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:

• 

  Loved it enough to buy another Prius! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By britbug - July 15 - 4:52 pm

  I purchased a used 2005 Prius 2 years ago ($8500) with 81K miles. It now has 120K miles & I just traded it in (got $4,250 for the trade) for a 2010 Prius ($14,900). The hybrid battery was replaced by the last owner under warranty at 79K. The A/C compressor broke last year, the evaporator broke this year. I am just writing it off as a fluke though, & bought another Prius because I loved it so much & expect Toyota to only get better with this design. I could get 64mpg with fuel efficient tires & if I was trying, but averaged 50mpg with cheap tires and when I wasnt trying. I loved the luxury features in an affordable car & loved the hatchback style that I could fit anything in.

• 

  My Avalon - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Becky Crutchfield - July 15 - 7:13 am

  This is the worst car I have ever purchased in my life. I absolutely hate this car. It is so ugly. I thought the "supposed" reliability and refinement that Toyota "supposedly" delivers would shine through, but I was sorely disappointed. The Avalon is just an unrefined automobile that has serious styling issues, and reliability issues. I have replaced the water pump already after 3 months of ownership, and the dealership was very unfriendly towards my purchase. Ive even quit going to that dealership to have my car serviced. Toyota definetly hit a mud ball when they put this one out!!! I am trading it in for a new 300C or Five Hundred. I will never buy another Toyota.

• 

  200k Miles on Mine! - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By virginiagirl1 - July 15 - 2:14 am

  I bought this car new in 2002 and now have 200,000 miles on it, which to me is amazing. Ive owned a couple of Toyotas in the past (Celica, Corolla, Camry), but this one has lasted the longest. No problems except AC knob broke last year and cost $900 to repair/replace (had to remove dash to replace a knob? That doesnt make sense to me). I know its on borrowed time, so am looking to replace soon....Also own a 2008 HL limited, but I like this "original" better.

• 

  Beware the 4cyl - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Sorry I bought it - July 14 - 11:20 pm

  The 4cyl is a clumsy and unrefined engine that ruins an otherwise good car. Poor engine controls, driveablity, hesitates badly often and wants to stall when it is cold (warming up) leads to an unhappy driving experience. Have been back to the dealer several times and Im told the car is operating normally, and I should drive it "more aggressively". I bought the 4 to save gas, not beat on it. Combined hwy/cty or city only mpg is worse than my old, big 6 that I traded in. Hwy mpg is ok. Ive had other small issues that the dealer took care of.

• 

  Smooth Ride For An SUV - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Rick in Ohio - July 14 - 7:23 pm

  Very smooth with plenty of power to spare. Quieter than a Camry when accelerating.

• 

  What a car! - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By June - July 14 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Toyota, bought because of the reliability of the prior two. This car is a dream of comfort and luxury. Quiet, smooth, comfortable, beautiful. And of course, that famous and well deserved reputation for reliability. I waited years to get a car like this, and it was worth the wait.

• 

  even in winter - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By pediaforms - July 14 - 10:00 am

  We all know of the fun of driving a convertible in the summer, but heres a switch. This car is reliable, safe and fun to drive in the winter also. From bundling up your kid and having the top down to put the Christmas tree in the back seat for the ride home, to the abs, traction control and low center of gravity. This car holds the road in ice and snow better than my suv and pickup. This is from someone who lives in snowy New Hampshire.

• 

  Its a van - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By OUfan - July 14 - 10:00 am

  Bought this van several weeks ago for my wife. She has really enjoy it and has no regrets about buying Sienna. It thousands less than the Honda Odyssey that were extremely over priced.

• 

  2003 avalon - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By sgray - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I own a 1996 avalon also. I like my older car much better. The 2003 has blind spots. The dash is too busy,and the gas milage is better on the 1996 model.

• 

  SR5 - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By jamesbb - July 14 - 10:00 am

  The SR5 V6 version of this Toyota 4Runner is all you need. Excellent overall vehicle.