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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  2006 TRD Sport 4x2 DlbCab SB - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By texastacoma2006 - August 29 - 1:16 pm

  I love my Tacoma. It is excellent truck. I researched all mid-size trucks and test drove every model out there. I have owned 4 Toyota sedans, but was open minded to other manufactures. I narrowed it down to Nissan or Toyota, b/c Chevy, Ford, Dodge dont compare. Nissan Frontier was comparable, but didnt like the interior, or the sales tactics of the dealer. Toyota brought everything together in a nice package. I bought the TRD Sport 4x2 but wish I would have got the 4x4 since I off road a lot more than I thought I would, next time. The borla exhaust and high flow intake that came with the TRD package REALLy makes a big difference, +20hp, making it sound cool and haul balls.

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  Value Captures Performance - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Bob - August 29 - 11:10 am

  Have owned an 01 Avalon, 02 Camry, and 06 Avalon w/ highest regard for my purchases and vehicle performances. Purchased 07 Corolla 3 weeks ago. The Corolla fits into the same value and performance as those Toyos of previous. Clearly not a sports car. Clearly not the most vivacious exterior. Clearly not my 06 Avalon. However, this vehicle matches my travel needs extremely well. My auto tran is delivering 36 mpg with a quiet and smooth ride. I drive 700 miles per week for business, and this vehicle exceeds expectations for travel and value. I highly recommend the 07 Corolla to anyone in need of a driving machine that delivers and keeps you driving vs. in service shops.

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  98 Avalon is the greatest car! - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By steel magnolia - August 29 - 10:16 am

  90,000 of the 121,000 miles on my Avalon are highway and interstate miles, driving from Illinois to Tennessee to care for my ill father, and to SC to build a house. Also drove across the counry horizontally twice. Never a problem! This is a fabulous car--feels like it will go another 121,000 miles easily. The comfort has my Lexus owning friends envious. The AC is the best on any car and keeps a black car with black interios cold in August in South Carolina, with no tinting on the windows. All I do is take it to the dealership for each major service. Gets 32 mpg hwy.

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  I love it! - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Tim - August 29 - 8:23 am

  This vehicle is beyond wonderful. I highly recommend purchasing one before the 2007 hit the market. I look forward to using it for camping with the family!

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  Not as reliable as Toyotas should be - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By toyofan8 - August 29 - 6:12 am

  This SUV is nice and comfortable. A long time Toyota owner I was completely surprised by the constant issues. Rear window wiper motor, sunroof, NAV system had to be replaced. The lugs nuts are two piece shells and loose its cap each time you remove a lug nut. I forced the dealer to replace them at his cost every time he rotated the wheels. The tires cost about $1400 (poor choice and expensive) and regardless of the warranty they last only a mere 19K. The tire size is limited to two manufactures and thus the high price. Got stuck in snow and had to reverse the SUV to get out. Embarrassing to say the least for an SUV. Lastly, the traction control truly does not work, it slides everywhere.

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  My Sequoia - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Arvella - August 29 - 12:36 am

  My Sequoia is wonderful. I purchased it in April 2006 and it had 36,000 miles on it. I have had to pay only for oil changes. I rotate the tires every other oil change. I now have 83k miles and I have purchased a battery. I will purchase tires this winter for the first time. Gas is expensive. When you drive a V8 gas is expensive. You can not purchase a more reliable SUV. You get what you pay for. It rolls on the freeway like ice. It is smooth. If you like heavy vehicles this is the truck for you. Its very classy and stylish. I have five children and we ride very comfortable. So do all of your research when you are getting ready to purchase a SUV. You will be satisfied with a Sequoia.

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  Last Toyota Ill buy. - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Debbie E - August 28 - 9:40 pm

  The engine, ride and gas mileage is great. No problem. But the rest of the car is cheaply made. The paint on the bumper started to peel. Dealer had to replace the bumper. The hood has a ring where the paint is so thin it looks silver color. Dealer said they didnt see anything. I have been looking around at other Camrys in the parking lots and notice they have a lot of scratches from thin clear coat and everyone else has funky bumpers. Take a good look at some of them and see what you think. The blue tooth is crap and it cuts out. When I talked to the dealer they said it was my Verizon service and maybe the phone. I have purchased two different phones and it still does it. A big mistake getting it.

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  Red Bull - 2005 Toyota Celica
  By Michelle - August 28 - 9:20 pm

  I have had this car for 17 months, and its been the best 17 months of my life. I get the looks, the stares, and the whistles... too bad I have a fiance!! This car is super reliable, I can never use the excues that my car is broke down and cant make it to work! Doesnt matter if you truckin through the rain or have the sunroof back and heading to the beach. This is a fantastic car, but... if youre my dad you would disagree. He is about 62" 250lbs, and cant seem to master getting in and out of the vehicle!

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  Gas Mileage/Reliability - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By mark.k - August 28 - 7:50 pm

  My 2007 Prius Touring model with Navigation is excellent in two areas: gas mileage (EPA 44-48) and reliability. People should not expect it to drive like a sports car, to ride like a luxury car, or to perform like a high clearance 4WD SUV in winter conditions. However for what it was designed to be, it is a very good car. Just dont have unrealistic expectations and you will be very happy with a Prius. I have also owned an Avalon and two Camrys and they were very good cars.

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  Wonderful Road Trip Vehicle - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Gilbert Frey - August 28 - 4:02 pm

  Rides like a mid sized sedan. No blind-spots! Easy to get in and out. Outstanding tow vehicle for small camping trailer (Casita about 3000lbs). Finish holds up just great. Minimal maintenance so far. Put heavy duty struts on at 110000 miles. Heavy duty premium brakes and rotors at same mileage with serpentine belt and timing belt at same time. Flushed transmission and trans-axle at same mileage. Always used full synthetic oil. Wash monthly and as needed. Wax every 6 months. Vacuum weekly. Note we replaced the 2006 Highlander with a 2016 Highlander Limited Platinum in January 2016. Love it! Higher towing weight was primary reason for the change. GF