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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  Nice car overall. - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By wazu - May 7 - 10:00 am

  Great car except that I can never get fully comfortable in the drivers seat (even though it has electronic adjustments) and am always adjusting it. Also the V6 engine is not as smooth as I expected. Sometimes I can actually see the tachometer drop slightly and then come back up a gain without altering the pressure on the gas peddle. I also had one problem out of the showroom. A heard a "rattle" from under the hood at highway speeds. After bringing to the dealer twice (and a little pushing) they found that a bolt holding the power steering motor was "not torqued to specification" and tightened it up. The rattle is now gone.

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  Teeth rattling ride - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By pfw1 - May 7 - 7:51 am

  I bought the 2012 V6 4x4 sport a couple of months ago. I got the sport because of the lack of the tire on the tailgate. I guess I was not paying enough attention on the test drive. This is the most bouncy jouncy bumpy car I have ever driven. every tiny bump/crack in the pavement is transferred right to your kidneys. Im not sure if its because of the sport suspension or the 18" run flats. It is better on the freeway.The V6 is also a bit too powerful for this car, if such a thing can be possible. A tinny box like this should not be able to go so fast. the throttle is also super touchy which can be unpleasant if you are too heavy with your foot. The mileage is mediocre at 18 combined driving.

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  Tire Pressure - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Bob - May 7 - 7:30 am

  Sir/Maam: I already did a review-- "Why Look Elsewhere" on 1/27/06. Im even more impressed with the Avalon Limited now than I was at first. What Id like to tell current owners and prospective owners is: DO NOT go by the tire pressure on the info plate on the car. I have Michelin 215/55/17 tires and the car info plate calls for 32 lbs---checked with a Michelin dealer and he said that the "CORRECT" pressure should be 40 lbs in these low profile tires. Too low tire pressure causes premature wear. So, no matter what brand tires you have--check with a reputable tire dealer to ensure you have the correct tire pressure. I hope this helps. Bob

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  Its is the Best on the Road! Bar None! - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Rick - May 7 - 7:06 am

  Wow I cant believe Im doing this! I will explain! I was a line tech and did hold a ASE Master Cert. in auto repair. I not real fond of any GM product, Ford is pretty good but always had the best service from Mopars.Owned more of them than anything. Never gave Toyota much thought. Always eyed the 4Runner looked like a nice SUV. We did the Durango (Nice truck), then an 2002 Accord V-6 top line Coupe. Well lease was up and my wife wanted back in a 4x4 because of snow. Well Dodge decided to make the Durango larger and about as ugly as you could. Wife didnt like the Jeep much and they discontinued use of the straight 6 engine and reduced the tow rating to 3500 lbs. GM out of the question.

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  On my second one and going strong! - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Peter L - May 7 - 6:53 am

  I traded my 03 Sequoia SR5 for a fully loaded leftover 05 Limited. I loved the SR5, but wanted DVD, sunroof, leather. The ride is great, cargo room exceptional, comfort is awesome.

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  Very nice but.... - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Captainalan - May 6 - 10:13 pm

  My Toyota 2008 Avalon limited is an excellent car with a few exceptions. The front seat is tight for a larger driver and the center console makes it impossible to spread you right leg which is so important on long drives. The navigation system is poor at best. It is difficult to use and not as friendly as $300 add ons. The laser cruise control is wasted money as it is far too conservative for normal highway driving. I normally over ride it. My last concern is the low ground clearance. Already I had to reattach the front underbody protection from being ripped lose several times on parking "stops." I believe the clearance is only 5.3 inches which is really pretty low.

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  THE AMAZING MATRIX 2005 - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By 2005 Toyota Matrix - May 6 - 6:50 pm

  I formerly owned a Nissan Altima which was terrible on the road in the winter months. I saw the Toyota Matrix and I emailed the dealership and I went to test drive the Matrix. The minute I sat in the vehicle I loved it. The seats were very comfortable, the shift was right at your fingertips and I loved the aerodynamic build of the car. I took it out for a test ride it was wonderful. I remember it was snowing that day and it handled amazing. I went back to the dealership and I left with my new Matrix. The Matrix is excellent on gas mileage, easy to get into small parking places, and very convenient when you go shopping with the hatchback. I love my Toyota Matrix the heat is awesome!

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  MPG great - Suspension BAD - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By mrwrangler - May 6 - 11:36 am

  Typical toyota suspension whats up with these cars and trucks. Wanders all over the road on highway 17 in Awatukee AZ. Best engine, tranny combo, whips stock civics gear stronger.

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  Bad paint - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By lorav - May 6 - 6:06 am

  In April 2012 I bought a Toyota Rav 4 2011. It is July 3 2012 and already there is a penny size paint chip that came off the hood. The dealer will not even report it let alone have it fixed. There are lots of reports of bad paint being used on Rav4s for years. And Toyota ignores it.

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  Oil Burner - 2000 Toyota Corolla
  By Oil Burner - May 6 - 2:20 am

  This car has 220,000 miles on it and consumes tons of oil. Weekly it will "use" 2 qts. of oil. It doesnt leak, it doesnt smoke... so where does it go? I just refill it and go. This car is stout and handles very well except in the snow. 220,000 miles and it is still strong. I just have to buy stock in an oil distribution company. Nothing beats Toyota!