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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  Dont be seduced by mpg - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Becky Pappas - August 14 - 8:39 pm

  I fell for the Toyoto. Problem #1) Attempting to slow down from 65 to 70 mph on highway. In fine, dry road conditions the flimsy car looses its navigation and wobbles erratic as if airborne. Sure, I loved the zip, the style, the savings, the adorable play car compartments and streamlined accessibility. Problem#2) Spins while braking in rain and feels as if a wind is enough to pick it up and deliver it to Munchkinland where it belongs. Problem # 3) There is no wsy to afjust thr seatbelt and it strangles across mt neck rather than shoulder. This car is great on gas, but totally make believe for any true road hazards. The dealership saw dollar signs and I feel stunned.

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  Love the looks, but not the quality - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Linda(*65 - August 14 - 5:23 pm

  I owned a 1998 4Runner and finally couldnt deal with the gas mileage anymore, so I traded it in for a top of the line XLE 4 cylinder. I LOVE the looks of this car, however, the quality is terrible compared to my 4Runner. TOO MANY squeaks, rattles and noises from everywhere in the car. I have also had transmission problems, but they have been fixed.

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  Once you drive it youll buy it - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Gery B. - August 14 - 4:55 pm

  Dont trade in if you can sell to a private party. Find an enet sales person who wants to make a sale, and not at $450 or 750 below MSR-deal and be ready to walk away if their feet are in concrete. Search the whole state for your car, it could likely be to your interest and let them know if the price is right youd make the trip. Test drive before you start seriously looking. Be ready for the finical officer hes got a ton of service and extended contracts and remember you have an option under Toyotas warranty and road service to buy any other extended contracts before theirs end.

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  Give this an extended test drive before buying! - 2014 Toyota Avalon
  By Arslan T - August 14 - 12:28 pm

  I drive about 26k miles a year and about 80 miles a day here in Houston and was looking for a used road warrior. My biggest factor in purchasing our 3rd car here is road comfort (to avoid road fatigue) and efficiency/mpg. I have two friends that have the older Avalon models and rave about its comfort and ride, and currently having an ES 350 and seeing its reliability and comfort, the new Avalon was an obvious choice for me. We had the opportunity to purchase a 2015 Avalon XLE but the week that I was to purchase the car I had an opportunity to rent the same car. 200-300 miles later and I am absolutely set on never buying this current Avalon! The exterior has great looks and the interior took a bit to get use to. As others have reviewed, the ride is firm on the highway to the extent that you will feel most bumps, causing road fatigue much earlier (about 25 mins for me). Secondly the seat does not have adequate lumbar support, making the ride much worse. Please do test drive the car before buying this as Toyota has changed the Avalon to make it appeal to younger buyers. As a 30 year old, I really should care about the fun to drive factor - which is def there! - but I just cant get over how uncomfortable the ride is on the highway. Test drove an Accord and a Camry today as well and surprisingly even the camry - which was my last resort car! - even has a better ride in terms of comfort than the avalon

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  Very satisfied - 2009 Toyota Sienna
  By lax315 - August 14 - 11:20 am

  From the moment my wife and I drove the new van we were completely hooked... it drives really smooth and effortlessly. I am really surprised and happy at how well the dealership has been since we purchased the vehicle and could not be more satisfied with the sales staff. We have five children and the vehicle is very durable and spacious for the kids, and the rear compartment is extremely valuable with all of its room for storage. The dvd and sound system is amazing, love the comfortable seats and leg room in the interior. The van controls are really easy and my wife became very comfortable with them quite quickly. Overall this van is a solid 9.5 out of 10. Would recommend van to anybody.

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  Best car I have owned yet! - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Me me me me me me - August 14 - 10:00 am

  No real unexpected problems with this car. Just mostly the basics, oil, timing belt, tires, struts, coolant and an issue with the power windows, both on the drivers side, front and back. But, remember this car was seven years old when these problems came about. Not bad.

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  yota - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By yeoleyota - August 14 - 10:00 am

  This car aint half bad. I mean if you squint at it, it could look like a couple other cars, its cousin, Lexus LS 400, or an older benz E class. Its got heart when you need to pass up folks on the highway. Ive had the seats pulled all the way to the back and I was still able to sit in the back seat with no problems and had room to spare. The trunk is roomy also. Now for the bad stuff.....struts. I sound like an old bus going over heavy bumps. Now the car isnt bouncing, but Im sure it will be soon. The alternator gave out and the calipers in the back click. Yeah, the car is a little boring to look at, but its nice on insurance, cause no one really wants to steal it.

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  excellent ride - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By rwahm - August 14 - 10:00 am

  The car hands well and is fun to drive. It is well built and finished. Hell it is a Toyota in every sense and actually not bad looking either.

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  Amazing - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By momof3boys - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Sequoias right off the delivery truck. it had .02 miles on it when i got behind the wheel. I love it. I must admit, however, that I have had some big trouble with it. At 12,000 miles the brakes needed to be replaced and the compressor for the a/c quit. Again at 19,000 the brakes were bad. The service writer told me that this was a design flaw, and replaced my brakes with Land Cruiser brakes. They tell me that the sequopia was jsut to heavy for the original braking equipment. All issues have been adressed and I couldnt be happier. Heck, I get 14.8 MPG around town!!!

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  4 TOYOTAS & NOW A SUV & I LOVE IT!!!!!! - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By LLLESKO - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Toyotas have been my safety net, they are safe and that is why I buy them. Ask your insurance company. My father started me out in the family Toyota in 1971. Enjoy LLL