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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  Odometer says 127,000 - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By PlainJoe - May 19 - 4:26 pm

  This is my ultra reliable work truck. I clocked 127,000 in less than 3 years. I only change oil, did not even get a tune up. Changed front brakes, rotors and a set of tires. Will change tires again soon. Hows that for reliability. In 2 more years, will change this truck with another Tacoma.

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  Realtors Ride - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By dottie macdonald - May 19 - 2:50 pm

  My second Highlander. No complaints from my clients on this car.

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  Great Car - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Joe - May 19 - 5:36 am

  I just bought this car and Im very satisfied with it. Im still in the process of breaking in the car, but its still a plesaure to drive it. Just feathering the gas makes the car accelerate quickly.

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  Powerful and fun to drive. - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Michael Green - May 18 - 11:13 pm

  Tacoma is great! Bought for weekend fun and family hauler. Leather seats are so comfortable. Best part is it fits in the garage.

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  Almost 10 in TN - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By tjpirtle - May 18 - 10:43 am

  I purchased the 2.4L 4 cyl. and Im very pleased with its performance. The gas mileage is great city/hwy 24mpg. Handling is solid & steady. Light roll when cornering. Road noise at 80 mph was good. The interior is very good. Im 62" and the room in front and rear is very good. Theres very little to complain with this vehicle.

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  Fun comfort - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Eric - May 18 - 10:12 am

  Strong vehicle.

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  Best car Ive owned - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By dennishawk - May 18 - 5:36 am

  Drives like a luxury car. Great highway mileage(37-42 mpg), less great in city(25-30 mpg).

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  Lovej - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By lovej - May 17 - 4:40 pm

  The Sienna has been a dependable and great family vehicle. Only problem I have had continuously is with the brake system. It seems either the front or rear brakes are CONSTANTLY squealing and I need to have them adjusted almost immediately after JUST having them adjusted. It is very frustrating. And the only response I get from Toyota is that "yes" this is a common complaint with the Sienna and then a description of how the brakes are made and why this keeps happening. Not happy about this at all. But, overall, has been a good purchase and we think it is a good value. Would like to have a bit more storage, but see Toyota now has it with the 2004/2005 models. Good job!

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  Happy so far - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Happy so far - May 17 - 2:36 am

  Purchased at 92k from original owner who had only needed routine maintenance. Aside from radiator (below), our only maintenance has been scheduled (including the 90k timing belt swap) and an ATF flush for good measure. OEM front rotors finally replaced at over 100k. After being bled to death by domestic vehicle repair costs (and that with doing lots of the work ourselves) this has been a wonderful change. Easy to maintain, well-thought-out engine layout, etc. Sure footed and nimble: great in upstate NY snow with dedicated snow radials, and a quiet, controlled ride with good quality all-seasons the rest of the year. Our local repair shop is experienced with Toyotas, a good source for advice.

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  2005 avalon limited - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By FTE - May 17 - 12:20 am

  Great car. Quiet, powerful and ++ mileage. I traded a lincoln town car. Im 67" and weigh 255. This may sound crazy, but the avalon is more comfortable!!! Be ready to study and I mean study the manual(s!) but the car is very intuitive.