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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  Love these things! - 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Happy - June 24 - 3:53 am

  Did the research in 2002, bought a 1998 TLC with 54,000 miles on it from a dealer that picked it up off auction as a lease return. This is one fantastic vehicle. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts in this case. The engine is not powerful by todays standards, but quite adequate. The cabin space is not enormous, but very comfortable. It will go anywhere, out climb the Hummers, leave the jeeps in the gullies, etc. Handles snow and ice like a dream, even on 13% grades in the mountains. Locking differentials are a great option. Maintenance cost in minimal; I put a starter in at about 100,000 miles. Like it so much I bought a 2nd one in 2006. Keeping this one too, though.

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  Side Door Handle - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By lushbutterfly - June 24 - 12:50 am

  Bought this new--its been great with regular maintenance. Replaced the battery twice, were on 125K now. The side rear door handle on the outside broke off in my hand. $100/part alone. The inside rear door handle has stuck for about 10 of the 11 years--never worked, gets stuck in and then you cant close the door without prying it loose. The only drawbacks are the one side door and the lifting of seats in/out of the van. The newer ones seem a lot better designed. Overall, we love this van and well keep driving it till it dies...

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  Best pick up of 11 I have owend - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By a9mmauto - June 23 - 9:06 pm

  This is a solid fun, and well built truck. I do some light towing, 3200 lbs no problem. I think this version is the best looking Toyota ever built. Off road amazing!

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  Impressed - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By happy mom - June 23 - 11:56 am

  We were loyal gm buyers until we became tired of paying the repair bills. We decided to go for it and bought our 4Runner. I love it! It is so quiet on the road and is fun to drive, I am 510" and find it so comfortable. We have two boys that are still in booster and car seats and there is plenty of room. I am impressed by the gas mileage. I thought that it would be poor but it is better than my smaller GM suv. I could go on and on, I am glad we bought it!

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  Super nice ride! - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By jph3006 - June 23 - 2:18 am

  After 600 miles, we are very happy with this Camry XLE, 2.5L 4 cylinder. This was our first Toyota, previously we had Hondas. We compared the Accord and Sonata and found them to be noisier and a little harder ride though both are more sporty. We specified cloths seats, and not leather, due to the hot Florida climate. We have the Convenience package, floor mats, and rear spoiler. The car is very quiet at highway speeds and the 4 cylinder engine has more than ample power.We are averaging 26 MPG city. The standard stereo sounds really nice within this quiet interior. We like the numerous chrome accents and with the spoiler, looks cool! This is a lot of car for the money, we recommend it!

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  Good car - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Ali - June 22 - 12:20 am

  I bought 4Runner as an interim vehicle because I could not decide and I will keep this car. It is well made, drives like a dream and has room for everything. Toyota considered every detail.

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  Wonderful - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By Witalis - June 21 - 12:16 pm

  I just bought this car when it was standing in a lot for 2 years according to the owner. I dont know why he didnt use it. I bought it with 197K miles on it. It runs smooth, has power, is very comfy and all the electronics work. The radio was replaced a few years ago. The only things I have to fix are a flex pipe and the inner tie rod end, due to wear. Amazing that these are the only things that need replacing. Great mileage I filled up once for $20 on premium and the needle moved a little with the 40 miles I made so far.

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  Avalon Limited - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By pftaylor - June 21 - 12:10 pm

  The Avalon Limited is the best kept secret Toyota has. It is truly deserving of its flagship position. Lexus quality abounds everywhere except with the medallion.

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  The Australian Model - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Justine - June 21 - 10:30 am

  I live in Melbourne Australia and thus own the Australian built V6 3.0 Altise Limited Edition which is the US XLE V6 version. This car drives like a baby and it has done only 45,000k (28,000 miles). I have no complaints apart from the knobs on the dash which makes it look rather cheap. The noise insulation is absolutely excellent! (not that it makes any noise of its own) Why cant Ford, GM and the rest build cars like this?

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  Quality is going down - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Mike - June 21 - 4:10 am

  Ater owning it for less than 2 years, I have had so many problems with my 05 Corolla. I drive it under very normal conditions, no abuse or anything close to it, did all scheduled maintenance. Here are the problems so far: (1). In 6 months, the left mud guard fell off. (2). In 18 months, the fual pump broke, left me in the middle of nowhere on the interstate, after the car was towed and fixed, (3) service light went on about 6 hours after I got my car back from the dealer, another thing broke, and it is back to the dealership. In conclusion, this Corolla is awful!!!