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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  RAV4 Great! until water pump problem - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Alex - January 1 - 9:53 am

  The RAV4 is exceptional in handling and driving, I love it! CAUTION: One major downfall, I have to replace the water pump. Well in order to have the water pump replaced the engine has to be taken out, 14.5 hours of labor! The service guy quoted 14.5 hours labor! That totally crushed my opinion about the RAV4, its bad for the engineers/designer to place the water pump where the engine has to be removed to replace a simple device such as the water pump.

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  Avg 23 MPG - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By quantamanmi - December 31 - 1:20 am

  I keep looking for a more practical, better milage, more "green" vehicle that will handle my needs. I research every new suv, stationwagon, hatchback, etc. I cant find anything old or new to compete with the new style 4Runner. A vehicle for any "season or reason". This is the most balanced, smooth, performining V6 on the road. I have had 6 diff SUVs. This is near perfection.

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  2001 camry LE V6 Gallery Series - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Danny Dale - December 30 - 10:50 pm

  I purchased this car from a friend who wanted a 2008 model. It is in excellent shape in all areas. I also like the two tone paint and the other upgrades that went with the Gallery Series. It had 162000 miles on it, but looks like new. I did put new tires on and brake pads and new belts, only because I wanted to start off with them on it. It had been taken care of in all areas. Besides changing the oil on date of purchase, I had the radiator flushed. I only paid $5000.00 for it, and am extremely happy. I have 164000 on it now. My last car was a Cadillac Seville and it had 378000 miles when I gave it up. All my mileage is highway travel. I baby my cars to go as long as possible.

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  Early impression of the 2014 Avalon - 2014 Toyota Avalon
  By jackmack1 - December 30 - 9:46 pm

  I moved from a 08 ES 350 to the Avalon recently after deciding against the 14 ES350. In my eyes, the Avalon looks better from every angle and test driving it sold me. The cars comfortable, quiet, and has all the performance Ill ever need. I have Michelin tires, and while the ride is just a bit firmer than my old ES, Ive found it to be comfortable over a variety of different pavements. The secure responsive handling of this car more than offsets whatever small compromise in ride comfort was made. Again, early impressions, but I think its a winner. One thing: I was surprised at how much darker the window tint on all but the windshield is. Compromises visibility, but I do have The BSM.

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  Fun Passing Gas Stations - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Cat - December 30 - 7:46 pm

  We are only filling up at the pump half as often as we did before we owned our Prius. Its peppy, no problem pulling out in to traffic. Love the fold down seats in back for easy transport of larger items. The sporty style is alittle too close to the ground for longer legs. Always lots of compliments.

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  Best Car I have ever owned! - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By HawyNbenz - December 30 - 2:43 pm

  I typically get bored of a car after about six months to a year so Ive gone through a bunch of cars but I am loving this Avalon. It is a technological wonder and far exceeds even my demanding expectations. My other driver is a BMW and I sold my Lexus LS430 to get the Avalon and have not been disappointed. It is simply amazing, especially in Limted trim. Smart key and ventilated seats are wonderful. Stereo is a 9 out of 10, not as good as the one in my Bimmer. Extremely quiet and the ride is as good, if not better, than my LS430. I love the luxury features and the fact that it comes in a low-key Toyota package. My Lexus was a bit over the top (though a thoroughly excellent vehicle).

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  Love It! - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By Pat - December 30 - 2:20 pm

  Have never had to do anything to this car except change the oil and tires--even the breaks are original at 88,000+ miles. It is comfortable, the mileage is great (and I drive hilly roads daily).

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  Never thought Id love an SUV! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Withbellson - December 30 - 9:00 am

  I bought this car to replace my 97 Honda Civic. I have owned Toyotas in the past and I have always loved them. However, I was not prepared to fall in love with this car before I had even driven off the dealers lot for the test drive! Some have mentioned it being underpowered, but I dont find the manual shift to be underpowered at all. It is a little noisy in the cabin, but this is an SUV, not a Lexus sedan.

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  Enjoying then new ride! - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Dan Sterrenberg - December 29 - 11:30 pm

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  Great Truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Dick - December 29 - 10:10 am

  I purchased the 2005 Tundra Double Cab SR5 Truck with the TRD Off- Road package and it has performed as well as I had expected. I read reviews before buying the Tundra and most reviews suggested the TRD Package. I am glad to report that the Truck performs well, rides excellant and gets decent gas mileage. At first I was averaging 17-18 mpg. Now after 10 months I am averaging 19-20 mpg. Thats short trips as well as longer trips combined. The truck is comfortable with the captains chairs. The JBL system is great. The rear seats work great for passengers as well as carrying lots of groceries, etc. I pull a 19 ft travel trailer weighing 4500 lbs and get 12-13 mpg and have plenty of power.