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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  Excellent - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By fcarre2 - February 28 - 12:04 pm

  Previous Odyssey owner but needed AWD. The difference between the Honda and Toyo products are a wash...+ and - to both...hard to believe people make out the difference to be greater than it is. Owned an Escalade ESV before the switch to minivans and cant believe I even thought the Caddy was a great family car. My wife came around to minivans following the Escalade debacle and never looked back...she is very happy. Minivans are incredibly flexible and easy to live with especially when it comes to parking (good luck parking Escalade in tight spots). Better performance in mtn driving than expected secondary to a well balanced suspension. 6 tall and seats are great

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  Reliable, but... - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Abbood - February 28 - 10:06 am

  This is a very reliable car; I didnt face any of the common problems I used to have with my previous Audi (window hanging, lamp fuse down, etc.). However, it is suitable for older people and a 29 year old like me will get bored of it fairly quickly. I have had this car for a year and I have already started looking.

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  Worth the extra $$$$ - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By rl4673 - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I went from a Grand Cherokee to a BMW 3 Series and then to the 02 4Runner Sport Edition. I had an 88 4Runner with the removable top.. (super cool truck) and now I am back to Toyota again. I test drove every SUV out there and while it may not be the best bargain up front, I am sure it will pay off in the long run. Check the prices on used 4Runners. Theyre almost as much used as they are new! I have yet to regret making this purchase. I bet you wont be either!

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  Great Car! - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By Chrissie - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 1997 Corolla when I turned 16, as a first car. Ive put that car through a lot of abuse (rare oil changes, squealing tires, etc.) and Ive never had a bad problem with it. Its held up beautifully. I was even rear-ended by a brand new Cadillac, and the Cadillac was totaled, and my Corolla had a slight scratch on the rear bumper...it was amazing. While its not the most fancy car, its certainly the most reliable, well built, and all around practical car. I highly reccomend the Corolla, especially as a first car, because it holds up so well, and needs little to no matinence.

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  Great but could use some improvements - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By Doug Seal - February 28 - 10:00 am

  My wife drove a 4WD 97 4Runner Lmtd up until we sold it and bought this Seq. After alot of shopping, we settled on the Desert SR5 with lthr, wd grain, rear splr and the stl whl pkg. I then traded the stl wheels for some nice rims. Total,I have $35.5k into the vehicle. However, I have two issues that Id like to share. First, fuel economy is 12-13mpg in the city and hwy which I think should be better. Second, just had to replace the front brakes at 21k miles which the dealer is saying will be normal. The 4runner I had 78k on the original set with the same driver/conditions. Therefore, I think Toyota has put too small of brakes on this one.

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  I loved my little Corolla! - 2000 Toyota Corolla
  By Claybirdie - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I had my little Corolla for almost 3 years. It was the first car I ever bought and I loved it. It was very reliable and got great mileage. There was a lot of space for such a small car. It handled pretty well and came with a lot of little conveniences which really helped. I drove that car everywhere and never worried about it. It wasnt fancy but it sure got the job done! I just traded it in last week for a Celica (which I am loving too!).

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  Good everyday Car! - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By JB507 - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive in a stick.. really zips around! Quick, reliable, good on gas .. Bumpy, noisy, small .. but youre not buying a Lexus. Its a little expensive for its size, but your paying for the Toyota name (and assumed quality). Its scary to think that for not alot more money, a Camery isnt to far away. Brakes have gotten progressivly more spongey as Ive driven it (28k as of now) .. Oh yeah .. I got rear ended twice (once pretty hard) .. zero damage except scrapes. If you change your own oil, the filter is hard to get at and messy to remove.

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  Yes Sir, I Like It! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By fldnyc - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I love the versatility of the car. I really like its looks, and theres plenty of room. For the money, what a great car.

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  I love my Toyota Rav4!!! - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By elefante - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Have only had the Rav for a month now but we LOVE it after a Dodge Caravan. Much better handling and reliability. Smooth handling. Sure-footed on slippery roads. Nice mileage. Lots of room. Love the adjustable front drivers seat. Acceleration on highway might seem slow for a few seconds but suddenly youre there and going at top speed.

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  Tough Little Vehicle - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Tulip - February 28 - 4:40 am

  This is one tough little vehicle. It got us to our destination thru Hurricane Rita with peace of mind (we are talking about 24+ hours driving time). Thats with 6 animals and 2 kids and myself in tow. Its reliable, comfortable and efficient. My only complaint is that it doesnt have a rear air conditioning unit for the riders in the back seats and the cup-holders in the front are kind of lame. Other than that, I love it!