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 this SUV - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Frank - September 23 - 8:10 pm

  I just traded in my 2008 Highlander for this car and loved it the minute I sat in it. Toyota made a mistake making the 08 too big and bulky. The geometry of the earlier Highlander is perfect! Seat comfort, interior ergonomics, transmission, visibility, handling are all perfect. HVAC is not cool enough but this might be a repair issue. Other than that a perfect 10! Getting 21 MPG in mixed driving. Fine for me for a very responsive 6 Cylinder. I got the limited with leather for a great price. Plan to hold on to this car for many years.

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  New Avalon Â… 25,000 miles later - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Skip - September 23 - 4:53 pm

  Well 25,000 miles later, I still like the car. I dont love it, but very close. Its a huge step up from my 2008 Camry (which was a great car, just not comfortable enough on the long trips). Id like to see the finish get tougher in the newer models. My paint seems very easy to scratch. Stock tires are getting near replacement. Most folks who ride in the car... love it! I will have a trip coming up, where we will have 4 adults and well be putting on 3,000 - 4,000 in the 2 weeks vacation, and then folks can tell me what they think of the car. I WILL be looking to trade it at the end of the year, as I will have somewhere between 30,000 - 40,000 miles on it. 2010 Avalon, time will tell.

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  Impressed overall since purchased - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By mcarthur55 - September 23 - 2:13 pm

  Put most of the miles on it during the past 6 years (highway miles) driving 300 miles one way every 3-4 weeks. Since January 2010 have only put about 1200 miles on it. Comfortable for a tall person like me, and handles well. Economy was between 22-24 MPG, but got 26 a couple of times when my driving was below 60mph. Averaged 20 mpg around town. Height of truck bed low enough for carrying small loads and loading fertilizer, chicken feed, mulch in (50-60 pound bags). Selling it at 115,000 miles. Transmission went out at 78,900, but had purchased extended waranty, which covered replacement and rental car. Enjoyed truck, but cant carry new grand kids in it.

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  Not a bad truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Yonsson - September 23 - 8:23 am

  I bought the truck with 45,000 miles on it and currently have 65,000. So far it hasnt needed anything besides the routine PMs. I change the oil every 4,000 and flush the trans fluid every 20,000 because Im a freak about my drivetrain, I wrecked a lot of my GMs from hurting those. I havent had any problems with my rotors warping but my brakes are pretty spongy, lots of travel in the pedal. It can haul the equipment youll need unless you get crazy with it. Acceleration is not bad but it hauls on the high end. Fuel mileage is 13 to 16 mpg so you can pass the pump that often. Otherwise not a bad truck.

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  05 Highlander - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By TYT - September 23 - 6:33 am

  Just got ours. Very happy with the buying experience and the car. Drove both 2.4L and 3.3L. V6 definitely smoother. We dont have a use for the 3rd row (only child size) but might be useful for resale. Looked at Murano -- not as spacious, and X3 - overpriced for what you get for. 2nd hand market is also very good. A lot of demand not much supply.

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  Impressed - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Nate - September 22 - 7:20 pm

  Coming from a Dodge Grand Caravan the total package is so far ahead that it is amazing. The acceleration, handling, fuel economy and comfort put it ahead of it competitiors. The only thing lacking is some sort of second row in floor storage (handy for storing the kids stuff). With less than 1,000 miles on it we are getting 20-22 mpg in town (in cold Wisconsin Weather) and on our first roadtrip we got 25-26mpg while doing 75-80mph (vast improvements over our dodge). The only complaint is a rattle of some sort just started right above the driver side sliding door.

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  A truly American SUV - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By extoyota - September 22 - 2:56 pm

  My 6th 4runner since 1989 and my last. Toyota got its wish, they are now an American car company. Cheapest, poorest example of a 4Runner i have bought. compared to my previous 5 there is no comparison. Go by something else dont waste 40 grand like me

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  Transition - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Carol Lavoie - September 22 - 1:53 pm

  With my husband passing away I had to downsize from 2 vehicles to 1, a full- sized excursion van and a quad pick-up. I show dogs and did the research for interior size, safety and reliability as I am 57 years old and would be traveling by myself quite often. I also wanted a good looking vehicle.

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  Heavy Weight Sport Truck... Champ! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Rman - September 22 - 9:30 am

  Great truck,The gauges look great, very nice design.The controls are all in easy reach (except a couple of the radio buttons) steering wheel controls might be a good thought. Borla has headers and a true chambered exhaust coming out soon, some other companies are too and with underdrive pullies... oh yeah.Take a look under the hood, looks like big block hiemi type heads (similar). The 2 piece (1 alumium and 1 steel) is another nice design. This really is a great truck. Traded a 2005 Silverado LS Z71 and I like this truck a lot more. Last thing a skid plate is a 4x4 must.

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  Toyota quality? - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By seanski1 - September 22 - 8:44 am

  1. On fourth radio! Replaced under warranty, all. Radio would turn on, on its own, turn off on its own, wouldnt turn on at all and would not shut off when needed. Toyota radios can have issues. Talking with lady today who I shared shuttle bus home from Toyota (more on that down page) and she too experienced problematic stereo system in her Toyota. 2. Steering linkage boot torn underside of truck which apparently needed whole steering assembly be replaced not just boot cover. This also under warranty. 3.Reason for this report? Truck is an 09, with 57,000km on it and is now in shop for a new starter! No warranty left, $500 bill coming up!