Painted same color and actually improves appearance. Getting some hesitation when accelerating and twice felt like system wasnt getting fuel or stuck in a gear. Toyota says hesitation normal, but in 2 instances id say problem. Just giving my personal experiences so far.

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  2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Jule B Greene - August 20 - 2:30 am

  While I have owned this vehicle only a few days I have driven it over a 1000 miles both on the highway and in the city and I like it beeter than any auto Ive previously owned including several Mercedes!

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  Toyota Prius leaving others in the dust - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By prius51mpg - August 19 - 9:53 pm

  This is truly an amazing car. Getting 57mpg and just a fun car to drive. Considered the Insight and the Fusion and ended up going with the Prius and got $4500 for my clunker through the Cash for Clunkers program.