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:

• 

  Toyota Quality - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Roger Chagnon - June 22 - 4:10 am

  The Toyota Highlander has the highest level of quality, reliability and fit/finish of any vehicle that I have ever owned bar none. The only downside is the EPA estimated mileage. We are getting 28-29 MPG combined. That is not bad considering that the non-hybrid model that our friend owns averages about 16 MPG combined. Absolutely nothing has gone wrong with this vehicle including the GPS system.

• 

  Sooo much better than Honda Oddy! - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By Katrina - June 22 - 1:06 am

  I bought the Sienna in June of 08. The Sienna is quiet, has a smooth ride and is very comfortable!!! The 8th seat is a must!! I am thrilled with my purchase! With 30k miles so far I have had no problems

• 

  is newer better ? - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By john flanagan - June 22 - 12:13 am

  Avalon was past ready for an update. Changing the platform from the LS 430 to the new GS 300 however was a radical departure some wont like. Improved handling with somewhat less comfort and the feel of less room is one trade you make. Mileage is down, to be expected w/ a 280 hp engine. Build quality is superb! The new display system is awkward and cumbersome, replacing the digital broad spectrum info always available on the old car . I bought the Limited. Smarter folks than I will either opt for the XLS or blow the extra bucks for the Lexus and take the higher resale when the time comes . A great new Toyota, but is it really a new Avalon ?

• 

  Love it - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Matthew Thomas Brodsack - June 21 - 6:25 pm

  Ive had 2 camrys, a 99 and a 97. both are extremely reliable but ive had a couple of quirks with mine. i dont know if anyone else has had the problem. The starter wouldnt engage on either one from time to time, quick fix just tighten the cables on the starter. The other is the flex exhaust coming right of the headers burns out. Both of the issues happened to both of them. cheap quick fixes. Looking for a new one because the previous owner left my 97 sitting for over 2 years and it rotted the seals (would happen to any car) and i seem to pouring money to fixing seals here and there. My cars are just bad luck though, these have a record of going 300,000+ and i just wish my car was maintan

• 

  Excellent and fun - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Don - June 21 - 4:56 pm

  Just drove our new Limited Avalon home from an 1000 mile trip and think its one of the best cars Ive ever owned. Just got out of an Audi A6 which was an excellent car but the Avy beats it in almost every respect. The nav system is as good if not better than my old Garmin or the Audi built-in unit and can be set for fastest, direct or other routes which may be an operator issue with previous reviews. Lateral support is not as good as the Audi but that seat was unique among automakers so its not a fair comparison. Seat adjustments are almost infinite making it hard not to find a comfortable setting and the lumbar support and vented seats are a real plus on long drives - during which we got 34 mpg.

• 

  Great Car Coming From An SUV Owner - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Sparky - June 21 - 1:00 pm

  This car runs great and in some ways has more power than my Nissan Xterra did. I am currently getting around 48 mpg and love passing those gas stations! I first thought my gas gage was broken because I had driven 170 miles and my fuel gage was still on full! The fuel gage does drop faster one you get to 200 miles but currently I am over 300 miles at a half a tank. I expect to get 500 miles between fill ups. I wish the trunk was bigger because I have to drop down one seat to put my golf clubs in. The auto climate control is great! Living in a cold climate (lots of snow) I can see the interior getting dirty fast. Overall it is a great car. I am converted from being an SUV owner.

• 

  Still happy - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Bt Jansen - June 21 - 12:46 pm

  Been driving our XLS for about 4 years now. Still very happy. Had an ignition issue where they had to replace the collar. Might have been from AZ heat. Replaced tires at about 55K. In hindsight, would have spent more as you get what you pay for in ride. Cheaper tires not as smooth as stock Michelins. Car is great for long trips. Plenty of power and Lexus like feel to car.

• 

  Disappointing Comfort - 2013 Toyota Avalon
  By larbaker - June 21 - 10:48 am

  Although this is a great car, it comes up short on one item I think most Avalon Limited buyers want and that is COMFORT. I know they are trying to reach the younger set and apparently have done so from sales figures, I believe they went too far on ride/comfort. We purchased our Avalon Feb 2013 and just had it in for 15,000 mile service. We take a 400 mile trip about once a month. On the first trip in Feb 13 I noticed at the 100 mile mark that I couldnt get comfortable in the seats - felt hard. I didnt say anything, but the next month my wife(its her car) said these seats arent comfortable. She said the other day I want a new car - one that has comfortable seats and softer tires.

• 

  Toyota Hybrid is a Winner - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By homertcornish1 - June 21 - 9:16 am

  After 4 years of driving I have found the 2003 Toyota Prius an excellent auto in every category except for comfort. The newer models are 5 inches longer which should improve the comfort. My average highway mileage is over 50 mpg regardless of speed. In town mileage is closer to 45 (Toyota claims you get better mileage in town but its not true). It has plenty of power to go up mountains and can keep up with the best of cars and trucks on the Interstate. I have had only one minor glitch during the 4 years of my ownership and that was a minor computer that was replaced free by Toyota. Maintenance has been comparable to a regular gasoline car, except for the $700 cost of the 60,000 maintenance.

• 

  Worst Van Ever - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By W - June 21 - 5:43 am

  Our Sienna XLE developed an oil sludge problem despite oil changes every 3200 miles. The oil changes werent made at the dealership, however, so Toyota initially denied warranty. Toyota also denied sludge problem with their engines. We spent thousands in repairs. Fortunately, an honest repairman at another dealership saw to it that we were comped a rebuilt engine. It also was a lemon, and the rebuilt one was replaced by the initial dealership. Nissan gave us $8700 on trade in, and we LOVE our Nissan. After 5 Toyotas and Lexus ... never again.