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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  Great SUV - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By Sharon - December 29 - 10:40 am

  I love my 1998 Toyota 4-Runner, I always keep up with the regular maintenance as recommended by the dealership and have always had wonderful performance with this vehicle. I had a camry previously, and have great success with that vehicle as well. Toyota makes a wonderful product, I am now researching the 2006, 6 cylinder, RAV4, only to achieve better gas mileage.

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  2 years and running strong - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Laura E. - December 29 - 8:23 am

  I first wrote about my highlander from my first day of use. Now it is 2 years later and I love it even more! It handles icy and snowy conditions in Alaska like a dream. I can easily fit 15 bales of hay in it to haul for my horse. I can flip the seats and clean it out quickly, and my dog LOVES the back section with its own heater. I have just replaced the factory tires which wore out at about 48,000 miles. The air control box did break due to the severe cold we have experienced this winter (-30 degrees). But it was an easy fix by the dealer crew. Fuel economy remains strong as I am a careful driver. Road noise and a slipping mat in the third row are my only negatives.

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  Solara rules in AK - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By AK Rebel - December 28 - 11:06 pm

  Love driving this car 100+ miles per day to work and back. great improvement over my old toyota camry.

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  A very impressive vehicle - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Gary U - December 28 - 8:06 pm

  Just purchased my 2005 Avalon Limited mirage blue with ivory interior with DVD Nav, Laser cruise control pretty much loaded with most of the options and I am thrilled with the vehicle. I had currently owned a landrover discovery and mercedes and was considering getting a new mercede, Audi, Infinity, or Lexus. After looking and driving all of theses vehicles I kept comming back to the Avalon not only for the beauty of the car but also the price compared to these other vehicles I had considered. I think Toyota is the leader in quality and styling. Take the new Avalon for a ride and I think you will be impressed.

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  Toyota Tundra - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Mike - December 28 - 12:40 pm

  I have found that my two Tundras are great to drive and will hold a good resale price in the future.

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  Traded in 2004 LTD for 2015 XLE premium - 2015 Toyota Sienna
  By seeingsienna - December 28 - 10:55 am

  The old van had 154,000 + miles and served our family for over 10 years with safety, luxury and comfort. Despite that I am impressed with how the new model looks, drives and feels so much more solidly. The XLE Premium has most of the features we want and omits many that we had but never found useful. The current LTD does not warrant a nearly 10 K upcharge. I read extensively about vehicle reviews over many years and can say the Oddy and Sedona rate highly but for us the Sienna fits our needs. We sat in all 3 at the car show for comparison and several family members who own Siennas and Oddys. Both are excellent vehicles with smooth rides. Its a personal choice.

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  I love my Solara! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Lady in Pink - December 27 - 11:20 pm

  The car has a smooth ride. Lots of room inside, and the top goes up and down easily and smoothly. I had originally thought of buying an MR2 Spyder, but am glad I choose the Solara instead. Large trunk space as well for those weekend get aways. Handles well, and good gas mileage for the size of the car.

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  Super Mid-SUV - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Super SUV - December 27 - 9:50 pm

  WOW, the Highlander is an awesome vehicle: handles very well and very quiet. The drivers position and the dash layout are both done extremely well-everything is easily within reach, and the materials used feel "expensive-not cheap". In addition, the fit and finish is superb! The engine has a nice "growl" when pressed above 3000 rpm, and power is exceptional. Toyota has done a great job!

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  Hooked on Tacomas!!! - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Neil Stewart - December 26 - 11:21 pm

  Traded in our 2011 Tacoma in Sept/16 at Diehl in Butler, Pa.....we were thrilled with trade in value. These trucks are built to last for sure! Our first service needed on our 2011 was at 136,000 miles for parking lights! Unbelievable! We had added running boards, rain visors and bed cover...such a good looking truck! We sell antiques and travel to shows for buying and selling so we use a 16 ft enclosed trailer. The truck always performed well for us. Now we just bought a 2017 Tacoma...added all the above but havent decided on our bed cover yet. Love it already but still think our other (dark grey) was prettier than the new white one!

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  1999 4Runner Limited 4WD - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By runnerxa - December 26 - 5:50 pm

  Great vehicle if you like the outdoor lifestyle. I love driving with all the windows and sunroof open. Feels like a Jeep but without the noise and rides much better. The V6 engine is weak once you start to load up the vehicle. Although it does have great off the line torque. The ride is truck-like but I am happy with it. The reliability and build quality is quite good. As long as you keep a good maintenance, this vehicle will practically run forever. Lots of aftermarket upgrades for the vehicle. I end up adding a TRD supercharger, URD fuel mods, Doug Thorley header, TRD exhaust, IPT valve body upgrade, 32" A/T tires, Bilstein shocks, and offroad armor. Overall, it is a very capable vehicle.